Joshua 9:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

This we will do {H6213} to them; we will even let them live {H2421}, lest wrath {H7110} be upon us, because of the oath {H7621} which we sware {H7650} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what we will do to them: we will let them live, so that God's anger will not be on us because of the oath we swore to them.

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:20 articulates the Israelite leaders' pivotal decision to uphold their sworn oath to the Gibeonites, despite having been deceived into the covenant. Faced with the discovery that the Gibeonites were not distant travelers but close neighbors whom God had commanded to be eradicated, the elders chose to honor their word, fearing divine retribution if they broke a solemn vow made in the Lord's name. This verse underscores the profound sanctity of oaths and covenants within ancient Israelite society and before God, highlighting the grave consequences perceived to accompany their violation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 9:20 is situated immediately after the revelation of the Gibeonites' deception (Joshua 9:16-19) and before the formalization of their servitude (Joshua 9:21-27). Following Israel's decisive victories at [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Defeat of Ai"), the Canaanite inhabitants were gripped by fear. The Gibeonites, a powerful Hivite city, cunningly feigned a long journey to secure a peace treaty with Israel. The critical error of the Israelite leaders, as highlighted in [Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Consult God"), was their failure to "ask counsel of the LORD" before entering this covenant. Upon discovering the deception three days later, the congregation murmured against the leaders, who then had to decide how to proceed. This verse records their resolution: to spare the Gibeonites due to the binding nature of the oath, thus averting divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, oaths and treaties were sacred, often invoked in the name of deities and considered binding, even if secured under duress or deception. Breaking such a covenant was believed to invite the wrath of the invoked deity. For Israel, an oath sworn "before the LORD" was exceptionally solemn, reflecting God's own covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, Israel was under a divine command (the *herem*) to utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan to prevent idolatry and moral corruption ([Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7 "Deuteronomy 7 - Warnings Against Idolatry") and [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws of Warfare")). The Gibeonites were explicitly part of these condemned nations. The dilemma in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception") was therefore acute: uphold a divinely-sanctioned command or honor a human oath made in God's name, albeit deceptively acquired. The leaders' decision reveals their profound understanding of the sanctity of an oath and the very real fear of God's judgment for its violation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **sanctity of oaths and covenants**, demonstrating that even a deceptively acquired oath, once sworn in the Lord's name, was considered inviolable by Israel's leaders. This highlights God's expectation of integrity and truthfulness from His people, reflecting His own unchanging character ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")). Secondly, the phrase "lest wrath be upon us" emphasizes the **fear of divine judgment** for covenant infidelity, a recurring theme throughout Israel's history ([2 Samuel 21:1-6](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1-6 - Famine Due to Broken Oath")). Thirdly, it illustrates the **consequences of human error and lack of discernment**, as Israel's failure to consult God in [Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Error") led to a complex moral dilemma. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **grace within judgment**, as the Gibeonites, though condemned to destruction, are spared their lives and integrated into Israel's service, albeit in a subordinate role ([Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Servants")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oath (Hebrew, _'alah'_):** This term (אָלָה) denotes a solemn vow, often accompanied by an imprecation or curse invoked upon oneself if the vow is broken. It signifies an agreement made under the most serious conditions, with divine judgment as the consequence of infidelity. The use of this word here underscores the gravity of the Israelites' commitment and their understanding that breaking it would invite the very curse they had implicitly invoked upon themselves.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _qetseph'_):** The word (קֶצֶף) signifies strong displeasure, indignation, or divine anger. It is often associated with God's righteous judgment against sin or disobedience, particularly against covenant breaking. The leaders' fear of "wrath" was not mere superstition but a theological understanding that God holds His people accountable for their word, especially when that word is given in His name. This fear was well-founded, as later biblical history demonstrates God's judgment upon those who break sacred covenants (e.g., [2 Samuel 21:1](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1 - Saul's Violation of the Gibeonite Oath")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This we will do to them; we will even let them live,"**: This clause reveals the immediate decision of the Israelite leaders. Despite the Gibeonites' deception and the divine command to eradicate the Canaanites, the leaders resolve to spare their lives. This choice prioritizes the sanctity of the oath over the initial command, demonstrating a nuanced approach to divine directives when an oath has been sworn. It sets the stage for the Gibeonites' future role as servants, detailed later in the chapter.
* **"lest wrath be upon us,"**: This phrase articulates the primary motivation for their decision. The leaders understood that breaking an oath made in the Lord's name would incur divine displeasure and judgment. This fear was not a lack of faith, but a profound reverence for God's holiness and justice, recognizing that God is faithful to His own word and expects His people to be faithful to theirs. It highlights the serious implications of covenant infidelity in the eyes of God.
* **"because of the oath which we sware unto them."**: This final clause explicitly states the reason for their action: the binding nature of the oath. It confirms that the oath, even though secured through cunning, was considered inviolable by the Israelite leadership. This emphasizes the absolute sanctity of a sworn promise in ancient Israelite law and theology, particularly when God's name was invoked, demonstrating that integrity and adherence to one's word were paramount.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception"), culminating in [Joshua 9:20](/joshua/9-20 "Joshua 9:20 - The Decision to Honor the Oath"), employs several literary devices. There is significant **Irony** in the Gibeonite deception: their cunning lie, intended to save their lives from immediate destruction, ultimately leads to a permanent state of servitude, becoming "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the congregation and the altar of the Lord ([Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites Become Servants")). This outcome, while sparing their lives, is a form of judgment for their dishonesty. Furthermore, the narrative contains **Foreshadowing**, as the fear of "wrath" for breaking the oath is later realized in Israel's history. King Saul's subsequent assault on the Gibeonites, violating this very oath, leads to a three-year famine upon Israel, requiring atonement ([2 Samuel 21:1-6](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1-6 - Saul's Violation and Famine")). This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to the sanctity of oaths, even those made in error. Finally, there is a **Contrast** between God's clear command to utterly destroy the Canaanites and the human oath that seemingly overrides it, creating a theological tension that the leaders resolve by prioritizing the oath's sanctity to avoid divine wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:20 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of oaths and God's character. It reveals that God holds His people accountable for their word, even when given under less than ideal circumstances. The Israelite leaders, though initially deceived, recognized that an oath sworn "before the LORD" invoked God as a witness and guarantor, making its violation a direct affront to Him. This passage underscores that divine wrath is a real consequence of covenant infidelity, reflecting God's justice and His demand for integrity from those who bear His name. It teaches that God values truthfulness and the keeping of promises so highly that even a command for destruction can be superseded by the sanctity of a sworn oath, once made.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows"): "If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth."
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalm/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - The Character of the Righteous"): "He who swears to his own hurt and does not change."
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - On Keeping Vows"): "When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 9:20 offers profound lessons for believers today concerning integrity, discernment, and the fear of God. In a world where promises are often broken and truth is malleable, this passage calls us to a higher standard. Our word should be our bond, reflecting the faithfulness of the God we serve. Even when circumstances change or we realize we've made a commitment unwisely, the principle remains: honor your word. This doesn't mean we are bound to sinful promises, but it does mean we should exercise extreme caution and prayerful discernment before making commitments, especially those that involve God's name or our Christian witness. The Israelites' initial error was not consulting God; our application must be to seek His counsel in all decisions, big or small, to avoid dilemmas born of haste or human wisdom alone. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that God is a God of truth and justice, who expects His people to walk in integrity, knowing that our actions have spiritual consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take my promises and commitments, both to God and to others?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to making hasty decisions without seeking God's counsel?**
* **What does the Israelite leaders' fear of "wrath" teach me about the holiness and justice of God?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of integrity and truthfulness in my daily interactions?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Israelites honor an oath that was obtained through deception, especially since it contradicted God's command to destroy the Canaanites?**

Answer: The Israelite leaders honored the oath primarily out of a profound fear of divine wrath. In the ancient Near East, and especially for Israel, an oath sworn in the name of a deity (in this case, "before the LORD") was considered absolutely binding, regardless of how it was obtained. To break such an oath was to invite the direct judgment of the invoked deity. While God had commanded the destruction of the Canaanites ([Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7 "Deuteronomy 7 - Warnings Against Idolatry")), the leaders understood that God's own character is one of faithfulness to promises. Breaking an oath, even one made in error, would demonstrate a lack of integrity that could provoke God's anger more directly than the failure to execute the *herem* in this specific instance. Their decision prioritized the sanctity of the oath and the avoidance of divine punishment for perjury. This is later vindicated when King Saul's violation of this very oath brings a famine upon Israel ([2 Samuel 21:1-6](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1-6 - Saul's Violation of the Gibeonite Oath")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 9:20, with its emphasis on the sanctity of an oath and the fear of divine wrath for its violation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. The Israelite leaders' decision to honor a deceitful oath, fearing God's wrath, points to a deeper theological truth: God's own unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Unlike the Gibeonites' deception, God's covenant with humanity is founded on perfect truth and love. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Amen," the faithful and true witness who perfectly fulfills every promise of God ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He is the one who took upon Himself the "wrath" that humanity deserved for its covenant breaking and sin ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). Through His obedient life and sacrificial death, Christ honored God's justice and satisfied the demands of the law, upholding divine integrity in a way that Israel, in its best efforts, could only dimly reflect. The Gibeonites, though spared from destruction, entered a state of servitude; similarly, humanity, though deserving of judgment, is redeemed through Christ's work, entering into a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")) and becoming willing servants of righteousness ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Slaves of Righteousness")). Thus, Joshua 9:20, while a story of human error and divine fear, ultimately directs our gaze to the perfect oath-keeper, Jesus, who secures our eternal peace by fully absorbing the wrath we deserved.

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

Proverbs 20:25

¶ [It is] a snare to the man [who] devoureth [that which is] holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 Chronicles 36:13

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

1 Timothy 1:10

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Ezekiel 17:12

Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these [things mean]? tell [them], Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;

Ezekiel 17:21

And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it].

2 Samuel 21:1

¶ Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, [It is] for Saul, and for [his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.