Joshua 9:5 

New International Version (NIV)

They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy.

For Meditation

It has become a game people play on their unsuspecting victims. The main player has a carefully concealed agenda to deceive, but craftily proposes a mutually beneficial game to the victim. The attraction for them is the ridiculous prize the game promises. Despite the numerous red lights, the victim can’t pass it up. A people from one African nation has gained notoriety for the game. They call it 419, and they are reputed to have invented it. However, it’s an ancient game that dates to Eden, where greed and covetousness victimized Adam and Eve (Gen. 3).

There is a variant of the game in which the victim is neither greedy, nor selfish. They’re usually naïve and undiscerning. Father Abraham played it twice in Egypt and Gerar (Gen. 12:11-17; 20:1-2). Isaac tried his hand on it once after his father (26:7-10). Jacob perfected it, but met his match in his uncle, miles away from home (27:1-29; 29:14b-30). This group of Africans just picked it up, dusted it, changed the game plan, and gave it a name after a beautiful promise of God (Phil. 4:19). What a shame!

But, beware! For, their victims include renowned intellectuals and people of great business prowess. It’s mind boggling. As I reflected on Joshua chapter nine today, I couldn’t help shouting, “419!”

Consider the story of Joshua and the Gibeonites (Josh. 9:1-17). It’s a classic game of deception and finesse in play-acting. The delegation with donkeys loaded with worn-out sacks and the old cracked and mended wineskins, the worn and patched sandals and old clothes they wore, and the dry and moldy bread were all a hoax. Everything was choreographed expertly to deceive and save themselves from the Israelite invasion and demolition.

 “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us,” they said to Joshua.

“But perhaps you live near us …Who are you and where do you come from?”

“Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God …“We are your servants; make a treaty with us”’ (9-11).

The Israelites sampled their provisions and made a treaty with them without consulting the Lord. Three days later, they discovered that the Gibeonites were their neighbors (14-16).

1. Have you been a victim of deception before?
2. Can you recall the pain you endured when the truth revealed your naivety?
3. What blinded or numbed your spiritual sensitivity?
4. Did you set aside all emotions and probed the juicy promises before considering it?
5. Did you talk to God about it?

I pray that the sad commentary on the careless attitude of Joshua and the Israelites do not become yours in matters like this.

Rather, may you be known for your inquiring eyes and spiritual sensitivity when they challenge you to any game of deception; and may you never become a victim to their deception.

For every juicy proposal people bring to your table, be careful and prayerfully consider it. It may not be what you think it is.

Shalom