14 The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.
14 So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.
14 The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn't ask God about it.
14 Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.
14 So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 9:14
Commentary on Joshua 9:14-21
(Read Joshua 9:14-21)
The Israelites, having examined the provisions of the Gibeonites, hastily concluded that they confirmed their account. We make more haste than good speed, when we stay not to take God with us, and do not consult him by the word and prayer. The fraud was soon found out. A lying tongue is but for a moment. Had the oath been in itself unlawful, it would not have been binding; for no obligation can render it our duty to commit a sin. But it was not unlawful to spare the Canaanites who submitted, and left idolatry, desiring only that their lives might be spared. A citizen of Zion swears to his own hurt, and changes not, Psalm 15:4. Joshua and the princes, when they found that they had been deceived, did not apply to Eleazar the high priest to be freed from their engagement, much less did they pretend that no faith is to be kept with those to whom they had sworn. Let this convince us how we ought to keep our promises, and make good our bargains; and what conscience we ought to make of our words.