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Scripture does not mention Gibeonites again after David’s time. But there is evidence that their descendants were involved with Israel for many more generations. It comes in those passages, all recorded after the exile, which speak of a group called “the Nethinim”. (Some English versions put “Nethinim(s)”, transliterating the original word; others give “temple servants”, though that is an interpretation, not a translation.) The Nethinim are listed among the first exiles returning from Babylon (Ezr 2:43,58,70), with those also in Ezra’s time (Ezr 7:7), and as then dwelling with the Israelites in the land, later in Ezra and Nehemiah.

Readings: Joshua 3-4; Isaiah 9; 1 Thessalonians 5

In our Joshua reading today we are confronted by a most remarkable scene. A small group of Levitical priests, while supporting the Ark of the Covenant, stand ankle-deep in the Jordan river. 

Three days after the Gibeonite ambassadors had obtained from Joshua their desired covenant of peace and life (Jos 9:15), the Israelites discovered the truth (vv16-17). This created a quandary. God’s command by Moses was that in the cities of the Canaanites, nothing must be left alive (Deu 20:16-17). Yet the princes of Israel had sworn to let the Gibeonites live (v15) and, according to the law, a sworn oath must be performed (Num 30:2). So which law had priority - to kill, or to keep alive? Only one conclusion was right: mercy must be shown, and indeed mercy rejoiced over judgment (Jas 2:13).

Readings: Deuteronomy 29; Isaiah 1; Acts 27

Our New Testament reading today in Acts 27 tells us about Paul's dangerous trip to Rome by sea. Paul is going to be put on trial in Rome. On the way, a big storm hits the ship. Even though Paul is a prisoner, he gives important advice and hope to everyone on the ship. This part of the Bible is like the Last Supper, where Jesus, knowing he will soon die, gives hope, and talks about salvation to his followers. 

The Gibeonites are introduced to us in Joshua 9. They were part of the Hivite nation (v7), descended from Noah’s grandson Canaan like the other nations occupying the promised land (Gen 10:15-19). They lived in four cities (v17) in the mountains near Jerusalem, of which Gibeon was the highest – it was even higher than Jerusalem. In common with their fellow Hivites and the other Canaanites, they were condemned to utter destruction for their abominable practices (Deu 20:16-18, Lev 18:24-28). But while the kings of the Canaanite nations set out to fight against Joshua and Israel (vv1-2), the Gibeonites behaved quite differently.

Readings: Deuteronomy 22; Song of Solomon 2; Acts 14-15

Many people have played the children’s game hide and seek; the ‘seeker’ counts very loudly whilst the others hide. They then shout out, ‘coming ready or not.’ This exhortation is all about Jesus’ coming; ready or not! We as his servants have to be ready and watch. This is what Jesus says in Matthew 24:

We continue our consideration of Paul’s character by referring to a time when Paul seemed to be over-concerned about principles. This was when he had been told by the keeper of the prison that the magistrates had given permission for Paul and Silas to go.

Readings: Deuteronomy 15; Ecclesiastes 7; Acts 5-6

Having read through the story of Genesis recently I tried to imagine what living in the Garden of Eden would be like. What would Adam and Eve do? How would they fill their time? But Genesis is not a story, it is what happened, and we are part of that reality, being descendants of Adam.

When God created the heavens and the earth and all things, He left it until the sixth day to create man. It was the same day that He created the beasts of the earth. Genesis 1:24 tells us that the beasts were living creatures. Creatures that are alive and that have breath.

We have added four more hymns with the words in both English and Farsi (the singing on the video is in English) to the CIL Website. The full list of 140 hymns that have been translated is available here: https://www.isolationleague.org/hymns/list/farsi

Here are the recent updates:
Hymn 261 - Now let our humble faith behold
Hymn 264 - Come, thou long-expected Jesus
Hymn 294 - Hail to the brightness of Zion’s glad morning
Hymn 438 - Praise to Him by whose high favour