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Book of Joshua - Chapter 9 - Verse 11

9:11
Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us.

Meaning

This verse from the Book of Joshua in the Bible recounts a moment when the elders and inhabitants of a certain country advised their people to take provisions for a journey to meet others and make a treaty with them. The message they were to convey was one of servitude and a willingness to establish a covenant or alliance. The advice to bring victuals for the journey highlights the importance of being prepared and showing good faith when entering into agreements with others. By acknowledging their willingness to serve and making a pact, the elders of this country exemplified the importance of diplomacy and peaceful resolutions in dealing with neighbors or potential allies. This verse serves as a reminder of the value of humility, foresight, and cooperation in establishing positive relationships with those around us.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the elders and inhabitants of a land are advising their people to prepare for a journey and to approach a group of individuals with humility and a desire for peace. The term "victuals" here refers to provisions or food supplies needed for the journey, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the task ahead. The act of making a league signifies an agreement or covenant between the two parties, where they commit to forming a relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation. By offering to be servants and seeking to establish a league, the elders and inhabitants are demonstrating their willingness to work together harmoniously with the other group. This verse highlights the themes of diplomacy, negotiation, and the importance of communication in establishing relationships, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

American Standard Version

And our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take provision in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: and now make ye a covenant with us.
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