Consequences of Rushing

Now Adoni-zedek,  king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai and completely destroyed It, treating Ai and its king as he had Jericho and its king, and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and we're living among them. So Adoni-zedek and his people were greatly alarmed because Gibeon was a large city like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were warriors. Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hiham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, "Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon because they have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites. Joshua 10:1-4

What possessed these men to attack people they knew were warriors and Israel who had a God like none other? Pride? Arrogance? Foolishness?

The outcome was not a victory for them. It meant death for all of their people, themselves included. If they had heard how Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and they were seasoned warriors, what should that have told them? The warriors recognised a superior army, leader and God.

There is a saying that says: 'you have to know when to pick your battles.' Just as we need to know the mind of the Lord in our battles we must also know when to walk away. Ego, fear, arrogance all cause us to Rush in, Rush away, Rush on. Rushing is not good!

Rest and peace leads us to truth and wisdom. Wisdom is important! Amen!

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