Joshua 9:12 - This our bread we took hot for our supplies out of our houses on the day we went out to go to you; but now, behold, it is dry, and has become moldy.

Generated Verse: Joshua 9:12

What does "Joshua 9:12" mean?


This verse is part of a deceptive plea made by the Gibeonites to Joshua and the Israelites. Here's a breakdown of what it means within that context:

"This our bread we took hot for our supplies out of our houses on the day we went out to go to you..." The Gibeonites are claiming that the bread they brought with them was freshly baked when they left home. They want to give the impression that they traveled a long distance to reach the Israelites. Freshly baked bread would not last long on a long journey without spoiling.

"...but now, behold, it is dry, and has become moldy." This is the punchline of their deception. The bread, which they claim was fresh, is now dry and moldy. This is presented as evidence that they have been traveling for a very long time.

In Summary:

The Gibeonites are using the condition of their bread as a visual and tangible "proof" that they have come from a far-off land. They are trying to trick the Israelites into believing they are not local inhabitants. According to God's instructions, the Israelites were to exterminate all the peoples of the land they were to inherit. If they were successful in convincing the Israelites that they lived in a different land, they would be spared.

Significance:

This verse is important because it highlights the Gibeonites' cunning and the Israelites' failure to seek God's guidance. The Israelites were impressed by the Gibeonites' presentation, including the state of their bread, and they made a treaty with them without consulting God. This decision had significant consequences for the Israelites later in their history.

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