Albert Barnes Commentary Joshua 9:14

"And the men took of their provision, and asked not counsel at the mouth of Jehovah." — Joshua 9:14 (ASV)

The elders of Israel (Joshua 9:18), tasting what was offered them by the Gibeonites, pledged themselves according to the usage of Eastern nations to peace and friendship with them. They credited the story at once, instead of seeking the direction of God in the matter. The rendering of the margin is not to be preferred to that of the text.

At the mouth of the Lord — that is, by the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30).