Joshua 9:20

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."

Study Bible

This is what we will do to them
This phrase indicates a decisive action plan. The Israelites, led by Joshua, are in a position of authority and responsibility. The Hebrew root for "do" (עָשָׂה, asah) implies not just action, but a purposeful and deliberate act. This reflects the Israelites' commitment to uphold their covenant, even when made under deceptive circumstances. It underscores the importance of integrity and the fulfillment of one's word, a principle deeply rooted in the biblical narrative.

We will let them live
The decision to let the Gibeonites live, despite their deception, is significant. The Hebrew word for "live" (חָיָה, chayah) conveys not just survival, but a granting of life and continued existence. This act of mercy aligns with the broader biblical theme of grace and forgiveness. It also reflects the Israelites' understanding of the sanctity of life and the importance of honoring covenants, even when made under false pretenses.

so that wrath will not fall on us
The concept of "wrath" (קֶצֶף, qetseph) in the Hebrew context often refers to divine anger or judgment. The Israelites are acutely aware of the consequences of breaking an oath, especially one made in the name of the Lord. This phrase highlights their fear of divine retribution and their desire to remain in God's favor. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which oaths and promises were regarded in ancient Israelite society.

for breaking the oath
The "oath" (שְׁבוּעָה, shevuah) is a solemn promise or vow, often made invoking God's name. In the ancient Near Eastern context, oaths were binding and sacred. Breaking an oath was not just a legal issue but a spiritual one, with potential repercussions from God. This phrase emphasizes the weight of words and the moral obligation to uphold one's promises, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture.

we swore to them
The act of swearing (שָׁבַע, shava) an oath was a formal and binding commitment. The Israelites' acknowledgment of their sworn promise to the Gibeonites, despite the latter's deception, reflects a deep respect for the power of spoken words and the divine witness to such covenants. This phrase underscores the biblical teaching that integrity and faithfulness to one's word are paramount, even when circumstances are challenging.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses and led the people into the Promised Land. He is responsible for making the covenant with the Gibeonites.

2. Gibeonites
A group of people from the city of Gibeon who deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land.

3. Israelites
The people of God, who were commanded to conquer the land of Canaan and not make treaties with its inhabitants.

4. Canaan
The Promised Land that God had given to the Israelites, where they were to establish themselves and follow God's commandments.

5. Oath
A solemn promise made by the Israelites to the Gibeonites, which they felt bound to honor despite the deception involved.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Integrity
The Israelites honored their oath to the Gibeonites despite the deception involved. This teaches us the importance of maintaining integrity and keeping our promises, even when it is difficult.

Consequences of Disobedience
The Israelites' failure to consult God before making the treaty with the Gibeonites serves as a reminder of the consequences of acting without seeking divine guidance.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
Despite the Israelites' mistake, God used the situation to demonstrate His sovereignty and mercy, as the Gibeonites became servants and were integrated into Israel, showing that God can bring good out of our errors.

The Weight of Our Words
The passage emphasizes the power and responsibility of our words and commitments, encouraging us to be thoughtful and prayerful before making promises.

Avoiding Deception
The Gibeonites' deception serves as a warning to be discerning and cautious, seeking God's wisdom to avoid being misled.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Gibeonites challenge us to consider the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we maintain integrity in our commitments, even when circumstances change?

3. How does the Israelites' experience with the Gibeonites illustrate the potential consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' response to the Gibeonites about handling situations where we have been deceived?

5. How can we apply the principle of keeping our word, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37, in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
This passage outlines God's command to the Israelites not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land, highlighting the seriousness of the Israelites' mistake in making a treaty with the Gibeonites.

2 Samuel 21:1-6
This passage describes a later consequence of Saul breaking the oath with the Gibeonites, resulting in a famine, which underscores the importance of keeping oaths.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus teaches about the importance of keeping one's word and the integrity of oaths, which relates to the Israelites' commitment to the Gibeonites.