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 key player has a carefully concealed agenda to deceive but craftily proposes a mutually beneficial one to the victim. The attraction for them is the ridiculous prize the game promises. Despite the red lights, the victim can’t pass it up. They call it 419 [pronounced, four-one-nine]. However, it is an ancient game that dates back 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 at 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). A group of people have picked it up, dusted it, and named it after the beautiful promise of God in Philippians 4:19. What a shame!

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

You know the story—how the Gibeonites blew dust into the eyes of General Joshua. Blinded by their clever ruse, the seasoned general of the Almighty God forgot to consult the Commander of the Lord’s army and signed a treaty that violated his marching orders (Josh. 9:1-17). It was 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, the old clothes they wore, and the dry and moldy bread were all hoaxes. The Gibeonites choreographed everything to deceive and save themselves from the Israelite invasion and demolition.

You may have been a victim of deception before, and the pain you endured when the truth revealed your naivety remains a fresh wound that cries out for healing.

I pray for the healing touch of the Savior to revive your spirit this morning.

May the Holy Spirit enable you to forgive yourself and give you spiritual sensitivity to order your steps as you prayerfully consider similar proposals in the future.

Therefore, reflect on 1 Timothy 6:6-10 to enlighten your vision, and thank the Lord for what He has given you.

Shalom