Joshua 9:15

KJV

¶ And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} made {H6213} peace {H7965} with them, and made {H3772} a league {H1285} with them, to let them live {H2421}: and the princes {H5387} of the congregation {H5712} sware {H7650} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

so Y'hoshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them to spare their lives, and the leading officials of the community swore to them.

Berean Standard Bible

And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.

American Standard Version

And Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:15 details the solemnization of a covenant between Joshua and the leaders of Israel and the Gibeonites. Despite the Gibeonites having secured this treaty through elaborate deception, presenting themselves as ambassadors from a distant land to avoid destruction, the Israelite leadership, having failed to consult the Lord, entered into a binding peace agreement and swore an oath to spare their lives. This pivotal moment underscores the sanctity of oaths in ancient Israel, even those made under duress or false pretenses, and highlights the immediate consequences of neglecting divine counsel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 9:15 marks the culmination of the Gibeonites' cunning strategy, immediately following their elaborate deception (Joshua 9:3-13) and Israel's critical failure to "ask not counsel at the mouth of the LORD" (Joshua 9:14). This event is strategically placed after Israel's decisive victories at Jericho (Joshua 6) and Ai (Joshua 8), which had instilled widespread fear among the Canaanite inhabitants. While other Canaanite kings were forming a confederacy to fight Israel (Joshua 9:1-2), the Gibeonites opted for subterfuge, demonstrating a different response to the encroaching Israelite conquest. The covenant made in this verse sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, including the Gibeonites' plea for help against an Amorite coalition (Joshua 10:1-6) and their eventual role as perpetual servants within Israel (Joshua 9:21-27).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, covenants (or treaties) were foundational to political and social order, often involving solemn oaths, divine witnesses, and severe curses for breaking the agreement. Such pacts were considered sacred, binding both parties before their respective deities. The Gibeonites, a Hivite people (Joshua 9:7), were among the inhabitants of Canaan whom God had commanded Israel to utterly destroy (Deuteronomy 7:1-2, 20:16-18) to prevent assimilation and idolatry. Their ruse exploited the Israelite custom of offering peace to distant cities before siege (Deuteronomy 20:10-15), while those nearby were to be utterly devoted to destruction. The act of "swearing unto them" invoked the name of Yahweh, making the covenant inviolable in the eyes of the Israelites, regardless of the deception involved, reflecting a deep cultural respect for oaths.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **binding nature of covenants and oaths**, emphasizing that once sworn, even under false pretenses, such agreements were considered sacrosanct before God, as seen in later upholding of this covenant (2 Samuel 21:1-6). Secondly, it serves as a stark **cautionary tale against hasty decision-making and the neglect of divine counsel**. Israel's failure to inquire of the Lord, explicitly stated in [Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Inquire of the Lord"), led them into a predicament that directly contradicted God's command regarding the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty amidst human error**. While Israel stumbled, God's overarching plan for the land and its inhabitants still unfolded, albeit in an unexpected way, as the Gibeonites became perpetual servants, fulfilling a form of subjugation for a Canaanite people, as prophesied in [Genesis 9:25-27](/genesis/9-25 "Genesis 9:25-27 - Noah's Curse on Canaan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** More than just the absence of conflict, _shalom_ signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, and prosperity. In this context, Joshua "made peace" with them, indicating a formal cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a state of non-aggression, which was the Gibeonites' primary objective. This _shalom_ was formalized by the subsequent "league."
* **League (Hebrew, _bĕrît'_):** This term refers to a solemn covenant or treaty, a binding agreement between two parties, often ratified by oaths and sacrifices. It carries significant legal and theological weight. Here, it denotes a formal, unbreakable pact, not merely an informal agreement. The Gibeonites sought to transform their vulnerable status into one protected by a divine oath, making them allies rather than enemies.
* **Sware (Hebrew, _shāba'_):** To take an oath, often invoking the name of God as a witness and guarantor of the promise. When the "princes of the congregation sware unto them," they invoked Yahweh, making the covenant a religious obligation. This act elevated the agreement from a mere human promise to a divinely witnessed and sanctioned vow, rendering it inviolable in the eyes of the Israelites, despite the Gibeonites' deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua made peace with them":** This clause indicates the initial agreement or cessation of hostilities. Joshua, as the leader, formally accepted the Gibeonites' overture, believing their fabricated story. This act established a state of non-aggression, a prerequisite for the more formal covenant.
* **"and made a league with them, to let them live":** This specifies the nature and purpose of the agreement. The "league" (covenant) was a formal, binding treaty. Its explicit purpose was to guarantee the Gibeonites' lives, directly contradicting God's command to utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan. This highlights the profound consequence of Israel's failure to consult God.
* **"and the princes of the congregation sware unto them":** This emphasizes the solemnity and binding nature of the covenant. The "princes of the congregation" – the spiritual and political leaders of Israel alongside Joshua – took a formal oath, invoking the name of God. This act cemented the covenant, making it religiously unbreakable, even when the deception was later revealed. Their oath was a public and sacred commitment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Irony** and **Foreshadowing**. The primary irony lies in Israel's meticulous adherence to God's commands in battle, yet their critical failure to consult Him in a diplomatic situation, leading them to violate a direct command (to destroy Canaanites) by upholding an oath made under deception. This contrasts sharply with their earlier obedience. The Gibeonites' worn-out provisions and clothing are a form of **Symbolism**, representing their fabricated "long journey" and "ancient" status, designed to evoke sympathy and credibility. Furthermore, the Gibeonite narrative serves as **Foreshadowing** for future challenges Israel would face regarding their covenant obligations and the dangers of syncretism, as the Gibeonites' presence would become a long-term issue, even extending into the Davidic monarchy (2 Samuel 21:1-9). The entire account functions as a **Cautionary Tale**, warning against human presumption and the vital necessity of divine guidance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:15 stands as a powerful testament to the sanctity of oaths and covenants in biblical theology, even when entered into under duress or deception. It underscores the divine expectation that promises made in God's name are to be honored, reflecting His own faithfulness to His covenant promises. This incident highlights the tension between God's specific commands (to dispossess Canaan) and the moral imperative to uphold a sworn oath. While Israel's initial error was significant, their subsequent commitment to the oath, despite its inconvenient implications, demonstrated a profound respect for the divine name invoked in the swearing. This commitment, though born of a mistake, ultimately served to illustrate God's sovereignty, as He worked through human error to establish a precedent for how Israel would relate to certain non-Israelite peoples within the land, transforming potential enemies into servants.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - Integrity in Oaths")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Fulfilling Vows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Joshua 9:15 offers profound lessons for believers today concerning integrity, discernment, and dependence on God. It powerfully reminds us that hasty decisions, especially those made without prayerful consideration and seeking God's wisdom, can lead to long-lasting and complicated consequences. The Israelites, despite their military successes and divine favor, stumbled when they relied on their own judgment and outward appearances rather than inquiring of the Lord. This calls us to cultivate a habit of constant communion with God, bringing all our plans, decisions, and relationships before Him. Furthermore, the passage challenges us to consider the weight of our own words and commitments. In a world where promises are often broken lightly, the Israelite leaders' adherence to a mistakenly made oath, though costly, underscores the importance of our integrity. Our "yes" should mean "yes" and our "no" should mean "no," reflecting the character of Christ. Even when we err, God can work through our mistakes, but wisdom dictates we strive to avoid them through diligent discernment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to making hasty decisions without seeking God's counsel?**
* **How does the Gibeonite deception highlight the importance of discernment in my interactions with others?**
* **What commitments have I made, perhaps even impulsively, that I need to prayerfully consider upholding or repenting of?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper habit of inquiring of the Lord before making significant choices?**

### FAQ

**Why did Israel uphold the covenant with the Gibeonites even after discovering the deception?**

Answer: Israel upheld the covenant primarily because the "princes of the congregation sware unto them," invoking the name of the Lord (Yahweh) in their oath. In ancient Israelite culture and theology, an oath made in God's name was considered sacred and inviolable, regardless of the circumstances under which it was made. To break such an oath would be to bring dishonor upon God's name and invite divine judgment. This principle is reinforced elsewhere in Scripture, emphasizing the binding nature of vows (e.g., [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows"), [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - Integrity in Oaths")). While the deception was a grave offense, the Israelites chose to honor their commitment, albeit by subjugating the Gibeonites to perpetual servitude (Joshua 9:21-27) rather than outright destruction, thus balancing the sanctity of the oath with the original divine command to dispossess the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 9:15, while detailing a moment of human fallibility and divine sovereignty, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the perfect covenant-keeper. The flawed covenant made by Joshua foreshadows the perfect and unbreakable new covenant established through Christ's blood. Unlike the Gibeonites who used deception to secure life, humanity, in its fallen state, is truly distant from God, alienated by sin. Yet, Christ, without deception, bridges this chasm. He enters into a covenant with humanity not based on our cunning, but on His perfect sacrifice and grace, offering true "peace" (_shalom_) with God (Ephesians 2:14-18). Where Israel failed to inquire of the Lord, Christ perfectly embodied obedience, always doing the will of the Father (John 6:38). His oath of salvation, sealed by His resurrection, is utterly trustworthy and true (Hebrews 6:13-20). Moreover, the Gibeonites, through their submission, became "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the congregation, serving in the tabernacle (Joshua 9:23). This subtly points to Christ, who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Through Him, those who were once far off are brought near, becoming part of God's household, serving Him in Spirit and truth, not through deceptive means, but through genuine faith in the true and faithful covenant Lord (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 21:2

And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites [were] not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

Deuteronomy 20:10

¶ When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.

Deuteronomy 20:11

And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, [that] all the people [that is] found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee.

Joshua 11:19

There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all [other] they took in battle.

Joshua 6:22

But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.

Joshua 6:25

And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel [even] unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Jeremiah 18:7

[At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];