MOLDY BREAD
…And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy.
JOSHUA 9:4-5 NKJV
Some scriptures pertain to bread, including unleavened, daily and the bread of life. But there’s one story about bread found in the Bible that’s rarely told. Israel’s enemy, the Gibeonites, used dry and moldy bread to deceive Joshua into making a covenant with them.
God warned Israel against becoming allies with its enemies, so their guard should’ve been up at all times against such imposters.
The Gibeonites literally cooked up a scheme to trick Joshua into making a covenant between them and Israel.
In order to make it seem as if they had traveled from a far country, the people of Gibeon carried old sacks and wineskins. Their garments and sandals were also old and worn. Their provisions included dry and moldy bread to make the well-crafted scheme even more believable.
Joshua questioned the Gibeonites asking who they were and where were they from. Their answer seemed sincere enough. They had traveled from a far country and wanted to be their servants.
Scripture tells us that the men of Israel looked at their provisions, but failed to ask God for counsel in discerning the situation.
Joshua, convinced that all was well, made a treaty with these people. Three days later, he learned they had been deceived into making a covenant with their enemies.
Joshua learned a great lesson that is invaluable to Christians today.
First, only trust the living bread, Jesus Christ and seek His counsel in every situation. Next, always be on guard for the enemy.
Be sober, be vigilant; because the adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8 KJV
In conclusion, stay alert, for the enemy will constantly try to feed you deceptive bologna served with dry and moldy bread in any shape, form or fashion. Your Heavenly Father, however, gives the bread of life freely and continuously to all those who ask through Jesus Christ His Son.
Dear Lord, help me to keep the shield of faith held high and the sword of the Spirit ready at all times to defeat the enemy. Amen.
