Joshua 9:12

12 “This bread was hot from the ovens when we left our homes. But now, as you can see, it is dry and moldy.

Joshua 9:12 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 9:12

This our bread we took hot [for] our provision out of our
houses
These are not the words of the elders to the messengers they sent, continued, but of the ambassadors to the Israelites, pointing to the bread they brought with them, which they pretended was newly baked and took hot out of the oven:

on the day we came forth to go unto you, but now, behold, it is dry,
and it is mouldy: (See Gill on Joshua 9:5); which they gave as a demonstration and proof that they were come from a far country, as they had asserted.

Joshua 9:12 In-Context

10 We have also heard what he did to the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River—King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan (who lived in Ashtaroth).

11 So our elders and all our people instructed us, ‘Take supplies for a long journey. Go meet with the people of Israel and tell them, “We are your servants; please make a treaty with us.”’

12 “This bread was hot from the ovens when we left our homes. But now, as you can see, it is dry and moldy.

13 These wineskins were new when we filled them, but now they are old and split open. And our clothing and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.”

14 So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the LORD .