This verse is part of a deceptive plea made by the Gibeonites to Joshua and the Israelites in Joshua 9. Here's the breakdown of what the verse means in that context:
"These wine skins, which we filled, were new; and behold, they are torn." Wine was often transported in leather bags called "wine skins." The Gibeonites are claiming that the wine skins they brought were brand new when they started their journey, but because of the exceptionally long travel time, they've become worn and torn. This is a lie designed to make it appear as though they traveled from a distant land. New wine skins tearing would indicate they are much older than they appear.
"These our garments and our shoes have become old because of the very long journey." Similarly, they are pointing out the state of their clothes and shoes. The implication is that they've worn them out from the extensive travel required to reach the Israelites. Again, this supports their story that they are from a faraway place.
In the broader context of Joshua 9, the meaning is:
Deception: This verse is a key element of the Gibeonites' elaborate deception. They are trying to trick the Israelites into believing they are from a distant land, so the Israelites will make a treaty with them rather than destroy them as God commanded them to do with the inhabitants of Canaan.
Playing on Sympathy: The Gibeonites are trying to evoke sympathy from the Israelites by portraying themselves as weary travelers who have endured a difficult journey.
Foolishness of the Israelites: The Israelites are deceived because they didn't seek God's guidance before making a treaty with the Gibeonites. They relied on their own judgment and were fooled by the Gibeonites' carefully crafted story.
In essence, the verse illustrates the Gibeonites' clever manipulation and the Israelites' failure to consult God before making a significant decision, leading them to break God's commandment.
This verse is part of a deceptive plea made by the Gibeonites to Joshua and the Israelites in Joshua 9. Here's the breakdown of what the verse means in that context:
"These wine skins, which we filled, were new; and behold, they are torn." Wine was often transported in leather bags called "wine skins." The Gibeonites are claiming that the wine skins they brought were brand new when they started their journey, but because of the exceptionally long travel time, they've become worn and torn. This is a lie designed to make it appear as though they traveled from a distant land. New wine skins tearing would indicate they are much older than they appear.
"These our garments and our shoes have become old because of the very long journey." Similarly, they are pointing out the state of their clothes and shoes. The implication is that they've worn them out from the extensive travel required to reach the Israelites. Again, this supports their story that they are from a faraway place.
In the broader context of Joshua 9, the meaning is:
Deception: This verse is a key element of the Gibeonites' elaborate deception. They are trying to trick the Israelites into believing they are from a distant land, so the Israelites will make a treaty with them rather than destroy them as God commanded them to do with the inhabitants of Canaan.
Playing on Sympathy: The Gibeonites are trying to evoke sympathy from the Israelites by portraying themselves as weary travelers who have endured a difficult journey.
Foolishness of the Israelites: The Israelites are deceived because they didn't seek God's guidance before making a treaty with the Gibeonites. They relied on their own judgment and were fooled by the Gibeonites' carefully crafted story.
In essence, the verse illustrates the Gibeonites' clever manipulation and the Israelites' failure to consult God before making a significant decision, leading them to break God's commandment.