“But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. And all their provisions were dry and crumbly. And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, ‘We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us’…
“So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.” Joshua 9:3-6, 14-15
God commanded Israel to drive out all inhabitants from the land He gave them and possess it. After their victory at Jericho all nations feared them and made plans for survival. Several tribes joined forces, but the Gibionites had a better idea: they pretended to be someone else and convinced Israel to make peace with them.
This happens more often that we care to admit. Satan hates God’s power and will do anything to stop it. Before you can get your next victory, he sends somebody in a slick package pretending to be an answer to your prayers: an ex-girlfriend, classmate, boss or co-worker who makes you feel important, even loved. You find yourself spending more and more time with them and less time with God and you lay down your weapons of war.
Stay sober, saint…. the devil is slick.