Joshua 9:19

But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.

But all the princes {H5387} said {H559} unto all the congregation {H5712}, We have sworn {H7650} unto them by the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}: now therefore we may {H3201} not touch {H5060} them.

However, the leaders replied to the whole community, "We have sworn to them by ADONAI, the God of Isra'el; so we can't touch them.

All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.

But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by Jehovah, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.

Commentary

Context

The narrative immediately preceding this verse details how the Gibeonites, inhabitants of a nearby Canaanite city, deceived the Israelite leaders. They pretended to be from a distant land, seeking a peace treaty. Israel had been commanded by God to utterly destroy the inhabitants of the land of Canaan. However, the leaders, including Joshua, failed to inquire of the Lord before making a covenant with them. When the deception was discovered three days later, the congregation murmured, wanting to attack the Gibeonites, but the princes intervened.

Key Themes

  • The Sanctity of an Oath: The princes' declaration highlights the profound respect for an oath made in the name of the Lord. Despite the Gibeonites' deception, the Israelite leaders considered the covenant binding because God's name had been invoked. This reflects a core principle of Israelite law and faith: that vows made to the Lord must be kept, even to one's own hurt, as stated in Psalm 15:4.
  • Consequences of Hasty Decisions: The leaders' failure to consult God before entering the covenant led to a complex moral dilemma. They were caught between God's command to destroy the Canaanites and their sworn oath. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance in all decisions, rather than relying solely on human judgment or appearances.
  • God's Sovereignty and Integrity: While Israel made an error, God honored the oath made in His name, demonstrating His commitment to truth and the sanctity of covenants. This shows that even in the midst of human error, God's character remains steadfast and His name is to be held in reverence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel" (Hebrew: Yahweh Elohei Yisrael) underscores the gravity of the oath. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, invoking the name of a deity made a covenant supremely binding. For Israel, invoking "the LORD God of Israel" meant placing the covenant under the divine authority and judgment of the covenant-keeping God. Breaking such an oath would have been seen as an affront to God Himself, potentially bringing divine judgment, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:1 where a famine occurred centuries later due to Saul's violation of this very covenant with the Gibeonites.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today. It emphasizes the weight of our words and promises, especially those made before God or in His name. It calls us to live with integrity, upholding our commitments even when it is inconvenient or when they result from a misjudgment. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful warning against making significant decisions without seeking God's counsel through prayer and His Word. We are reminded to always rely on His guidance to avoid unforeseen complications and to ensure our actions honor His name.

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Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 8:2 (3 votes)

    I [counsel thee] to keep the king's commandment, and [that] in regard of the oath of God.

  • Jeremiah 4:2 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:2 (2 votes)

    All [things come] alike to all: [there is] one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as [is] the good, so [is] the sinner; [and] he that sweareth, as [he] that feareth an oath.

  • Joshua 9:20 (2 votes)

    This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them.