Joshua 9:12

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

This our bread {H3899} we took hot {H2525} for our provision {H6679} out of our houses {H1004} on the day {H3117} we came forth {H3318} to go {H3212} unto you; but now, behold, it is dry {H3001}, and it is mouldy {H5350}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is the bread which we took for our provisions. It was still warm when we took it out of our homes the day we left to come to you. Now look at it! It's dry and turned to crumbs!

Berean Standard Bible

This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But take a look, it is now dry and moldy.

American Standard Version

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 is become mouldy:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:12 is a crucial detail in the Gibeonites' elaborate deception of the Israelites, serving as tangible "proof" of their supposed long journey from a distant land. This verse highlights the Gibeonites' cunning strategy to avoid destruction by presenting their provisions—specifically their bread—as having deteriorated over an immense period of travel, thereby convincing Joshua and the leaders of Israel to enter into an unwitting covenant with them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Israel's decisive and divinely-assisted victories at [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai"). These successes instilled widespread fear among the Canaanite inhabitants, prompting various responses, from outright opposition to strategic cunning. The narrative of the Gibeonites' deception (found in [Joshua 9:3-27](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception")) stands in stark contrast to the direct military confrontations that precede it. The Gibeonites, unlike other Canaanite peoples, chose guile over warfare, and their presentation of "evidence" in [Joshua 9:12](/joshua/9-12 "Joshua 9:12 - The Gibeonites' Mouldy Bread") is central to their successful ruse, leading directly to the covenant described in [Joshua 9:15](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15 - The Covenant with the Gibeonites").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern societies placed immense value on covenants and oaths, often invoking divine witnesses to seal agreements. God had explicitly commanded Israel not to make treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan, as seen in [Exodus 23:32](/exodus/23-32 "Exodus 23:32 - No Covenant with Inhabitants") and [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Divine Command Against Treaties"). The Gibeonites, a Hivite people, were aware of Israel's divine mandate to conquer the land and their strict prohibition against covenants with local peoples. Their strategy capitalized on the cultural expectation of hospitality towards weary travelers and the sanctity of an oath once sworn. The "proofs" they presented, such as the mouldy bread, worn clothes, and patched wineskins ([Joshua 9:5](/joshua/9-5 "Joshua 9:5 - The Gibeonites' Disguise")), were designed to be culturally convincing indicators of a long, arduous journey from a far-off land, making their story plausible to the Israelite leaders.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the Gibeonite deception, encapsulated by the detail in [Joshua 9:12](/joshua/9-12 "Joshua 9:12 - The Gibeonites' Deceptive Proof"), highlights several significant themes. Foremost is the theme of **deception and cunning**, as the Gibeonites masterfully employed artifice to secure their survival. This contrasts sharply with Israel's divinely-empowered military might, demonstrating that not all battles are won through direct confrontation. Another crucial theme is **Israel's lack of discernment**, particularly their failure to "inquire of the Lord" ([Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Inquire")) before making a decision. This oversight led to a binding covenant that violated God's explicit commands. Finally, the narrative underscores the **consequences of hasty decisions** and the **sanctity of an oath**, even one secured through trickery. The covenant with the Gibeonites, though ill-advised, was upheld by Israel due to the sacredness of their oath before God, leading to long-term implications for the nation, as evidenced centuries later in [2 Samuel 21:1-6](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1-6 - Saul's Violation of the Gibeonite Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hot (Hebrew, _cham_):** This word signifies freshly baked or warm. The Gibeonites' claim that their bread was "hot" when they departed emphasizes its recent preparation, implying a very short interval between baking and beginning their journey. This detail is crucial to their narrative, suggesting that if they had just left, the current state of the bread (dry and mouldy) must be due to an extraordinarily long travel time.
* **Mouldy (Hebrew, _niqqūḏim_):** This term describes bread that is not merely stale or dry, but specifically decayed, crumbly, or spotted with mold. The use of this strong word indicates a significant degree of spoilage, reinforcing the Gibeonites' assertion of extreme age and exposure. It points to a journey so long that even well-preserved provisions would have deteriorated substantially.
* **Provision (Hebrew, _tseydah_):** This refers to food or supplies specifically prepared and carried for a journey. By presenting their "provision" in such a state of decay, the Gibeonites aimed to demonstrate the immense distance and time involved in their supposed travel, making their story of coming from a "very distant country" ([Joshua 9:6](/joshua/9-6 "Joshua 9:6 - The Gibeonites' Claim")) credible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This our bread we took hot [for] our provision out of our houses":** The Gibeonites are presenting their "evidence." They claim the bread was freshly baked ("hot") when they packed it as supplies ("provision") from their homes, suggesting a recent departure. This sets up the stark contrast with its current state.
* **"on the day we came forth to go unto you":** This clause emphasizes the immediacy of their departure from their supposed homeland. They are asserting that the bread was fresh on the very first day of their journey towards Israel, implying that any deterioration must be due to the vast distance and time elapsed since that initial day.
* **"but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy":** This is the punchline of their visual argument. The conjunction "but now, behold" draws attention to the dramatic change. The bread's current condition—dry, stale, and visibly mouldy—is presented as undeniable proof of an incredibly long and arduous journey, designed to evoke sympathy and convince the Israelites of their distant origin.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Joshua 9:12](/joshua/9-12 "Joshua 9:12 - The Gibeonites' Deceptive Proof") employs several effective literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the mighty Israelite army, fresh from divinely-aided victories, is outmaneuvered not by force but by a clever ruse involving common household items. The very people commanded to conquer the land are instead deceived into a covenant with its inhabitants. **Symbolism** is also at play; the mouldy bread, along with the worn clothes and wineskins, symbolizes the Gibeonites' fabricated narrative of a long journey, acting as a tangible, yet false, representation of truth. This "evidence" is a carefully constructed **performance**, a dramatic presentation designed to manipulate the Israelites' perceptions. Furthermore, the Gibeonites' appeal to their arduous journey and deteriorated provisions is an attempt at **pathos**, aiming to evoke pity and sympathy from Joshua and the elders, thereby lowering their guard and making them more susceptible to the deception. This verse also serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the future consequences and complications that will arise from this ill-advised covenant, which will impact Israel for generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:12 serves as a powerful reminder of the ever-present danger of deception and the critical importance of spiritual discernment. The Israelites, despite their recent triumphs and direct access to God, failed to "inquire of the Lord" ([Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Inquire")) before making a life-altering decision. This highlights a universal spiritual principle: appearances can be profoundly misleading, and human wisdom, even when seemingly logical, is insufficient without divine guidance. The Gibeonites' mouldy bread was a meticulously crafted lie, appealing to visible evidence rather than spiritual truth. This narrative underscores that true wisdom comes from seeking God's counsel in all matters, especially those with significant implications, rather than relying solely on our own understanding or what appears to be true on the surface.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"): "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Sees the Heart"): "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
* [Ephesians 5:6](/ephesians/5-6 "Ephesians 5:6 - Do Not Be Deceived"): "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Gibeonites' mouldy bread serves as a timeless parable for believers today, urging us to cultivate a posture of discernment and dependence on God in a world full of artifice. We are constantly bombarded with information, claims, and appearances that may not reflect the underlying truth. This narrative challenges us to look beyond the superficial, to question what seems too good to be true, or what demands a hasty decision. It reminds us that even after significant spiritual victories, we remain vulnerable to deception if we neglect to consistently seek the Lord's wisdom through prayer, His Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our decisions, whether personal, familial, or communal, should always be bathed in prayer and aligned with divine principles, preventing us from entering into "covenants" that are contrary to God's will, even if they appear expedient or harmless at first glance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to making hasty decisions based on outward appearances rather than seeking God's counsel?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper habit of "inquiring of the Lord" before committing to significant choices?**
* **What "mouldy bread" (deceptive appearances or convincing lies) might I be encountering in my current circumstances, and how can I apply spiritual discernment to them?**
* **What are the potential long-term consequences of making decisions without seeking divine guidance, even if the initial intent is good?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Israelites, led by Joshua, fall for such an obvious trick?**

Answer: The Israelites' failure to discern the Gibeonites' deception is explicitly attributed to their neglect to "inquire of the Lord" ([Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Oversight")). While the Gibeonites' disguise was elaborate, Israel had direct access to God's wisdom and guidance. Their recent, overwhelming victories at [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai") might have led to a sense of overconfidence or spiritual complacency, causing them to rely on their own judgment and the visible evidence presented, rather than seeking divine revelation. They were likely flattered by the Gibeonites' apparent humility and desire for peace, overlooking God's clear command not to make treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan ([Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - God's Command Against Treaties")).

**What was the ultimate significance of the Gibeonites' mouldy bread and other "proofs"?**

Answer: The mouldy bread, along with their worn-out clothes, wineskins, and patched sandals ([Joshua 9:5](/joshua/9-5 "Joshua 9:5 - The Gibeonites' Disguise")), served as crucial tangible evidence to support the Gibeonites' fabricated story of coming from a "very distant country" ([Joshua 9:6](/joshua/9-6 "Joshua 9:6 - The Gibeonites' Claim")). In a culture where travel was arduous and provisions were carefully managed, such deteriorated items were convincing indicators of an incredibly long journey. These "proofs" were designed to evoke sympathy, establish credibility, and ultimately manipulate the Israelite leaders into believing their lie, thereby securing a peace treaty and avoiding destruction.

**What happened to the Gibeonites after this deception?**

Answer: Despite the deception, the covenant made with the Gibeonites was upheld by Israel due to the sanctity of an oath sworn before the Lord ([Joshua 9:15](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15 - The Covenant with Gibeon")). However, once the truth was discovered, Joshua did not allow them to live among Israel as equals. Instead, he condemned them to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord" ([Joshua 9:21](/joshua/9-21 "Joshua 9:21 - Gibeonites Become Servants")), effectively making them perpetual servants. Centuries later, during the reign of King David, a famine struck Israel because King Saul had violated this ancient covenant by attempting to exterminate the Gibeonites. David sought to atone for this breach, leading to further consequences for Saul's descendants, highlighting the enduring sacredness of the oath ([2 Samuel 21:1-6](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1-6 - Saul's Violation of the Gibeonite Covenant")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Gibeonites' mouldy bread and the resulting deception points us to the ultimate truth revealed in Jesus Christ. In a world permeated by falsehoods and superficial appearances, Jesus stands as the embodiment of truth, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). Unlike the Gibeonites' deceptive "provision," which was dry and mouldy, Jesus presents Himself as the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering eternal nourishment that never spoils or deceives. Where Israel failed to discern truth due to their reliance on outward signs, believers in Christ are promised the indwelling Holy Spirit, who "will guide you into all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). The New Covenant established through Christ's sacrifice is not one entered into through trickery or human fallibility, but through God's unwavering faithfulness and grace ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). This narrative thus serves as a stark contrast, highlighting the profound difference between the deceptive, perishable "bread" of human cunning and the living, eternal "bread" of Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's will and provides infallible guidance for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 9:4

They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;

Joshua 9:5

And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry [and] mouldy.