In the context of the Bible, the term "moldy" is primarily associated with the narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Joshua. The term is used to describe bread that has become stale and spoiled, symbolizing deceit and the passage of time. The account involving moldy bread is significant in understanding themes of deception, covenant, and discernment.

Biblical Reference:

The most notable mention of moldy bread occurs in Joshua 9, where the Gibeonites use it as part of their ruse to secure a peace treaty with the Israelites. The Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelites, resort to deception to protect themselves. They pretend to be travelers from a distant land, hoping to convince Joshua and the leaders of Israel to make a covenant with them. To support their claim, they present old sacks, worn-out wineskins, patched sandals, and moldy bread as evidence of their long journey.

Joshua 9:12-13 states: "This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now, behold, it is dry and moldy. These wineskins were new when we filled them, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out from the very long journey."

Theological Implications:

1. Deception and Discernment: The moldy bread serves as a physical representation of the Gibeonites' deception. The Israelites, failing to seek the Lord's counsel, are deceived by appearances and enter into a covenant with the Gibeonites. This incident underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and exercising discernment in decision-making.

2. Covenant and Consequences: Despite the deception, the Israelites honor their covenant with the Gibeonites, demonstrating the binding nature of oaths and agreements. This reflects the biblical principle that covenants, once made, are to be upheld, even if entered into under false pretenses. The Israelites' commitment to their word, despite the circumstances, highlights the value placed on integrity and faithfulness.

3. Symbolism of Decay: Moldy bread symbolizes decay and the passage of time, serving as a metaphor for the consequences of sin and the deterioration that can occur when one strays from God's guidance. It reminds believers of the need for spiritual vigilance and the dangers of being swayed by external appearances.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, bread was a staple food, and its condition could indicate the length of a journey or the sincerity of a visitor. The Gibeonites' use of moldy bread as a prop in their deception was a calculated move, exploiting cultural norms to achieve their goal. This historical context enriches the narrative, providing insight into the everyday life and practices of the time.

Moral Lessons:

The account of the moldy bread in Joshua 9 offers several moral lessons for believers. It serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of deception and the importance of seeking God's wisdom in all matters. It also emphasizes the sanctity of covenants and the need for integrity in upholding one's commitments. Through this narrative, believers are reminded of the importance of spiritual discernment and the consequences of neglecting divine guidance.(superl.) Alt. of Mouldy.

Hillis -- God the Unwearied Guide
... The people were broken in health, their beauty marred, their weapon a staff, their
garments the leather coat, their provisions pieces of moldy bread, and their ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/hillis god the unwearied.htm

Striking Similes
... His eyes blazed like deep forests. His eyes glowed like blue coals. His eyes were
hollows of madness, his hair like moldy hay. His face burnt like a brand. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

Useful Phrases
... mock seriousness. modest cheerfulness. modified sentiment. moldy doctrines. mollifying
conditions [mollifying = calming; soothing]. momentary discomfiture. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

Moldy (2 Occurrences)
... (superl.) Alt. of Mouldy. Multi-Version Concordance Moldy (2 Occurrences). ... All the
bread of their provision was dry and moldy. (WEB WBS RSV NIV). ...
/m/moldy.htm - 7k

Hoar (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Gray or white with age; hoary. 3. (a.) Musty; moldy; stale. 4. (n.)
Hoariness; antiquity. 5. (vt) To become moldy or musty. Int. ...
/h/hoar.htm - 8k

Provision (50 Occurrences)
... (Root in WBS YLT NAS RSV). Joshua 9:5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and
wore old garments. All the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. ...
/p/provision.htm - 23k

Mouldy (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (superl.) Overgrown with, or containing, mold; as,
moldy cheese or bread. 2. (a.) See Moldy. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/m/mouldy.htm - 7k

Mole (2 Occurrences)

/m/mole.htm - 12k

Dry (217 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Joshua 9:5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and wore old garments.
All the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. ...
/d/dry.htm - 37k

Wore (19 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and wore old garments. All
the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. (WEB NIV). ...
/w/wore.htm - 11k

Molds (4 Occurrences)

/m/molds.htm - 7k

Patched (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and wore old garments.
All the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. (WEB ...
/p/patched.htm - 7k

Packed (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the
day we went out to go to you; but now, behold, it is dry, and has become moldy...
/p/packed.htm - 7k

Who were the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.org

Moldy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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