Believing
There are many examples in scripture that cause me moments to ponder. *This is a picture of a Knight Templar in prayer. Hang in here with me and we'll see how the knight and the following tie together.
We know that when Joshua took over leading the Israelites into Canaan from Moses, Joshua was in need of encouragement. Joshua was told several times by Jehovah, 'fear not I am with thee'.
The Israelites defeat Jericho and Ai and at this point some of the local inhabitants of the land are mad and going to attack the Israelites, but then there are the Gibeonites:
"And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us." (Joshua 9:3-6 KJV)
Long and short of course is Joshua and the Princes of Israel made a league with them taking the Gibeonites at their word that they were from a far country—they didn't go to the Lord in prayer. Then several days later they find out the Gibeonites had deceived them.
Even though it had been a lie, they were still liable for it. The scriptures tell us to try the spirits, do not believe a lie. We are held responsible for what we believe as truth.
"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him." (Deuteronomy 13:1-4 KJV)
