Joshua 9:16-27 ▼

16 Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them.

17 So the Israelites (God prevails) set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon (hill city), Chephirah (lioness), Beeroth (wells), and Kiriath-jearim (city of forests).

18 But the Israelites (God prevails) did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders.

19 All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), and now we cannot touch them.

20 This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.”

21 They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise.

22 Then Joshua (YHWH saves) summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you⁺ deceive us by telling us you⁺ live far away from us, when in fact you⁺ live among us?

23 Now therefore you⁺ are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God {Elohay}.”

24 The Gibeonites answered (YHWH saves), “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka} had commanded His servant Moses (drawn out) to give you⁺ all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you⁺. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you⁺, and that is why we have done this.

25 Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.”

26 So Joshua did this and delivered them from the hands of the Israelites (God prevails), and they did not kill the Gibeonites.

27 On that day he (YHWH saves) made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD {YHWH} and for the altar at the place He would choose.