Joshua 9:20

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.

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.

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.

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.โ€

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

Commentary on Joshua 9:20 KJV

Joshua 9:20 records the decision made by the leaders of Israel regarding the Gibeonites after discovering their deception. Despite being tricked into a treaty, the Israelites determined to honor the oath they had sworn, fearing divine consequences if they broke their word. This verse highlights the profound importance of oaths and covenants in ancient Israelite society and before God.

Context

Following Israel's decisive victories at Jericho and Ai, the inhabitants of Canaan were filled with dread. The Gibeonites, a Hivite people living in a powerful city, devised a cunning plan to save themselves. They sent ambassadors dressed in old, worn-out clothes and carrying stale provisions, pretending to be from a very distant land. They approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel, requesting a treaty of peace. Tragically, the Israelites "did not ask counsel of the LORD" before making this covenant (Joshua 9:14). Three days later, the truth was discovered: the Gibeonites were their close neighbors, part of the very nations God had commanded Israel to utterly destroy (Deuteronomy 7:2, 20:16-18). This verse, Joshua 9:20, reveals the resolution to this dilemma: they would spare the Gibeonites' lives due to the sanctity of the sworn oath.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Sanctity of Oaths: Even though the oath was secured through deceit, the Israelite leaders considered it binding. Breaking a solemn vow, especially one made "before the LORD," was a grave offense in ancient Israel, understood to provoke divine retribution. This underscores the importance of integrity and keeping one's word.
  • Fear of Divine Wrath: The phrase "lest wrath be upon us" reveals a deep-seated fear of God's judgment. The leaders understood that God holds His people accountable for their promises, even those made in error or under duress. This fear was not merely superstitious but rooted in an understanding of God's justice and faithfulness to His own covenant promises.
  • Consequences of Deception: While the Gibeonites saved their lives, their deception led 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). This serves as a cautionary tale about the short-term gains versus long-term repercussions of dishonesty.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Oath" (Hebrew: 'alah - ืึธืœึธื”): This term often carries the nuance of an oath accompanied by an imprecation or curse; that is, the person swearing invokes divine judgment upon themselves if they break the oath. This reinforces the Israelites' fear of "wrath" if they reneged on their promise.
  • "Wrath" (Hebrew: qetseph - ืงึถืฆึถืฃ): This word denotes strong displeasure or indignation, particularly divine anger. The Israelites genuinely feared God's righteous anger for breaking a covenant, a fear later vindicated in other historical accounts where covenant breaches led to dire consequences (e.g., 2 Samuel 21:1-6, where King Saul's later assault on the Gibeonites brought a famine upon Israel).

Practical Application

Joshua 9:20 offers timeless lessons for believers today.

  • Integrity in Promises: Our word should be our bond. This verse reminds us that honoring our commitments, even when inconvenient or made under less-than-ideal circumstances, reflects on our character and our relationship with God. As Jesus taught, our "yea" should be "yea," and our "nay," "nay" (Matthew 5:37).
  • Seeking God's Counsel: The initial error of the Israelite leaders was not consulting God. This highlights the vital importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance in all decisions, especially significant ones (Proverbs 3:5-6).
  • Understanding God's Character: God is a God of truth and justice. While He is merciful, He also expects faithfulness and holds His people accountable for their actions and words. This passage provides a window into His consistent character.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 20:25

    ยถ [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

    ยถ 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.
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