Israel makes a covenant without inquiring of the LORD — So the men took some of their provisions; but did not inquire of the LORD. This is the theological pivot of the chapter. Israel accepts the bread (וַיִּשְׁמְרוּ מִצִּדָתָם) and makes a covenant (וַיִּכְרְתוּ־לָהֶם בְרִית). The phrase 'did not inquire of the LORD' (לֹא שָׁאָלוּ אֶת־פִּי יְהוָה) echoes Joshua's earlier inquiries of the LORD (e.g., after the defeat at Ai); the absence of this prayer is Israel's failure, not merely their mistake. Covenant-making is the LORD's prerogative; proceeding without divine counsel violates the pattern of reliance established throughout conquest.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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