Mercy, Grace and Gibeonites

When asking many Christians to define "mercy" and "grace" you will very likely get a look that communicates the thought, "There's a difference? Aren't they the same?" A careful study of Scripture shows us that while they are closely related they are not synonyms. They may be opposite sides of the same coin but they are not interchangeable.

Joshua 9 gives us a beautiful picture of how God's mercy and grace work in concert with one another to bring Him glory. The Gibeonites, as descendants of Canaan, Noah's grandson, are condemned to destruction. As Joshua leads the people in conquest of Canaan the Gibeonites approach them with a desire for a treaty. The Gibeonites put on an elaborate ruse of old clothes, moldy food, and a story of a long journey. As the story is told and Joshua observes the physical evidence he makes a decision prior to consulting Jehovah. After just three days the deceit is uncovered, as it always is, and the people are incensed. A decision must be made. Is Joshua going to honor the treaty and spare the Gibeonites or will the cities be razed? Joshua abides by the treaty because he has taken an oath in the name of the LORD however, the Gibeonites are made the servants of the Israel. The Gibeonites, a doomed people, are given God's mercy and are spared.

Now enters God's grace. As Joshua pronounces punishment on them for their deceit he tells them that though they are going to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water" they are also going to be employed in the service of the Tabernacle. So, instead of being outcasts and slaves they find themselves serving God in the center of the camp and joining with the priests and Levites in the Tabernacle ministry. A people once doomed to God's judgment are given new life AND a place of ministry. Isn't that just like God to show mercy to sinful men and to give them the opportunity to serve Him? "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound..."