This was the problem the Israelites had in Joshua 9. The Gibeonites deceived them into making a covenant of peace with them. Unfortunately, the Israelites had standing orders from God to destroy all those who lived in the Land, not to make peace agreements with them (Exodus 23:31-33; Deuteronomy 7:1-2).
Eventually, the Israelites discovered they had been had. The question now is what should they do. God had told them to destroy all who lived in the land . But, they had made a covenant of peace; they had given their word.
The Israelites determined that keeping their word was critical (Joshua 9:19). As God's people they could not break their word, they could not break the covenant they had made. They knew that God's people had to be honest and faithful to the agreements they make, even if it hurts (Psalm 15:4).
Is there some promise you have made that is difficult to keep? Do you feel you were deceived when you made it? Honor God and keep your word.
