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Joshua 9:14

Joshua 9:14 in Multiple Translations

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

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

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

And the men took some of their food, without requesting directions from the Lord.

The Israelites tried some of the food. However, they did not consult the Lord.

And the men accepted their tale concerning their vittailes, and counselled not with the mouth of the Lord.

And the men take of their provision, and the mouth of Jehovah have not asked;

The men sampled their provisions, and didn’t ask counsel from the LORD’s mouth.

And the men took of their provisions, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.

They took therefore of their victuals, and consulted not the mouth of the Lord.

The Israeli leaders tasted the bread, but they did not ask Yahweh what to do.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 9:14

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 9:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקְח֥וּ הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים מִ/צֵּידָ֑/ם וְ/אֶת פִּ֥י יְהוָ֖ה לֹ֥א שָׁאָֽלוּ
וַ/יִּקְח֥וּ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp
מִ/צֵּידָ֑/ם tsayid H6718 wild game Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
פִּ֥י peh H6310 lip N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
שָׁאָֽלוּ shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 9:14

וַ/יִּקְח֥וּ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִ/צֵּידָ֑/ם tsayid H6718 "wild game" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word describes the food or provisions needed for a journey, often obtained through hunting. It can also refer to the act of hunting itself. In the KJV, it is translated as 'food', 'hunter', or 'venison'.
Definition: 1) hunting, game 1a) hunting 1b) game hunted
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] catcheth, food, [idiom] hunter, (that which he took in) hunting, venison, victuals. See also: Genesis 10:9; Genesis 27:31; Psalms 132:15.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פִּ֥י peh H6310 "lip" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁאָֽלוּ shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.

Study Notes — Joshua 9:14

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
2 Numbers 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”
3 1 Chronicles 10:13–14 So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
4 1 Samuel 23:9–12 When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD.
5 1 Samuel 30:7–8 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”
6 Isaiah 30:1–2 “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.
7 2 Samuel 5:19 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
8 Judges 1:1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?”
9 Ezra 8:21 And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.
10 Judges 20:28 and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”

Joshua 9:14 Summary

[This verse teaches us that it's essential to seek God's counsel in all our decisions, no matter how big or small they may seem. The Israelites made a mistake by not seeking God's guidance, and we can learn from their error. By seeking God's counsel, we can avoid making mistakes and stay on the right path, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. We can seek God's counsel through prayer and meditation on His Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites fail to seek God's counsel in this situation?

The Israelites failed to seek God's counsel because they were deceived by the Gibeonites' clever words and appearance, as seen in Joshua 9:12-13, and they relied on their own judgment instead of trusting in God's guidance, as instructed in Proverbs 3:5-6.

What are the consequences of not seeking God's counsel?

The consequences of not seeking God's counsel can be severe, as seen in this verse, where the Israelites made a treaty with the Gibeonites without God's approval, leading to potential harm and trouble, as warned in Deuteronomy 29:18-20.

How can we apply the lesson of this verse to our own lives?

We can apply the lesson of this verse by remembering to seek God's counsel in all our decisions, big or small, through prayer and meditation on His Word, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and James 1:5.

What role does discernment play in seeking God's counsel?

Discernment plays a crucial role in seeking God's counsel, as it helps us to distinguish between good and evil, and to make wise decisions, as taught in Hebrews 5:14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I tend to rely on my own judgment instead of seeking God's counsel?
  2. How can I cultivate a habit of seeking God's counsel in all my decisions, no matter how small they may seem?
  3. What are some ways I can discern God's will and guidance in my life, and how can I apply this discernment to my daily decisions?
  4. How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God, and what can I learn from the Israelites' mistake in this situation?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:14

And the men took of their victuals,.... That is, the princes of Israel took thereof; not to eat of them, for it cannot be thought that such personages would eat of such dry and mouldy bread, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 9:14

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 9:14

The men, i.e. the princes, as before, . Took of their victuals; not from their want or any desire they could have to such unpleasant and unwholesome food; nor in a ceremony usual in making leagues, for that was not now done, but in the next verse; but that they might examine the truth of what they said. Asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord, as they ought to have done upon all such weighty and doubtful occasions. So they are accused of rashness, and neglect of their duty. For though it is probable, if God had been consulted, he would have consented to the sparing of the Gibeonites; yet it should have been done with more caution, and an obligation left upon them to embrace the true religion, which here was omitted.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:14

Joshua 9:14 And the men took of their victuals, and asked not [counsel] at the mouth of the LORD.Ver. 14. And the men took of their victuals.] That is, they did eat of it in token of a league made with them, say some: others more probably, they took it and looked on it, to see whether it were hoary and mouldy, as they had said. And asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.] This precipitancy and credulity is seldom successful. Good Josiah lost his life by it. Sometimes both grace and wit are asleep in the holiest and wariest breasts.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 9:14

(14) And the men took of their victuals.—And they accepted the men from (the appearance of) their provisions. This, which is the view taken in our marginal reading, seems to be the more probable interpretation, and follows the Targum. “The men” can hardly refer to any one but the ambassadors of the Gibeonites.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:14

Verse 14. The men took of their victuals] This was done in all probability in the way of friendship; for, from time immemorial to the present day, eating together, in the Asiatic countries, is considered a token of unalterable friendship; and those who eat even salt together, feel themselves bound thereby in a perpetual covenant. But the marginal reading of this clause should not be hastily rejected. And asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.] They made the covenant with the Gibeonites without consulting God by Urim and Thummim, which was highly reprehensible in them, as it was a state transaction in which the interests and honour of God their king were intimately concerned.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 9:14

14. the men took of their victuals] “thei token thanne of the meetis of hem,” Wyclif. “The men” here denote the elders of Israel, the heads of the tribes. Comp. Joshua 9:18-21. Some think it means they took and tasted of their provisions by way of test to see if their story was true, so Keil and Rosenmüller. Others interpret the words as denoting that the princes of the people took of the provisions, and by thus eating, according to the usages of Oriental nations, pledged themselves to friendship and amity. Compare the eating together as a sign of friendship of Jacob and Laban, Genesis 31:46; and the expression “covenant of salt,” Leviticus 2:13; 2 Chronicles 13:5. and asked not counsel] This was a transgression of an explicit command that the priest should seek a revelation of the Divine will for Joshua by means of the Sacred Oracle, the Urim and Thummim; “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” (Numbers 27:21). See also Exodus 28:30. Against any league with the inhabitants of Canaan they had been specially warned (Exodus 23:32; Exodus 34:12; Numbers 33:55; Deuteronomy 7:2).

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 9:14

The elders of Israel Joshua 9:18, tasting what was offered them by the Gibeonites, pledged themselves according to the usage of Eastern nations to peace and friendship with them.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:14

14. The men — The chiefs in Joshua’s camp with whom the Gibeonites conferred. Took of their victuals — But it is not said that the men of Israel ate of these victuals.

Sermons on Joshua 9:14

SermonDescription
William Carrol A Covenant That Covers by William Carrol In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of making bad decisions and how they can become a part of our lives. He uses the analogy of being hewers of wood and drawers of w
Chuck Smith Joshua 9:3 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the dangers of forming ungodly alliances, warning that God has commanded His people not to make treaties with unbelievers. He explains that such alliances ca
John Nelson Darby Joshua 1 - 13 by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby explores the themes of faith, obedience, and the spiritual journey of the Israelites as they prepare to cross the Jordan into Canaan. He emphasizes the importance
Leonard Ravenhill **Long Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill The video is the first of three phone messages by Revival God's Way, Revival Crane. Revival Crane is known for his powerful preaching and singing. In this message, he discusses the
Jackie Pullinger God Uses Foolish Things by Jackie Pullinger In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of scoring a three, two, and four in a specific process. They mention the idea of a snow-covered holiday and walking on snow. Th
Kathryn Kuhlman God Directs Our Lives by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They share personal anecdotes about their relationship with their earthly father, highl
David Wilkerson A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea

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