Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. Joshua 9:15 NIV
Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by saying, ‘We live a long way from you,’ while actually you live near us? You are now under a curse: You will never be released from service as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” They answered Joshua, “Your servants were clearly told how the LORD your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.” So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them. That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the LORD at the place the LORD would choose. And that is what they are to this day. Joshua 9:22-26 NIV
Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2:12 NIV
Psalm 1 and 2 are both introductory to the whole book of Psalms. Psalm 1 compares the righteous man to the wicked man. Psalm 2 shows the contrast between the ungodly world and the righteous Son of God. In Psalm 2:1-3 the nations and rulers of our world rebel against God, and refuse to follow his rules. Sound familiar? This has been happening since the time of the tower of Babel and continues today. In verses 4-6 God assures the nations and those of us who follow him that he has everything under control. He sits, he is not concerned, he even laughs at the world trying to rebel against his authority and then he rebukes those who plot against him for their insolence.
In verses 7-9 of Psalm 2 the author tells us how the Messiah – the Anointed One – Jesus, the only begotten Son of God – will rule and reign over ALL the nations. His inheritance is the entire earth! This brings peace, security and comfort to my soul. How about you? Verses 10-12 culminate in God warning the nations. He assures them of their destruction if they do not submit to the Son of God – to his authority – to his right to rule. The last sentence is the key to the whole psalm, and in many ways, to the whole book of Psalms. “Blessed are all who take refuge in him,” Psalm 2:12b.
In the story of Joshua and the Gibeonites in Joshua chapter 9, it seems the Gibeonites heeded the message of Psalm 2. Even though they tricked Joshua into signing a treaty with them, they were not killed – instead they were put to work serving the Lord and his temple. The Gibeonites feared the Lord who had protected the Israelites in the wilderness and had brought down the walls of Jericho. As a result,they were blessed – they took refuge in the Lord. An entire tribe of people were saved and lived among God’s people. God promised Abraham that he would bless all the nations of the world through his descendants. God wants us to be a partner in bringing this blessing to others around us. He wants us to share with others how to find refuge and security in knowing Jesus the Son of God. Be creative, find a way to be a blessing to someone this week.
By Grace Hunter
