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Joshua 9 · Grade 4

A Costly Shortcut

Name Date

Read and Think

Kings across Canaan gathered to fight Israel, but Gibeon chose another way. Its people dressed as weary travelers from a far country. They had old sacks, torn wineskins, patched sandals, worn garments, and bread that was dry and moldy.

Joshua asked who they were. They gave a long story and pointed to their old supplies as proof. The men sampled their provisions, and didn't ask counsel from Yahweh's mouth. They trusted what they could see and taste instead of seeking God, and Joshua made a covenant of peace.

Three days later the truth came out. Even so, the leaders kept their oath, because they had sworn by Yahweh, the God of Israel. Joshua made the Gibeonites wood cutters and drawers of water for the house of God. Israel learned that a promise made in God's name must be kept even when it is costly.

Show What You Know

  1. How did the Gibeonites dress?

  2. What did Israel trust instead of seeking God?

  3. Why did the leaders keep their oath?

  4. What lesson did Israel learn about promises?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

GodoathbreadGibeon
  1. Kings across Canaan gathered to fight Israel, but chose another way.
  2. They had old sacks, torn wineskins, patched sandals, worn garments, and that was dry and moldy.
  3. They trusted what they could see and taste instead of seeking , and Joshua made a covenant of peace.
  4. Even so, the leaders kept their , because they had sworn by Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Think About It

  1. When are you tempted to decide something without praying first?

  2. Why is it important to keep a promise even when it becomes hard?

Memory Verse

“The men sampled their provisions, and didn’t ask counsel from Yahweh’s mouth.”

Joshua 9:14 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for giving wisdom when I ask. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • Why is it risky to trust only what we see?
  • What does it mean to keep your word?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.