Joshua 9:14

The Deceit of the Gibeonites · Joshua 9:1–27
Read Joshua 9

Translations

Modern
Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not seek the counsel of the LORD.
Traditional
And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.
Literal
And the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and the mouth of YHWH they did not ask.
Latin
Susceperunt igitur de cibariis eorum, et os Domini non interrogaverunt.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not seek the counsel of the LORD.

Notes

Israel's leaders checked the bread to confirm the story of the Gibeonites. But Joshua did not ask the Lord for guidance. This same mistake had caused deaths at Ai. In contrast, Israel won victories at Jericho and Ai by following God's instructions precisely.

Joshua failed to consult God again (9:14; compare 7:2–4). This time it was about an unexpected request. Other ancient Near Eastern stories only describe a leader’s successes. However, this author also noted the mistakes of Joshua and Israel’s elders. God is the true hero of the story, and the author wanted to emphasize God's achievements.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua

Events

Glossary

Alliance Conquest and Allotment of the Land Foreigner Gibeon, Gibeonites Gilgal Jerusalem Joshua (Person) Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of Kiriath-jearim Mephibosheth Nethinim Tribe of Dan

Topics

Bottles: Made of Skins: Marred by Age and Use Confidence: Betrayed: Joshua, by the Gibeonites Craftiness: Gibeonites, in Deceiving Joshua and the Israelites Into a Treaty Deception: The Gibeonites, in Misrepresenting Their Habitat Diplomacy: The Gibeonites, in Securing a Treaty with the Israelites Through Deception Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Makes a Treaty with the Gibeonites Kirjath-Jearim: Inhabitants of Magnanimity: Joshua and the Elders of Israel to the Gibeonites Who had Deceived the Israelites Oath: The Israelites Confirm the Covenant with the Hivites Prayer: Thanksgiving And, Before Receiving Food Servant: Bond: Voluntary Servitude of The Amorites: The Gibeonites a Tribe of, Deceived Israel Into a League Treaty: Between Nations: Israelites and Gibeonites