Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 2 - Thursday Commentary
Justice and Grace in Gibeon
Scripture: Joshua 9:21–27
When the deceit of the Gibeonites was exposed, Joshua faced a difficult challenge. The Israelites had been tricked into making a covenant with a people they were supposed to destroy. The natural reaction might have been anger and retribution—but Joshua chose another way. He upheld the oath made before the Lord, sparing the Gibeonites’ lives, but assigned them to be “woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord.”
This decision was a powerful blend of justice and grace. Justice was served because the Gibeonites’ deception had consequences—they were reduced to servitude and would live under Israel’s authority. Yet grace was shown in that their lives were spared. Joshua refused to violate the sacred promise made in God’s name, demonstrating integrity and mercy even toward deceivers. This was no small act; it revealed that God values covenant faithfulness above vengeance.
In God’s economy, grace and justice are never enemies. Justice gives sin its due, but grace opens the door for repentance and restoration. Remarkably, the Gibeonites later became faithful servants within Israel (Nehemiah 3:7; 7:25), showing that mercy can lead even those far from God into His service. Joshua’s leadership mirrored the heart of God Himself—righteous and merciful, fair and forgiving.
This truth echoes in Ezekiel 18:23, where the Lord declares, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” God’s ultimate desire is not destruction but redemption. Like Joshua, He disciplines justly but extends grace so that sinners may live and serve in His presence.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing us that justice and grace are not opposites but partners in Your redemptive work. Help us to deal with others as Joshua did—with integrity, fairness, and mercy. Teach us to honor our promises, even when it costs us, and to see in others the potential for transformation through Your grace. May we always remember that You take no delight in judgment, but rejoice when hearts turn back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More: Surprised by Grace - Sabbath School Lesson 2 - The Lessons of Faith from Joshua
Sabbath School Quarterly Online: The Lessons of Faith from Joshua
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