"This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy."
Context:The book of Joshua recounts the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership after Moses’ death. In chapter 9, the Gibeonites, who lived nearby, heard of the Israelites’ victories and decided to deceive them into making a treaty instead of being destroyed.
The Gibeonite Deception:In Joshua 9:3-6, the Gibeonites disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land. They dressed in old garments, carried worn-out provisions, and presented themselves before Joshua and the Israelites. They claimed to have come from a far-off land and asked for a covenant of peace with the Israelites.
The Verse’s Meaning:
- In verse 12, the Gibeonites explain to the Israelites why their bread appears old, dry, and moldy. They claim that when they left their homes to come to the Israelite camp, they took fresh, hot bread as their provision. However, due to the long journey, the bread has become dry and moldy.
- The Gibeonites’ intent in sharing this information was to deceive the Israelites into believing they had come from a distant land, thereby reinforcing their false identity and preventing the Israelites from seeking divine guidance in making a covenant.
Lessons and Applications:
- The Importance of Discernment:Joshua 9 highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and discernment in making decisions. The Israelites failed to consult God before making a treaty with the Gibeonites, leading to a hasty agreement based on deception. It serves as a reminder for believers to seek God’s wisdom and discernment before entering into significant commitments.
- Consequences of Hasty Decisions:The Israelites’ failure to inquire of the Lord resulted in a covenant with the Gibeonites. Despite discovering their deception later, the Israelites were bound by their oath and could not harm the Gibeonites. This incident teaches the importance of careful decision-making and considering the long-term implications of our choices.
- Trusting in Appearances vs. Seeking God:The Israelites were swayed by the Gibeonites’ deceptive appearance, taking their provision at face value. It serves as a reminder not to trust solely in outward appearances or rely on our own understanding but to seek God’s guidance and rely on His wisdom.
Application in Daily Life:
- Seek God’s Guidance:Before making important decisions, seek God’s guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking counsel from wise believers.
- Exercise Discernment:Develop the ability to discern truth from deception by aligning our thoughts and decisions with biblical principles. The Gibeonites’ deception highlights the need to test every spirit and exercise discernment (1 John 4:1).
- Consider Long-Term Consequences:Evaluate the potential outcomes and long-term implications of our decisions, considering not only immediate benefits but also potential risks and spiritual implications.
By studying Joshua 9:12 and its context, we can gain wisdom and insight into decision-making, discernment, and the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our lives.
