Thus have we considered the subject with a view to moral instruction, particularly in reference to the evil of falsehood, and the importance of seeking direction from God, and the indispensable necessity of fulfilling our engagements. We shall now consider it with a view to, II. Religious improvement —
s Ps. xv. 4. h The text, with ver. 20.
It is thought by most commentators that the league made with Gibeon was typical of the admis- sion of the Gentiles into the Christian Church : but without insisting upon that, we may justly deduce from it the following instructions :
1. That we ought without delay to seek the sal- vation of our souls —
[The Gibeonites did not wait till Joshua had invested their cities, but, whilst he was yet at a distance, sent to desire condi- tions of peace. They believed that God had given the whole land to Israel, and had ordered them to slay all the inhabitants, and that it was impossible to oppose them with success. They knew also that there was abundant evidence of God's power to execute all that his wisdom had decreed1. Therefore they lost no time in seeking to arrest the hand of vengeance, and to ob- tain life on any terms. Did they then act thus for the life of their bodies, and shall not we for the life of our souls ? Have not we as clear evidence of God's determination to destroy all the ungodly, as they had of the gift of Canaan to Israel ? and are not the judgments inflicted on the rebel angels, on the old world, on the cities of the plain, and on the Jews themselves at this hour, as clear proofs of God's determination to fulfil his word ? I say then, Learn of these heathens : learn to come to Jesus ere it be too late. Stay not till you are besieged by sickness and death ; but now, whilst the enemy appears distant, seek a covenant of peace and life. You need not cover your design with falsehoods, but rather declare the whole truth : and come at first, as they did after their imposture was detected; " Behold, we are in thine hand : as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, dok."]
2. That no man shall seek for mercy in vain —
[The Gibeonites, though they obtained mercy by fraud, were spared from a respect for the honour of the God of Israel. Notwithstanding Joshua had been commanded to extirpate all, yet were they spared, when once he had inadvertently passed Ins word in their favour. And shall not we be spared if we apply to the true Joshua? The Lord Jesus to whom we apply " came into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." So far therefore is mercy from being contrary to the ends of his mission, it is the very end for which he came, that he might " seek and save that which was lost." Nay more, he came not only to spare us, but to bring us into covenant with himself, that we might be num- bered amongst his own peculiar people. Hear his own word,
i ver. 24. k ver. 25.
252.] Joshua's league with gibeon. 591
addressed to every one of us in his name by the Prophet Isaiah ; " Incline your ear, and come unto me : hear, and your soul shall live : and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David1." If you are inclined to doubt whether " he will take the children's bread, and cast it to such a dog as you ; " learn from the Canaanitish woman, that your unworthiness shall be no bar to your admission to his favour : only, like her, believe in Jesus; and, like her, you shall assuredly find acceptance with him. Moreover, if Jesus once admit you into covenant with himself, not all the uni- verse shall ever prevail upon him to violate his engagements with you. If at any time he appear to frown upon you, you may take his covenant, and plead it with him at the throne of grace; "Do not abhor us for thy name sake; do not disgrace the throne of thy glory ; remember, break not thy covenant with usm." What astonishing pleas are here ! And shall they be used in vain ? Had Joshua such respect for the honour of God, that he would not violate his inadvertent covenant, and shall not Jesus fulfil the covenant which he has ratified with his own blood? Surely none ever did, or ever shall, make application to him for mercy in vain.]