Joshua 9:14

KJV

And the men took of their victuals, and asked not [counsel] at the mouth of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582} took {H3947} of their victuals {H6718}, and asked {H7592} not counsel at the mouth {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The men sampled some of their food but didn't seek the advice of ADONAI,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And the men took of their provision, and asked not counsel at the mouth of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:14 records a critical and consequential lapse in judgment by the Israelite leaders, who, after being cleverly deceived by the Gibeonites, entered into a binding covenant without the indispensable act of consulting the Lord. This verse profoundly highlights a failure to seek divine counsel, demonstrating a dangerous reliance on human perception and logic over God's explicit commands and established means of guidance, ultimately leading to a long-term, unintended obligation for the nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 9:14 is strategically placed immediately following Israel's awe-inspiring and decisive victories at Jericho and Ai, which vividly demonstrated God's miraculous power and unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. The preceding chapters (Joshua 6-8) meticulously detail God's explicit commands regarding the conquest of Canaan and the complete annihilation of its inhabitants. Chapter 9 introduces a starkly different challenge: not a military confrontation, but a cunning, diplomatic deception. The Gibeonites' elaborate ruse, meticulously described in [Joshua 9:3-13](/joshua/9-3-13 "Joshua 9:3-13 - The Gibeonites' Deception"), serves as a direct narrative contrast to the prior straightforward military engagements, setting the stage for Israel's profound error. The immediate consequence of the leaders' failure to consult God, as highlighted in this verse, is the covenant formalized in [Joshua 9:15](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15 - Israel's Covenant with the Gibeonites"), which Israel felt divinely bound to uphold despite discovering the deception, thereby establishing the Gibeonites' unique and enduring status within the Israelite nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During this period, Israel was operating under stringent divine commands to utterly destroy or drive out the indigenous populations of Canaan (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Warnings Against Idolatry and Forbidden Alliances")). This mandate was not merely about territorial conquest but fundamentally about preventing the adoption of idolatrous practices and preserving the theological purity of Israel's worship of Yahweh. Treaties or covenants with foreign nations, especially those within the promised land, were generally forbidden precisely because they often led to spiritual compromise and syncretism. The Gibeonites, identified as Hivites ([Joshua 9:7](/joshua/9-7 "Joshua 9:7 - The Gibeonites Identified as Hivites")), were indeed part of the Canaanite population designated for destruction. Their elaborate deception, involving worn-out provisions, patched wineskins, and old clothing, was a sophisticated tactic in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, designed to feign a long journey from a distant land and thus establish non-local status, thereby circumventing the divine command for their destruction. The Israelite leaders, likely accustomed to direct military encounters and divine pronouncements, were tragically unprepared for such a subtle, diplomatic trap.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent and enduring theme in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception"), and particularly encapsulated in verse 14, is the **failure to seek God's counsel**. Despite having experienced repeated, undeniable demonstrations of God's power and having received explicit, detailed instructions for their conduct in Canaan, the Israelite leaders chose to rely solely on their own sensory evidence and human reasoning. This highlights the profound danger of **hasty judgment** and **superficial discernment**, as the Gibeonites' disguise proved effective precisely because the Israelites did not look beyond outward appearances or question the obvious. This incident also powerfully underscores the theme of the **consequences of disobedience**, as the ill-advised covenant with the Gibeonites became a lasting, unavoidable obligation for Israel. This covenant even led to divine judgment centuries later when King Saul violated it, resulting in a famine (as vividly recounted in [2 Samuel 21:1-6](/2_samuel/21-1-6 "2 Samuel 21:1-6 - Famine and Gibeonite Vengeance")). The narrative serves as a perennial reminder of the critical importance of divine guidance in all matters, big or small.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Victuals (Hebrew, _tsayid'_):** This term (H6718) refers to provisions, food, or supplies, especially those prepared for a journey or obtained through hunting. In the context of [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception"), the Gibeonites deliberately presented their "victuals" as old, moldy, and worn out ([Joshua 9:5](/joshua/9-5 "Joshua 9:5 - Gibeonites' Provisions")), serving as a crucial component of their deceptive narrative. This visual evidence was intended to convince the Israelites that they had traveled from a distant land, beyond the immediate reach of Israel's conquest. The Israelites' examination of these provisions, while seemingly a prudent step in assessing the Gibeonites' claim, ultimately proved superficial because it was not accompanied by divine inquiry.
* **Asked (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** This verb (H7592) is a primitive root meaning "to inquire," "to request," or "to consult." Its negation in this verse—"asked not"—is the pivotal indictment, highlighting the profound omission of the Israelite leaders. They failed to seek divine guidance, which was their established and necessary protocol for making significant decisions, particularly those involving treaties or the inhabitants of the promised land. This indicates a critical lapse in their spiritual discipline and their foundational dependence on God.
* **Mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** When used in the phrase "mouth of the LORD" (H6310), _peh_ functions as a powerful metonymy for direct divine instruction, authoritative word, or revelation. It points to the very source of God's commands and wisdom, typically conveyed through specific, established means such as the high priest consulting the Urim and Thummim before the ark of the covenant ([Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Consulting the Urim and Thummim")) or through prophetic utterance. The failure to seek counsel "at the mouth of the LORD" means the Israelites bypassed God's direct communication and ultimate authority, relying instead on their own flawed human assessment and logic.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men took of their victuals":** This initial clause describes the Israelite leaders' action of physically examining the Gibeonites' provisions. It implies a reliance on empirical evidence and human assessment. They meticulously inspected the moldy bread, patched wineskins, and worn-out clothing, drawing conclusions based solely on what their senses perceived. While this might appear to be a logical and responsible step in assessing the Gibeonites' claim, it tragically became the sole basis for their decision, completely replacing the indispensable act of seeking divine guidance.
* **"and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD."**: This is the pivotal and damning indictment of the verse, revealing the critical failure that underpinned the entire misjudgment. Despite having a direct line to God, a history of miraculous divine intervention, and clear instructions for their conduct in the land, the leaders neglected to consult Him. This omission was not merely an oversight but a profound spiritual lapse, indicating a moment where human logic, perceived urgency, and superficial appearances superseded their foundational dependence on Yahweh for direction in all matters, especially those concerning the covenant people and the promised land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Irony** and **Contrast**. The **Irony** is striking: Israel, having just experienced miraculous victories achieved through direct, precise divine instruction (e.g., the fall of Jericho by following God's exact commands), now fails to seek that same divine counsel in a less obvious, yet equally crucial, situation. This highlights a profound vulnerability not to military might, but to cunning deception. The **Contrast** is stark between the Gibeonites' elaborate, outward show of poverty and weariness, and the hidden truth of their proximity and deceptive intent. More profoundly, there is a **Contrast** between the Israelites' diligent examination of physical evidence ("took of their victuals") and their complete neglect of spiritual inquiry ("asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD"). This serves as a potent **Foreshadowing** of Israel's recurring struggle throughout its history to maintain faithful dependence on God rather than relying on human wisdom, worldly alliances, or superficial appearances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:14 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute necessity of divine counsel in all matters of life, particularly for those in positions of leadership. It underscores the enduring human propensity, even after experiencing God's miraculous power and receiving clear guidance, to revert to reliance on one's own wisdom and perception, especially when faced with cunning deception or seemingly logical scenarios. The failure to inquire of the Lord demonstrates a temporary but significant lapse in faith and a dangerous departure from the covenant principle of complete dependence on God, which was foundational to Israel's identity, success, and spiritual purity in the Promised Land. This incident highlights that spiritual discernment is not automatic, even for the most experienced leaders, but requires intentional, consistent, and humble seeking of God's will through established means.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9-10 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")
* [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - Saul's Failure to Inquire of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 9:14 stands as a timeless and urgent warning against the perils of making decisions, especially those of significant consequence, without first humbly seeking the Lord's counsel. In our modern, fast-paced, and information-saturated world, the temptation to rely on our own intellect, accumulated experience, or the readily available advice of others, without pausing to consult God, is an ever-present danger. This verse profoundly challenges us to cultivate a deep, consistent, and intentional habit of divine inquiry, recognizing that true wisdom and unfailing guidance come from God alone. It serves as a stark reminder that appearances can be profoundly deceiving, and what seems logical, expedient, or even benevolent in the moment may, in fact, lead to long-term complications, compromise our spiritual integrity, or divert us from God's perfect will. Our discernment must extend far beyond the superficial, guided by the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit and the unchanging principles of God's Word, ensuring that our choices align with His sovereign plan rather than our limited understanding or the cunning deceptions of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I most tempted to rely on my own judgment or worldly wisdom rather than diligently seeking God's counsel?**
* **What are the "victuals" or outward appearances that might be subtly deceiving me or influencing my decisions in my current circumstances?**
* **What established means do I have for seeking God's "mouth" today (e.g., prayer, diligent study of Scripture, wise spiritual counsel, the Holy Spirit's leading), and am I consistently and faithfully utilizing them?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so critical for Israel to "ask counsel at the mouth of the LORD" in this particular situation, given their recent successes?**

Answer: It was critically important because Israel was uniquely established as a theocracy, a nation governed directly by God. Their success, spiritual purity, and very identity depended entirely on their unwavering obedience to His commands and their complete reliance on His wisdom, especially concerning the inhabitants of Canaan whom they were explicitly forbidden to make treaties with ([Exodus 23:32](/exodus/23-32 "Exodus 23:32 - No Covenant with Inhabitants") and [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - No Treaties with Nations")). Consulting the Lord, often through the high priest using the Urim and Thummim before the ark of the covenant ([Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Consulting the Urim")), was the divinely established protocol for discerning His will in all matters of national importance, particularly those involving foreign relations and the conquest of the land. Their failure to do so represented a profound breach of trust, a dangerous shift from divine dependence to human expediency, and ultimately led to a covenant that God had expressly forbidden, with long-lasting consequences for the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 9:14, with its stark portrayal of Israel's tragic failure to seek divine counsel, powerfully underscores humanity's inherent and desperate need for perfect wisdom and unfailing guidance, a need ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament leaders relied on the "mouth of the LORD" through prophets, the Urim and Thummim, or direct revelation, believers today have direct, unhindered access to the ultimate source of all wisdom in Christ, who is Himself the [Wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God") personified. He is the [Living Word](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), through whom God has spoken definitively and completely to us ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent as our divine Helper, serves as our [Counselor and Guide](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides"), leading us into all truth, illuminating Scripture, and enabling us to discern beyond deceptive appearances. The error of Joshua and the leaders highlights our universal propensity to trust in our own limited sight and flawed logic, but Christ calls us to a deeper, Spirit-led discernment, reminding us that [apart from Him, we can do nothing](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in the Vine"). He is the one who truly knows the hearts of all men ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")) and provides the perfect, unfailing counsel that Israel tragically neglected, offering a relationship where we can always draw near to the throne of grace for help in time of need ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Numbers 27:21

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

1 Chronicles 10:13

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];

1 Chronicles 10:14

And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

Judges 1:1

¶ Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.