Joshua 9:21

KJV

And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the princes {H5387} said {H559} unto them, Let them live {H2421}; but let them be hewers {H2404} of wood {H6086} and drawers {H7579} of water {H4325} unto all the congregation {H5712}; as the princes {H5387} had promised {H1696} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, let them live," the leaders continued, "but let them chop wood and draw water for the whole community." This is what the leaders said.

Berean Standard Bible

They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise.

American Standard Version

And the princes said unto them, Let them live: so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation, as the princes had spoken unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:21 stands as a profound testament to the binding nature of an oath sworn in the Lord's name, even when secured through deception. This verse details the specific, albeit humiliating, fate of the Gibeonites, who, having cunningly tricked the Israelite leaders into a peace treaty, are now designated perpetual servants—"hewers of wood and drawers of water"—unto the entire congregation of Israel. It encapsulates Israel's commitment to their solemn word, demonstrating a deep reverence for the divine covenant, even as it highlights the consequences of both human deceit and a failure to seek divine counsel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 9:21 is situated within the broader narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, immediately following the miraculous victories at [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai"). These decisive triumphs had spread fear among the indigenous Canaanite peoples. The Gibeonites, a Hivite people inhabiting a strategically important city, recognized the futility of direct military confrontation. Instead, they devised an elaborate ruse, presenting themselves as weary travelers from a distant land, with worn-out clothes and moldy provisions, to deceive Joshua and the princes of Israel ([Joshua 9:4-5](/joshua/9-4 "Joshua 9:4-5 - The Gibeonites' Deception")). Crucially, the Israelites, despite their recent experiences of divine guidance, neglected to "inquire of the Lord" ([Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Inquire of the Lord")) before entering into a covenant with them. Three days later, the deception was revealed, but because an oath had been sworn "by the Lord God of Israel" ([Joshua 9:19](/joshua/9-19 "Joshua 9:19 - The Princes' Oath to the Gibeonites")), the princes felt irrevocably bound to honor it, even if it meant sparing those whom God had commanded to be utterly destroyed ([Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - God's Command for Canaanite Destruction")). Joshua 9:21 then articulates the terms of their survival: perpetual servitude.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, oaths and covenants were foundational to social, political, and religious life. An oath sworn in the name of a deity was considered a sacred, inviolable bond, carrying severe consequences for its violation. Breaking such an oath was not merely a breach of human trust but an offense against the deity invoked, potentially incurring divine wrath upon the oath-taker and their community. For Israel, an oath sworn "by the Lord God of Israel" held particular weight, reflecting the covenant relationship God had established with them. The concept of "hewers of wood and drawers of water" was a common idiom for the lowest and most laborious forms of servitude, often assigned to subjugated peoples or slaves. This status ensured the Gibeonites' survival but also their perpetual, humble integration into Israelite society, serving the community's most basic needs, including those related to the Tabernacle and later, the Temple.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding Joshua 9:21 powerfully illustrates several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores **the inviolable nature of oaths sworn in God's name**, even when made under false pretenses. Despite the Gibeonites' cunning deception, the Israelite leaders chose to uphold their solemn vow, demonstrating a profound respect for the sanctity of an oath before Yahweh. This commitment to integrity, even in difficult circumstances, highlights a core aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God. Secondly, the story reveals the **consequences of human error and the importance of seeking divine counsel**. Israel's failure to inquire of the Lord before making the treaty led them into a binding agreement that contradicted God's explicit command regarding the Canaanites. This serves as a timeless warning against presumptuous decision-making. Lastly, the outcome for the Gibeonites—survival through servitude—demonstrates **God's sovereign ability to work through human imperfection and even sin** to achieve His broader purposes. While their deception was sinful, their lives were spared, and they were incorporated into the service of the congregation, ultimately contributing to the Tabernacle's upkeep. This unexpected twist prevented Israel from breaking their oath and incurring divine displeasure, as later events in [2 Samuel 21:1](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1 - Famine Due to Saul's Breach of Gibeonite Oath") would tragically confirm when this oath *was* violated by King Saul.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hewers of wood and drawers of water (Hebrew, _ḥōṭəḇê ʿēṣîm wəšōʾăḇê mayim_):** This compound phrase is a proverbial expression signifying the lowest and most laborious forms of servitude. "Hewers of wood" refers to those who cut down trees and prepare timber, a physically demanding task. "Drawers of water" refers to those who fetch water from wells or springs, often over long distances, a daily and essential chore. Together, they describe a life of perpetual toil and subjection, often associated with the most menial tasks performed by slaves or subjugated peoples. For the Gibeonites, this status underscored their position as perpetual servants to the Israelite congregation, and by extension, to the Lord's service through the Tabernacle, as these resources were vital for daily life and cultic rituals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the princes said unto them, Let them live;":** This clause reveals the initial decision of the Israelite leaders after the Gibeonites' deception was uncovered. Despite the command to utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan, the princes, having sworn an oath by the Lord, chose to spare the Gibeonites' lives. This demonstrates their profound reverence for the sanctity of an oath made in God's name, prioritizing their sworn word over the immediate application of the conquest command, a decision rooted in their understanding of covenant faithfulness.
* **"but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation;":** This specifies the terms of the Gibeonites' survival. Their lives are spared, but at the cost of perpetual, menial servitude. This punishment fits the crime in a sense: their cunning saved their lives, but their deceit led to a life of hard labor and subjugation. This status also served a practical purpose, providing essential services to the entire Israelite community, including the Tabernacle, thereby integrating them into the fabric of Israelite life, albeit in a humble capacity.
* **"as the princes had promised them.":** This concluding phrase reinforces the binding nature of the oath. It emphasizes that the decision to spare the Gibeonites and assign them this specific servitude was not an arbitrary punishment but a direct fulfillment of the terms implied by the peace treaty they had sworn. It underscores the Israelite leaders' commitment to their word, even when given under duress and deception, highlighting the gravity with which they viewed their covenant obligations before God.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 9:21 employs several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Proverbial Expression** "hewers of wood and drawers of water." This phrase functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (the specific tasks) stands for the whole (a life of perpetual, humble servitude). It vividly communicates the Gibeonites' subjugated status and the nature of their forced labor. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the narrative: the Gibeonites, through their cunning, managed to survive the conquest, but their "victory" resulted in a life of perpetual servitude, fulfilling a different kind of subjugation. Furthermore, the entire episode serves as **Foreshadowing** of the complex relationship Israel would have with foreign peoples, sometimes incorporating them, sometimes warring against them, and always grappling with the implications of their covenant identity and God's commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:21 profoundly illustrates the theological weight of oaths and the complex interplay between divine command, human responsibility, and God's overarching sovereignty. The Israelites' decision to uphold their oath, despite the deception, underscores the sanctity of a promise made in God's name. This commitment reflects a deep-seated understanding that God Himself is faithful to His covenants, and therefore, His people must likewise be people of their word. While their initial failure to inquire of the Lord was a significant misstep, God's providence is seen in the outcome: the Gibeonites' lives are spared, and Israel avoids breaking a solemn oath, which would have carried severe divine repercussions. This narrative reminds us that even when human choices are flawed or made under duress, God can orchestrate events to fulfill His broader purposes, often extending mercy and integrating unexpected elements into His divine plan.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Law Concerning Vows")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalm/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")
* [2 Samuel 21:1](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1-6 - Saul's Violation of the Gibeonite Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 9:21 offers enduring lessons for contemporary believers, highlighting the profound importance of integrity, the necessity of divine guidance, and the far-reaching consequences of our choices. The Israelite princes' decision to honor their oath, even though it was secured by deceit, serves as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of our word. In a world where promises are often broken and commitments are easily discarded, this passage calls us to a higher standard of truthfulness and reliability, reflecting the unchanging character of God Himself. Moreover, Israel's initial failure to consult the Lord before making a binding agreement stands as a timeless cautionary tale. It underscores the vital necessity of seeking God's wisdom and direction in all significant decisions, especially when faced with seemingly urgent or complex circumstances. Our reliance on human wisdom alone can lead to unintended complications and commitments that may contradict God's perfect will. Ultimately, the Gibeonites' story, and Israel's response, challenges us to consider the long-term ripple effects of our actions, both good and bad, and to cultivate a life marked by prayerful discernment, unwavering integrity, and humble submission to God's sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Israelite princes' decision to honor their oath, despite the deception, challenge my own commitment to integrity in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to making significant decisions without first "inquiring of the Lord," and what steps can I take to cultivate greater reliance on His guidance?**
* **What "consequences of deception" (either my own or others') have I witnessed, and how does this narrative encourage me to walk in truth?**
* **How does this story, with its blend of human error and divine providence, shape my understanding of God's sovereignty working through imperfect situations?**

### FAQ

**Why did Israel keep the oath despite the Gibeonites' deception?**

Answer: Israel kept the oath primarily because it was sworn "by the Lord God of Israel" ([Joshua 9:19](/joshua/9-19 "Joshua 9:19 - The Princes' Oath to the Gibeonites")). In the ancient Near East, an oath made in the name of a deity was considered a sacred and inviolable covenant. Breaking such an oath was not merely a breach of human trust but an offense against the invoked deity, potentially incurring divine wrath. For the Israelites, who were in a covenant relationship with Yahweh, violating an oath sworn in His name would have been a profound act of unfaithfulness, risking divine judgment. Their reverence for God's name and the sanctity of the oath superseded the immediate command to utterly destroy the Canaanites, demonstrating their understanding of the gravity of their word before God.

**What was the significance of the Gibeonites becoming "hewers of wood and drawers of water"?**

Answer: The phrase "hewers of wood and drawers of water" was a proverbial expression signifying the lowest and most laborious forms of servitude. By assigning the Gibeonites this role, Israel ensured their survival but also imposed a life of perpetual toil and subjugation. This status served as a constant reminder of their deception and their subjugated position within Israelite society. Practically, these tasks were essential for the daily needs of the community, including the provision of water and fuel for the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) and its sacrificial system. Thus, the Gibeonites, though spared, were integrated into Israelite life in a humble, servant capacity, contributing to the very religious system they had sought to avoid.

**Does this story imply God condones deception or that human error can override divine commands?**

Answer: No, the story does not imply God condones deception. The Gibeonites' cunning was a sinful act, born of fear and self-preservation. Nor does it suggest human error overrides divine commands. Instead, the narrative highlights God's sovereign ability to work *through* human error and sin to achieve His broader purposes. Israel's failure to inquire of the Lord was a clear misstep, but God, in His mercy and faithfulness to the sanctity of oaths, allowed the Gibeonites to live, preventing Israel from incurring the severe consequences of oath-breaking ([2 Samuel 21:1](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1 - Saul's Violation of the Gibeonite Covenant")). The outcome demonstrates God's complex interaction with human choices, maintaining His justice while also extending mercy and orchestrating events for His ultimate glory and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the Gibeonites and Israel's oath-keeping in Joshua 9:21 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, it underscores the absolute faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, a faithfulness perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. While Israel struggled with the tension between a command and an oath, God's ultimate covenant with humanity, sealed in Christ, is unbreakable. Jesus himself is the "Amen," the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The 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 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Secondly, the Gibeonites' fate as "hewers of wood and drawers of water"—servants integrated into the congregation—foreshadows Christ's own radical act of servanthood. Though God, Jesus "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")), coming not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He provides the true "living water" ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) and the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), contrasting with the menial tasks of the Gibeonites. Finally, the Gibeonites, once enemies destined for destruction, found mercy and integration through a covenant, albeit one secured by deceit. This points to the gospel, where those who were once "enemies of God" ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Death")) are reconciled to Him through the new covenant in Christ's blood, not by their own cunning, but by God's gracious initiative and the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Deuteronomy 29:11

Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that [is] in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water:

Joshua 9:27

And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.

Joshua 9:23

Now therefore ye [are] cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.

2 Chronicles 2:17

And Solomon numbered all the strangers that [were] in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred.

2 Chronicles 2:18

And he set threescore and ten thousand of them [to be] bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand [to be] hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.

Joshua 9:15

¶ 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.