Joshua 9:14

9:14 The men examined ¹  some of their provisions, but they failed to ask the Lord’s advice. ² 

Joshua 9:4

9:4 they did something clever. They collected some provisions ³  and put worn-out sacks on their donkeys, along with worn-out wineskins that were ripped and patched.

[9:14]  ¹ tn Heb “took.” This probably means they tasted some of the food to make sure it was stale.

[9:14]  ² tn Heb “but they did not ask the mouth of the Lord.” This refers to seeking the Lord’s will and guidance through an oracle.

[9:4]  ³ tc Heb “and they went and [?].” The root and meaning of the verb form יִצְטַיָּרוּ (yitstayyaru) are uncertain. The form is most likely a corruption of יִצְטַיָּדוּ (yitstayyadu), read by some Hebrew mss and ancient versions, from the root צוּד (tsud, “take provisions,” BDB 845 s.v. II צוד) which also occurs in v. 11. Note NRSV “they went and prepared provisions”; cf. NEB “They went and disguised themselves”; NIV “they went as a delegation.”