The ruse of the Gibeonites to get the Israelites to make a covenant of protection with them is quite interesting. Joshua, although duped by deception into this covenant, was obliged to honor his promise. There appears to be no rebuke by God for Joshua's sense of integrity. I take this to teach that God (who is one who can be trusted) expects His people (who bear His name and represent Him) to honor their word.
Our yes should mean yes and our no should mean no. If we say we will do something, then we should do it well. If we say that we will be somewhere at a certain time, then we should be there. People say that some in some cultures, being late is to be expected. I would say that the ways of our God should always trump the ways of our culture.
The other interesting thing about this covenant is that the text does seem to chastise Joshua for not consulting the LORD before making this covenant. Presumably, God would have exposed this ruse. My takeaway is that I should always seek the wisdom of God through prayer and searching the Scriptures before getting tied into anything.
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