Joshua 9:14 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. 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 honor of God their king were intimately concerned.

Joshua 9:14

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