Joshua 9:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} made {H5414} them that day {H3117} hewers {H2404} of wood {H6086} and drawers {H7579} of water {H4325} for the congregation {H5712}, and for the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068}, even unto this day {H3117}, in the place {H4725} which he should choose {H977}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he did that same day make them choppers of wood and drawers of water for the community and for the altar of ADONAI in the place which he would choose; and they remain so to this day.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:27 describes the permanent, divinely-ordained status of the Gibeonites, who, after deceptively securing a covenant with Israel, were condemned to perpetual servitude as "hewers of wood and drawers of water." This decree, enforced by Joshua, integrated their menial labor directly into the daily operations of the Israelite community and, crucially, the sacrificial system of the LORD's altar, a status that endured for generations and underscored the enduring consequences of their cunning while simultaneously demonstrating God's sovereign ability to weave human error into His redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 9:27 serves as the concluding statement to the pivotal narrative of the Gibeonite deception, which spans from [Joshua 9:3](/joshua/9-3 "Joshua 9:3 - The Gibeonites' Deception Begins") to [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - The Gibeonites' Permanent Status"). Immediately preceding this verse, Joshua pronounces the curse upon the Gibeonites for their deceit, condemning them to their perpetual servitude ([Joshua 9:23](/joshua/9-23 "Joshua 9:23 - The Curse on the Gibeonites")). The Israelites, despite discovering the deception, were bound by their oath, a critical point emphasized in [Joshua 9:18-20](/joshua/9-18 "Joshua 9:18-20 - Israel's Oath to the Gibeonites"). This narrative is strategically placed after Israel's decisive victories at Jericho and Ai, highlighting a moment of vulnerability and a lapse in seeking divine counsel, which contrasts sharply with the earlier strict adherence to God's commands regarding the destruction of Canaanite peoples ([Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - God's Command to Destroy Canaanites")). The Gibeonite episode thus serves as a significant turning point, demonstrating the complexities of covenant faithfulness and the enduring consequences of human action within God's overarching plan for the conquest of Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan was a unique, divinely-mandated judgment against peoples whose wickedness had reached its full measure ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). Making covenants with them was strictly forbidden ([Exodus 23:32](/exodus/23-32 "Exodus 23:32 - No Covenant with Inhabitants of the Land")). The Gibeonites, a Hivite people, were indigenous to Canaan and therefore subject to this command. Their deception, involving worn-out provisions and clothing, was a clever ruse designed to mimic a long journey from a distant land, a common diplomatic tactic to avoid conflict. In the ancient Near East, oaths and treaties, especially those invoked in the name of a deity, were considered sacred and binding, even if obtained through fraud. Breaking such an oath was believed to incur divine wrath. The concept of perpetual servitude for conquered peoples was also common, often as a less severe alternative to complete annihilation, allowing the victors to benefit from their labor. The "place which he should choose" refers to the future central sanctuary of Israel, which would eventually be established in Jerusalem, underscoring the long-term integration of the Gibeonites' service into Israel's national worship.
* **Key Themes:** The Gibeonite narrative, culminating in this verse, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the **sanctity of oaths and covenants**, even when made under duress or deception. Israel's commitment to their word, despite the Gibeonites' trickery, highlights the profound importance of integrity before God ([Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Importance of Keeping Vows")). Secondly, the story showcases the **consequences of human error and the failure to seek divine counsel**. The Israelites' haste in making the treaty without consulting the LORD ([Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Inquire of the Lord")) led to a binding commitment that complicated their mission. Thirdly, it reveals **God's sovereign providence and justice**; despite Israel's misstep, God's plan was not thwarted. The Gibeonites, though spared from destruction, were subjected to a form of judgment that simultaneously served Israel's needs and, crucially, the needs of the sanctuary, thus integrating them into the very fabric of Israel's worship life. This demonstrates God's ability to redeem even imperfect human choices for His ultimate purposes, ensuring that even the "hewers of wood and drawers of water" contributed to the sacred life of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hewers of wood and drawers of water (Hebrew, חֹטְבֵי עֵצִים וְשֹׁאֲבֵי מַיִם, _chotvei etsim u'shoavei mayim'_):** This idiomatic phrase, frequently used in the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 29:11](/deuteronomy/29-11 "Deuteronomy 29:11 - The Lowest Servants")), denotes the lowest and most menial forms of labor. "Hewers of wood" refers to the arduous task of felling trees and chopping logs, essential for fuel, construction, and especially for the altar fires. "Drawers of water" signifies the laborious and repetitive task of fetching water, vital for daily life, purification rituals, and the washing of sacrifices. Together, these terms represent a life of hard, unending, and humble servitude, devoid of status or honor, yet indispensable. The Gibeonites' assignment to these roles was a direct consequence of their deception, a perpetual reminder of their cunning and their subjugated status.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, עֵדָה, _‘ēdāh'_):** This term refers to the entire assembly of Israel, the community of God's people. The Gibeonites' service was not just for individuals but for the collective body of Israel, implying a communal benefit and a formal integration into the national life, albeit at its lowest rung. Their labor supported the logistical needs of the entire nation as it journeyed and settled, particularly in providing resources for the central sanctuary and its associated activities.
* **Altar of the LORD (Hebrew, מִזְבַּח יְהוָה, _mizbach YHWH'_):** This specific designation highlights the sacred nature of their servitude. The wood they hewed was for the sacrificial fires on the altar, and the water they drew was for the purification rituals associated with the tabernacle/temple service. This elevates their otherwise humble labor to a sacred function, directly contributing to the worship of Yahweh. It implies that despite their deceptive entry into Israel, God's providence ensured their forced labor would ultimately serve His divine purposes, enabling the continuous functioning of the sacrificial system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water":** This clause establishes the immediate and decisive action taken by Joshua, confirming the Gibeonites' new, permanent status. The phrase "that day" emphasizes the swift implementation of the decree following the discovery of their deceit, marking a definitive shift in their existence from independent inhabitants to perpetual servants. Their role is specifically defined by the two most basic and physically demanding tasks, symbolizing their subjugation and the loss of their former autonomy and status.
* **"for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD":** This specifies the beneficiaries and purpose of their servitude. Their labor was not merely punitive but functional, serving both the practical needs of the entire Israelite community ("the congregation") and, more significantly, the sacred requirements of divine worship ("for the altar of the LORD"). This dual purpose underscores the integration of their forced labor into the very core of Israelite life and religious practice, providing essential resources for daily living and, crucially, for the sacrificial system that mediated Israel's relationship with God.
* **"even unto this day, in the place which he should choose":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the enduring nature of Joshua's decree and its future implications. "Even unto this day" indicates that this arrangement persisted for a significant period, likely up to the time the Book of Joshua was written or compiled, attesting to the lasting impact of the Gibeonite covenant and its consequences. "In the place which he should choose" refers to the future central sanctuary that God would designate for His name (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Place God Will Choose")). This highlights God's sovereign hand in directing the Gibeonites' service towards the permanent site of Israel's worship, ensuring their labor would continue to support the sacred rituals at the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 9:27 is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "hewers of wood and drawers of water." This is a well-established proverbial expression throughout the Old Testament, immediately conveying a sense of the lowest, most menial, and laborious form of servitude. Its use here efficiently communicates the Gibeonites' subjugated status without needing lengthy description. There is also an element of **Irony** in the narrative: the Gibeonites, through their clever deception, sought to preserve their lives and autonomy, yet their cunning ultimately led to a perpetual state of servitude, albeit one that ironically brought them into close proximity to the sacred worship of the LORD. Furthermore, the phrase "even unto this day" functions as an **Anachronism** or a **Narrative Frame Device**, indicating that the writer is looking back from a later time, confirming the long-term impact and historical veracity of Joshua's decree. This phrase grounds the ancient event in the contemporary reality of the original audience, emphasizing its lasting significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:27, though seemingly a simple statement of consequence, is rich with theological implications. It powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to weave human error and even deception into His overarching redemptive plan. While Israel failed to inquire of the Lord before making the covenant, God honored the sanctity of their oath, yet also ensured that the Gibeonites' presence and labor served His purposes for the nation and its worship. This highlights the paradox of divine faithfulness meeting human fallibility, where justice is meted out (servitude for deceit) but also mercy is extended (sparing their lives), all while ensuring that the practical needs of the "congregation" and "altar" are met. The Gibeonites' forced integration into Israel's life, particularly their role in supporting the sanctuary, foreshadows a broader theme of gentile inclusion, albeit initially in a subservient role, within God's people.

* [Deuteronomy 29:10-11](/deuteronomy/29-10 "Deuteronomy 29:10-11 - All Israel Stands Before the Lord, Including Hewers of Wood and Drawers of Water")
* [Ezra 8:20](/ezra/8-20 "Ezra 8:20 - Temple Servants (Nethinim) in the Post-Exilic Period")
* [Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6 "Isaiah 56:6-7 - Foreigners Joining the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 9:27 offers profound lessons for believers navigating life's complexities. It serves as a potent reminder of the enduring consequences of our choices, particularly when we act without seeking divine counsel. The Gibeonites' deception secured their lives but bound them to a life of perpetual servitude, illustrating that even "successful" cunning carries a heavy price. For us, this underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness in all our dealings, trusting that God's way is always superior to human manipulation. Furthermore, the verse beautifully illustrates God's sovereign ability to redeem even our mistakes and the unintended consequences of others' actions. The Gibeonites' menial labor, though forced, was consecrated by its service to the "altar of the LORD." This challenges us to find purpose and dignity in every form of service, no matter how humble or overlooked it may seem. All work done for the glory of God and the good of His "congregation" holds eternal value. It encourages us to embrace humility, recognizing that true significance often lies not in status or recognition, but in faithful, consistent service to God and His people, even in the most basic tasks.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to use deception or shortcuts instead of trusting God's timing and wisdom?**
* **How does the Gibeonites' service to the "altar of the LORD" challenge my perception of "important" versus "unimportant" tasks in God's kingdom?**
* **When have I experienced God's providence redeeming a situation that began with human error or poor judgment?**
* **Am I willing to serve in humble, unseen ways for the benefit of the church and the glory of God, even if it lacks outward recognition?**

### FAQ
**Was the Gibeonites' punishment fair, given that they were trying to save their lives?**

Answer: From a human perspective, the Gibeonites' actions were a desperate attempt at self-preservation in the face of a divinely commanded conquest. However, from God's perspective and within the context of the covenant, the punishment was a just consequence of their deception and a reaffirmation of the sanctity of oaths. The Israelites were under strict command not to make covenants with the inhabitants of Canaan ([Exodus 23:32](/exodus/23-32 "Exodus 23:32 - No Covenant with Inhabitants of the Land"); [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - God's Command to Destroy Canaanites")), and the Gibeonites' trickery exploited Israel's failure to consult the Lord ([Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel Failed to Inquire of the Lord")). While their lives were spared (a mercy), their freedom and status were forfeited. Their perpetual servitude as "hewers of wood and drawers of water" was a form of judgment that also served to integrate them into Israelite society in a way that upheld the covenant and provided necessary labor for the community and the sanctuary. It was a consequence that balanced divine judgment with the honoring of a sworn oath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 9:27, with its depiction of the Gibeonites' humble yet essential service to the congregation and the altar, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Gibeonites, as outsiders brought into Israel through a flawed covenant, foreshadow the ultimate inclusion of the Gentiles into God's people through the perfect covenant established by Christ. Their assigned role as "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the altar points to the foundational, yet often unseen, work required for worship and sacrifice. This resonates with Christ's own life of humble service, as He "did not come 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 is the true "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose ultimate sacrifice on the "altar" of the cross fulfilled all the requirements of the Law and made a way for all, Jew and Gentile, to draw near to God. Just as the Gibeonites provided the wood for the physical altar, Christ, through His obedient life and sacrificial death, provided the means for spiritual worship and access to God. Furthermore, the "place which he should choose" ultimately points to Christ Himself as the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")), where all true worship is offered. Through Him, believers, regardless of their past or origin, are no longer "foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with God's People")), called to serve Him not out of forced servitude, but out of grateful love, contributing to the building up of His spiritual temple ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")).

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 12:5

¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: