Old Testament
Joshua 9:12
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This bread of ours was hot when we took it from our houses as our provision on the day we set out to come to you, but now, look, it is dry and moldy.
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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:
What Joshua 9:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Gibeonites are explaining to the Israelites how their bread was fresh when they left home but has now become dry and moldy. This is part of their strategy to deceive the Israelites into believing they have traveled from a distant land. The Gibeonites want to convince the Israelites that they are not a threat and that they need to form a peace treaty with them. This situation highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in decision-making, especially when faced with appearances that may be misleading. The Israelites, led by Joshua, must be cautious and seek God's guidance to avoid being tricked by the Gibeonites' clever ruse. The contrast between the fresh bread and the moldy bread serves as a metaphor for the deceptive nature of appearances and the need for deeper insight into the truth behind situations.
How to apply Joshua 9:12 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious about trusting appearances. Just as the Israelites were deceived by the Gibeonites, we too can be misled by what seems obvious. It’s essential to seek wisdom and guidance in our decisions, ensuring we look beyond the surface.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Gibeonites' Trick (Joshua 9:1–27)
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Joshua
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Joshua 9:12
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 9:12 mean?
Joshua 9:12 describes the Gibeonites presenting dry and moldy bread to the Israelites to convince them they have traveled from a distant land. This is part of their deceptive strategy to form a peace treaty with Israel.
What is the significance of the bread in Joshua 9:12?
The bread in Joshua 9:12 symbolizes the Gibeonites' attempt to mislead the Israelites by showing how their provisions have deteriorated over time. It highlights the theme of deception and the importance of discerning the truth behind appearances.
What lesson can we learn from Joshua 9:12?
Joshua 9:12 teaches us to be cautious about trusting appearances, as they can be misleading. It emphasizes the need for wisdom and discernment in decision-making to avoid being deceived.
How does Joshua 9:12 relate to trust and discernment?
Joshua 9:12 highlights the importance of trust and discernment by showing how the Israelites were misled by the Gibeonites' clever ruse. It serves as a reminder to look beyond surface appearances when making decisions.
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