Joshua 9:20-27

20 This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them.

21 The princes said to them, Let them live: so they became wood cutters and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.

22 Yehoshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, Why have you deceived us, saying, We are very far from you; when you dwell among us?

23 Now therefore you are cursed, and there shall never fail to be of you bondservants, both wood cutters and drawers of water for the house of my God.

24 They answered Yehoshua, and said, Because it was certainly told your servants, how that the LORD your God commanded his servant Moshe to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were sore afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing.

25 Now, behold, we are in your hand: as it seems good and right to you to do to us, do.

26 So did he to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Yisra'el, that they didn't kill them.

27 That day Yehoshua made those wood cutters and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place which he should choose.

Joshua 9:20-27 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA 9

This chapter gives an account of the combination of the several kings of Canaan against Israel, Jos 9:1,2; and of the craftiness of the Gibeonites, pretending they were ambassadors from a far country, and desired to enter into a league with Israel, which they obtained, Jos 9:3-15; but when it was discovered who they were, it occasioned a murmuring among the people, Jos 9:16-18; which the princes quelled by proposing to make them hewers of wood, and drawers of water, Jos 9:19-21; in order to which Joshua summoned them before him, and chided them for beguiling them; and after they had made their excuse, he ordered them to the service the princes proposed, and so peace in the congregation of Israel was preserved, Jos 9:21-27.