Joshua 9:13
And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.
Original Language Analysis
הַיַּ֙יִן֙
of wine
H3196
הַיַּ֙יִן֙
of wine
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
3 of 15
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִלֵּ֣אנוּ
which we filled
H4390
מִלֵּ֣אנוּ
which we filled
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
5 of 15
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
הִתְבַּקָּ֑עוּ
and behold they be rent
H1234
הִתְבַּקָּ֑עוּ
and behold they be rent
Strong's:
H1234
Word #:
8 of 15
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
וּנְעָלֵ֔ינוּ
and our shoes
H5275
וּנְעָלֵ֔ינוּ
and our shoes
Strong's:
H5275
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)
בָּל֕וּ
are become old
H1086
בָּל֕וּ
are become old
Strong's:
H1086
Word #:
12 of 15
to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)
Historical Context
Ancient wineskins (made from whole goat hides) did crack and split with use and age, especially in dry climates. The Gibeonites' theatrical props exploited Israel's unfamiliarity with local geography—fresh from wilderness wandering, they couldn't recognize nearby Canaanite cities. The deception worked because Israel relied on visible evidence rather than seeking God's guidance.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you been deceived by convincing 'evidence' because you failed to seek God's wisdom?
- How do you distinguish between thorough investigation and self-sufficient decision-making without prayer?
- What modern deceptions use plausible 'props' to mislead believers away from dependence on God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
These bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent—The Gibeonites' deception included wine bottles (נֹאדוֹת, no'dot)—goatskin containers that crack and tear with age and use. The word rent (בָּקַע, baqa', torn/split) added visual proof to their false claim of a distant origin. Their garments and shoes appearing old by reason of the very long journey completed the fabrication.
This verse highlights the convincing nature of their deception—physical 'evidence' seemed to validate their story. Yet Israel's failure was not inadequate investigation of props but failure to ask counsel at the mouth of the LORD (v. 14). Satan's deceptions often include plausible evidence; discernment requires divine wisdom, not mere empirical observation. As Paul warns: 'Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light' (2 Corinthians 11:14).