But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel.
Joshua 9:18a

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READ: Joshua 9:1–27

Promises are often quid pro quo arrangements in which each side gives something in exchange for something else. Brides and grooms sign a legal promise at the altar, agreeing to love and honor each other for life. Hopeful home buyers sign a promise (literally called a promissory note) with their lender, agreeing to pay back principal plus interest in exchange for a housing loan. Some promises are made by the simple shaking of a hand and an assurance that “my word is my bond.” No signing of legal documents—but with the shaking of hands, both parties agree the promise is to be kept.

It was this type of promise that Joshua made with men from the city of Gibeon who had dressed as weary travelers to trick the Israelites into thinking they had traveled from a distant land, even though they lived nearby in a town Israel planned to conquer. Convinced that these “travelers” posed no threat, Joshua agreed to a peace treaty of surrender. No battle would be waged against Gibeon. Instead, Israel and the Gibeonites would become allies.

When the ruse was discovered, the Israelites grumbled. Perhaps they resented being duped, or perhaps they wanted to plunder Gibeon—but their leaders declared, “‘We have given them our oath by the Lord, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now’” (9:19b). Ultimately it was up to Joshua to decide what to do. He stood firm and upheld his agreement. He’d made a promise before God, and he’d keep that promise. “So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them” (9:26).

The Gibeonites acknowledged, “We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you” (9:25). Joshua assigned the Gibeonites jobs as “woodcutters and water carriers” (a conventional phrase that meant household servants). Among their responsibilities would be supplying firewood and water for the altar of the Lord. The Gibeonites readily adopted their new roles. According to Joshua, “And that is what they are to this day” (9:27b).

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

Promises Kept and a New Beginning | Vikki L. | Willow Crystal Lake

I grew up in a strict, fear-based church and an abusive home, where love was conditional and safety was nowhere to be found. At just 15, I entered into a controlling marriage to a much older man. During my first pregnancy, the darkness of the unhealthy relationship nearly overtook me—but God wasn’t finished with my story.

A friend encouraged me to attend a recovery program. Slowly, I saw my husband’s abuse for what it was. As I grew in faith and courage, he resisted. When the danger escalated, I made the heartbreaking decision to leave him, for the safety of my children and myself. We faced hardship—tiny apartments and financial strain—but God provided, even blessing us with a home.

Years later, I joined a grace-filled church, then remarried, believing I had found a godly partner. But once again, I faced betrayal and abuse. This time, I listened to God’s voice and chose to leave. I sought counseling, delved into recovery programs at Willow Crystal Lake, and met Pastor Dawn. Through classes, Bible studies, and continued therapy, I began to heal.

God surrounded me with a loving, godly community. I formed deep friendships and was invited to help lead the “Healing from Divorce” group. What once seemed like the end became a new beginning.

Through every broken promise, God has remained faithful. He promises in John 15:5 that I am not insignificant, as I had once believed—I am deeply connected and seen by Him. Despite the pain, God has restored my life with purpose, peace, and hope. He didn’t just preserve me— He’s using my story for something greater. God keeps His promises.

DID YOU KNOW?

Among the props that the Gibeonites used in their deception were old wineskins. A wineskin is a traditional container made from the skin of an animal, which was used for storing wine. Over time, wineskins would age and crack. In Joshua’s day, everyone knew what old wineskins looked like, so the Gibeonites’ ruse looked authentic to Joshua and his men. Hundreds of years later, Jesus would reference wineskins in a teaching moment with John’s disciples: “Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved” (Matthew 9:17).

A PRAYER

God, I’ve been on the receiving end of deception or a broken promise. It feels awful, and revenge is tempting. Remind me of the example Joshua set: even when others treat me unfairly, help me set aside my emotions and treat them fairly. Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

Describe a time when you felt deceived by someone who didn’t keep their word. How did you respond?

Describe a time when you were the promise breaker. How did that feel? How did you (or will you) make amends?