The Gibeonite Deception and Treaty
Joshua 9:1-27
Jos.9.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כשמע: CONJ
- כל: DET
- המלכים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בעבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובשפלה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- חוף: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- הים: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- מול: PREP
- הלבנון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- החתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והאמרי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- הכנעני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- הפרזי: ADJ,m,pl,def
- החוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והיבוסי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Josh.5.1 (structural): A near‑parallel opening: when all the kings west of the Jordan heard of Israel’s deeds (the crossing/destroying of Amorite kings); similar geographic sweep and the reaction of the local kings (their hearts melted).
- Josh.2.9-11 (thematic): Rahab’s report that the Canaanite inhabitants had heard of Israel’s acts and were terrified—echoes the theme of local kings/peoples hearing of Israel and being afraid.
- Gen.15.19-21 (verbal): The covenantal catalogue of the nations to be dispossessed (Hittite, Amorite, Canaanite, Perizzite, Hivite, Jebusite) closely parallels the ethnic list in Joshua 9:1.
- Deut.7.1 (verbal): A similar listing of nations and the context of God bringing Israel into the land (and dispossessing these peoples); echoes the same territorial and ethnic terminology (hill, plain, coast, and the named nations).
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass when all the kings who were beyond the Jordan, in the hill country and in the lowland and along all the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon—the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite—heard of it,
- When all the kings west of the Jordan in the hill country and in the lowland and along the whole coast of the Great Sea as far as Lebanon—the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite—heard of it,
Jos.9.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתקבצו: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,pl
- יחדו: ADV
- להלחם: VERB,hitp,inf
- עם: PREP
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועם: CONJ+PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פה: ADV
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- Josh.10.6 (thematic): Multiple kings and their armies gather together to fight against Israel (the Gibeon episode), paralleling the image of forces assembling 'to fight with Joshua and with Israel.'
- Exod.17.8 (verbal): Amalek 'came and fought with Israel'—a close verbal parallel in the motif and language of fighting 'with Israel' (להלחם עם ישראל).
- Judg.4.13 (thematic): Sisera gathers his troops and chariots to meet Israel in battle; another scene of enemy forces assembling to fight against Israel, echoing the communal military response in Joshua 9:2.
- 2 Sam.5.17 (thematic): The Philistines hear of David's anointing and assemble to seek/ fight Israel (and David), reflecting the recurring pattern of neighboring peoples banding together to oppose Israel.
- Judg.7.11 (thematic): The Midianites and their allies are described as encamped together in the valley (a large assembled host) ready for conflict—another example of enemy assemblage before battle with Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- that they gathered themselves together to fight with Joshua and with Israel, as one.
- they gathered themselves together to fight with Joshua and with Israel as one.
Jos.9.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליריחו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולעי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 5:1 (thematic): Neighbors hear of Israel’s miraculous crossing of the Jordan and the conquest of Jericho, and their hearts melt—directly parallels Gibeon hearing what Joshua had done.
- Joshua 2:9–11 (verbal): Rahab reports that she and her people ‘had heard’ of the Lord’s deeds (Red Sea, Jordan) and were terrified—same motif of peoples reacting to news of Israel’s victories.
- Exodus 15:14–16 (thematic): The nations hear of God’s acts at the Red Sea and are terrified; similar portrayal of surrounding peoples’ fear upon hearing Israel’s divine victories.
- Deuteronomy 2:25 (allusion): God’s promise to put terror and dread of Israel upon the nations so they ‘hear’ and tremble echoes the theological reason why Canaanite cities react when they hear of Joshua’s deeds.
Alternative generated candidates
- But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,
- And the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai.
Jos.9.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- גם: ADV
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- בערמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויצטירו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בלים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- לחמוריהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,poss3mp
- ונאדות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בלים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ומבקעים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ומצררים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 27:15-17 (verbal): Rebekah and Jacob use goatskins to alter Jacob’s appearance and deceive Isaac—similar use of clothing/skins to create a false impression for gain.
- Nehemiah 6:5 (thematic): Sanballat and his allies propose a private meeting feigning goodwill to entrap Nehemiah—parallel tactic of feigned appearance/intention to deceive.
- Proverbs 11:1 (thematic): “Dishonest scales are an abomination…” — a moral/ethical parallel condemning deception and false appearances used to gain advantage.
- Deuteronomy 25:13-16 (thematic): Law against false weights and measures—legal prohibition of trickery in dealings, thematically related to the Gibeonites’ deceptive ruse.
- Matthew 7:15 (allusion): Jesus’ warning about false prophets ‘in sheep’s clothing’—a New Testament analogue stressing danger of deceptive outward appearances.
Alternative generated candidates
- they acted with craftiness; they went and made themselves old sacks upon their donkeys, and old wineskins and bound up sandals and patched garments.
- They acted with guile. They took old sacks for their donkeys, and old wineskins, and patched sandals, and worn-out garments;
Jos.9.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונעלות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בלות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- ומטלאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ברגליהם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ושלמות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בלות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צידם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- יבש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נקדים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 29:5 (verbal): Uses the same vocabulary about shoes/clothing and travel but in contrast—Moses says Israel’s garments and shoes did not wear out in the wilderness, opposing the Gibeonites’ claim to worn-out gear.
- Deuteronomy 8:4 (verbal): Similar language about garments and feet not wearing out during the wilderness journey; thematically contrasts God’s sustaining provision with the Gibeonites’ portrayed destitution.
- Exodus 16:35 (thematic): Speaks of Israel’s provision (manna) during the wilderness wanderings; thematically relevant to Joshua 9:5’s mention of food/provisions and claims about the state of travelers’ bread.
- Joshua 9:3-4 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the Gibeonites’ ruse—claiming worn-out clothes and dry food—to secure a covenant with Israel; these verses form the larger unit that includes 9:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their bread was dry and stale, their garments were worn, and the sandals on their feet were tattered from the journey.
- their sandals were worn, their garments were patched upon them, and all their provision of bread was dry and moldy.
Jos.9.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגלגל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רחוקה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- באנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- ועתה: CONJ
- כרתו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 20:10-11 (structural): Prescribes Israel's procedure when approaching a city 'from afar'—offer terms of peace and make a covenant if they accept. Joshua 9 shows the Gibeonites exploiting the distinction between 'near' and 'far' to secure a treaty.
- Genesis 21:22-34 (thematic): Abraham's covenant with Abimelech is an example of making formal agreements with foreign leaders—paralleling Joshua's dealing with outside groups seeking a covenant with Israel.
- Genesis 26:26-31 (thematic): Isaac's treaty with Abimelech echoes the pattern of negotiated covenants over land and wells between Israelite patriarchs and foreign rulers, comparable to the diplomatic nature of Joshua 9.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-14 (structural): Later account involving the Gibeonites: a famine results from Saul's slaughter of Gibeonites and leads to David's reparative actions. Directly connected to the Gibeonites introduced in Joshua 9 and to obligations arising from interactions with them.
- 1 Kings 5:1-12 (thematic): Solomon's treaty with Hiram of Tyre shows formal inter-state agreements and reciprocal service between Israel and a foreign polity—paralleling the diplomatic/contractual aspect of the Gibeonite episode.
Alternative generated candidates
- They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal and to the men of Israel, and said unto them, "We are come from a very far country; now therefore make ye a league with us."
- They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal and to the men of Israel, and said to them, "We have come from a very far country; now therefore make a covenant with us."
Jos.9.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- החוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אולי: ADV
- בקרבי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss1s
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- יושב: VERB,qal,ptcp,1,m,sg
- ואיך: CONJ+ADV
- אכרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 23:32 (verbal): Command not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land—direct legal/word-level contrast to Israel’s treaty with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9).
- Deuteronomy 7:2 (thematic): Prohibition against making covenants with the Canaanite nations; provides the legal/theological background that makes Israel’s treaty with Gibeonites problematic.
- Joshua 9:14 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Israel’s leaders make a covenant with the Gibeonites without consulting YHWH—explains how the concern in 9:7 led to a mistaken treaty.
- Joshua 9:15 (structural): Continuation of the same episode: Joshua and the leaders ratify the covenant and allow the Gibeonites to live, showing the outcome of the question posed in 9:7.
- 2 Samuel 21:1–6 (thematic): Later narrative dealing with the Gibeonites (famine and reparation for Saul’s actions) — connects historically and morally to Israel’s earlier relations and obligations toward the Gibeonites after their treaty.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, "Perhaps ye dwell among us; how then shall we make a covenant with you?"
- But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, "Perhaps you dwell among us; how then shall we make a covenant with you?"
Jos.9.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ומאין: CONJ+ADV,whence
- תבאו: VERB,qal,imperf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Josh.9.19 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: the Gibeonites again present themselves as 'thy servants' and Joshua repeats the inquiry about their origin—same dialogue framework.
- Gen.42.11 (verbal): Joseph's brothers describe themselves as 'thy servants' and account for their origin when questioned in Egypt—parallel language and the motif of newcomers claiming servitude.
- John 1:19-22 (verbal): The Jewish leaders question John the Baptist 'Who art thou?' (v.22). Parallel: formal interrogation about a newcomer's identity and origin.
- Gen.32:27-28 (thematic): An encounter where identity is the focal issue—God asks Jacob his name and the question leads to revelation/renaming; thematically related to questioning a stranger's identity.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they said unto Joshua, "Thy servants are come from a far country." And he said unto them, "Who are ye, and from whence come ye?"
- They said to Joshua, "Your servants are." And Joshua said to them, "Who are you, and where do you come from?"
Jos.9.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רחוקה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- לשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- כי: CONJ
- שמענו: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- במצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 2:9-11 (verbal): Rahab tells the spies that her people 'have heard' of the LORD's acts (how he dried up the sea, etc.), closely echoing the Gibeonites' claim of having heard of Yahweh's deeds in Egypt.
- Exodus 15:14-16 (thematic): After the crossing, surrounding peoples 'have heard' and are afraid because of what God did in Egypt and at the sea — the same motif of nations hearing of Yahweh's mighty acts.
- Psalm 78:12-13 (thematic): The psalm recounts Israel's wonders in Egypt and at the sea ('he wrought marvels... he divided the sea'), reflecting the fame of those deeds that others 'heard' about in Joshua 9:9.
- Deuteronomy 4:34 (allusion): Moses lists the 'signs and wonders' God performed in Egypt (a mighty hand and outstretched arm), language that parallels the Gibeonites' appeal to Yahweh's reputation for deeds in Egypt.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they said unto him, "From a very far country are thy servants come for the name of the LORD thy God; for we have heard the fame of him and all that he did in Egypt,
- They said to him, "From a very far country your servants have come because of the name of the LORD your God; for we have heard a report—indeed, we have heard—of all that he did in Egypt,
Jos.9.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לשני: PREP+NUM,card,dual,m
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בעבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לסיחון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- חשבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולעוג: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הבשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בעשתרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,prop
Parallels
- Numbers 21:21-35 (verbal): Narrative account of Israel’s defeat of Sihon king of Heshbon and of Og king of Bashan — the same events Joshua 9:10 summarizes (close verbal and narrative overlap).
- Deuteronomy 2:24-37 (allusion): Moses’ commission and report concerning the conquest of Sihon and the dispossession of his land; parallels Joshua’s reference to what was done to the two Amorite kings.
- Deuteronomy 3:1-11 (allusion): Detailed account of the defeat of Og king of Bashan (including his iron bed) — complements Joshua’s summary mention of Og and Bashan.
- Joshua 4:12-13 (verbal): Later Joshua passage that explicitly recounts how the LORD delivered Sihon and Og into Israel’s hand — a direct retelling of the same events cited in 9:10.
- Joshua 2:10 (thematic): Rahab’s report that the people of Jericho heard how the LORD dried up the Red Sea and defeated the kings beyond the Jordan (Sihon and Og), explaining the Canaanites’ fear referenced elsewhere in Joshua.
Alternative generated candidates
- and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon and to Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth."
- and of all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon and to Og king of Bashan, who lived at Ashtaroth.
Jos.9.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- זקינינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF:1,pl
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ארצנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF:1,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- קחו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- בידכם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- צידה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לקראתם: PREP,3,m,pl
- ואמרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- עבדיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF:2,pl
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- ועתה: CONJ
- כרתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 9:15 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode: Joshua and the leaders make peace and a covenant with the Gibeonites after their plea, directly following v.11.
- Deuteronomy 20:10 (thematic): Prescribes offering terms of peace and making a covenant with a city before attacking it—parallels the Gibeonites’ strategy of seeking a treaty to secure their safety.
- Genesis 26:28-31 (thematic): Abimelech and Isaac conclude a covenant/oath at Beersheba; similar treaty language and the practice of formalizing relations by oath/covenant.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-14 (allusion): Later episode concerning the Gibeonites: David negotiates and executes reparation for Saul’s violation of the Gibeonites’ rights—directly connected to the treaty and status established in Joshua 9.
Alternative generated candidates
- We are thy servants; now therefore make ye with us a covenant.
- And our elders and all who live in our country spoke to us, saying, 'Take provisions for the journey, and go meet them;'
Jos.9.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- לחמנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1pl
- חם: ADJ,m,sg
- הצטידנו: VERB,hitpael,perf,1,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- מבתינו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+1pl
- ביום: PREP
- צאתנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1pl
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- אליכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- ועתה: CONJ
- הנה: PART
- יבש: ADJ,m,sg
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- נקדים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Josh.9.13 (structural): Immediate context: verse 9:13 lists the same items (worn-out clothes, torn sacks, cracked wineskins, dry and crumbling bread) that the Gibeonites present as evidence of a long journey, repeating and expanding the claim in 9:12.
- Exod.12:34-39 (thematic): The Exodus departure motif — people taking dough/bread from their houses in haste when departing — parallels the Gibeonites’ claim that they took hot provisions from their homes on the day they set out, using departure-bread as proof of travel.
- Deut.29:5 (thematic): Moses’ assertion that Israel’s clothes and sandals did not wear out during the wilderness wanderings stands as a thematic antithesis to the Gibeonites’ portrayal of worn-out garments and provisions as evidence of a long journey.
- 1 Sam.21:4-6 (thematic): Bread used as evidence of travel and necessity: David’s interaction at Nob involves provision and the special status of bread when travelers are hungry — echoes the interpretive role of bread/provisions as proof or sign of journey and need in Joshua 9:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- This our bread was hot when we took it out of our houses on the day we departed to come to thee; and now, behold, it is dry and stale.
- and now, behold, our bread was warm when we took it from our houses on the day we set out to go to you, and now, behold, it is dry and crumbly.
Jos.9.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- נאדות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- היין: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מלאנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
- חדשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- והנה: ADV
- התבקעו: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,pl
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- שלמותינו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+1p
- ונעלינו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+1p
- בלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Josh.9.11 (structural): Same narrative description — the Gibeonites show worn sacks, wineskins, garments and sandals as evidence of a long journey; Joshua 9:11–13 contains the immediate parallel details.
- Deut.29.5 (verbal): Uses the same vocabulary of garments and shoes and the motif of travel-wear. Deut 29:5 states that Israel's clothes and shoes did not wear out in the wilderness (contrast to the Gibeonites' claim that theirs were worn out).
- Deut.8.4 (verbal): Parallel phrasing about raiment and footwear not wearing out during the forty years in the desert (the wilderness-travel motif and language about clothing/footwear echoes Joshua 9:13).
- Luke.5.37-38 (allusion): Uses the image of wineskins bursting when unsuited to their contents; Joshua's mention of cracked wineskins evokes the same material reality (wineskins as evidence of age/condition) that the New Testament exploits for a teaching image.
Alternative generated candidates
- And these wineskins which we filled were new; and, behold, they are broken. And our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey."
- And these wineskins were new, and behold, they have burst; and these our garments and our sandals are worn by the very long journey."
Jos.9.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מצידם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- שאלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 23:2-4 (verbal): David 'inquired of the LORD' before acting — a direct verbal and procedural contrast to Joshua 9:14 where the men 'did not ask counsel of the LORD.'
- 1 Samuel 13:8-14 (structural): Saul offers the burnt offering because he acts without waiting for Samuel/God’s instruction; structurally parallel as a leaderly failure to seek divine guidance with negative consequences.
- 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 (thematic): Asa sought help from Aram and 'did not seek the LORD' (2 Chr 16:7,12); thematically parallels the danger and reproach that follow when Israelite leaders fail to consult God.
- Numbers 27:21 (allusion): Instruction that the new leader 'shall inquire' of Eleazar/Urim before the LORD establishes the expected procedure of consulting God — the institutional background implicit in Joshua’s rebuke for failing to ask.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.
- So the men took of their provisions, but they did not ask counsel of the LORD.
Jos.9.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לחיותם: INF,qal,inf,3,m,pl
- וישבעו: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- נשיאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Josh.9.3-14 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the deception by the Gibeonites and the negotiations that lead Joshua and the leaders to make and swear the covenant.
- Gen.21:27-31 (thematic): Abraham and Abimelech conclude a treaty of peace and exchange oaths at Beersheba — a parallel example of negotiated covenants and sworn agreements between Israelite figures and foreign groups.
- Deut.20:10-12 (thematic): Regulation for warfare requiring that a city be offered terms of peace before attack — echoes the idea of making terms and granting life on the basis of an agreement.
- Deut.7:2 (thematic): Divine prohibition against making covenants with the Canaanite nations — provides a legal/ideological contrast to Joshua’s decision to covenant with the Gibeonites.
- 2 Sam.21:1-9 (allusion): Later episode involving the Gibeonites (a famine and reparation for Saul's actions) that shows the long-term legal and moral consequences tied to Israel’s earlier dealings with the Gibeonites.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them, to let them live; and the princes of the congregation swore unto them.
- And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
Jos.9.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- כרתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישמעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- קרבים: VERB,qal,part,m,pl
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ובקרבו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- ישבים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 21:1-9 (thematic): Same group (the Gibeonites) appears later seeking redress for Saul's massacre; connects to the long-term consequences of Israel's dealings with the Gibeonites and the theme of treaties/relations with that people.
- Deuteronomy 7:2 (structural): Divine instruction forbidding Israel to make covenants with the Canaanite nations—provides the legal/ethical background for Joshua's error in making a treaty without proper inquiry.
- Judges 1:27-33 (verbal): Describes Israel's failure to drive out Canaanite peoples and the fact that those inhabitants 'dwelt among' Israel—parallels the outcome in Joshua where foreign groups live within Israel's territory.
- Psalm 106:34-37 (thematic): Retrospective critique of Israel making compacts with the nations and adopting their practices; thematically echoes Joshua's undiscerning treaty and the spiritual/covenantal consequences of such accords.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, that they heard that they were near them and that they were among them.
- At the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, the Israelites heard that they were near them and that they were living among them.
Jos.9.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- עריהם: NOUN,f,pl,poss:3mp
- ביום: PREP
- השלישי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ועריהם: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,poss:3mp
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והכפירה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ובארות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וקרית: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יערים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 9:3 (verbal): The same group of cities (Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, Kiriath‑jearim) is listed earlier in the Gibeonite deception narrative; 9:3 introduces the names repeated in 9:17.
- Joshua 9:27 (structural): Later in the chapter the inhabitants of these cities (the Gibeonites) are assigned as wood‑cutters and water‑carriers for Israel and the altar — a direct consequence affecting these cities' residents.
- Joshua 10:2 (thematic): After Gibeon makes peace with Israel (the city named in 9:17), the kings of the region form a coalition to attack it; 10:2 shows the regional fallout from Gibeon's treaty with Israel.
- 1 Samuel 7:1 (verbal): Kiriath‑jearim appears later as the town that receives the ark of the LORD — the same city named in Joshua 9:17, linking settlement lists to later cultic history.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the children of Israel journeyed, and came to their cities on the third day—now their cities were Gibeon, and Kephirah, and Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim.
- Then the people of Israel set out and came to their cities on the third day—now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kirjath-jearim.
Jos.9.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- הכום: PRON,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נשבעו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- נשיאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- הנשיאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Joshua 9:19-20 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: the leaders' oath prevents Israel from executing the Gibeonites and the congregation complains, showing the direct narrative consequence of the princes' vow.
- 1 Samuel 14:24-45 (thematic): Saul's rash public oath imposes hardship on the people and provokes complaint and conflict, paralleling how a leader's vow binds the community and produces resentment.
- Judges 11:30-40 (thematic): Jephthah's vow to the LORD made by a leader has tragic consequences and provokes mourning; parallels the seriousness and binding effect of vows made by leaders and their communal fallout.
- Numbers 30:2 (structural): Legal statement that vows made to the LORD are binding, providing the law-background for why an oath sworn by Israel's leaders before Yahweh obligated the people not to attack the Gibeonites.
- Deuteronomy 23:21-23 (thematic): Instruction about fulfilling vows to the LORD and not delaying payment stresses the seriousness of vows to Yahweh, echoing the moral/ legal weight of the princes' oath in Joshua 9:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the children of Israel did not strike them down, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel; and all the congregation murmured against the princes.
- And the people of Israel did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel; and all the congregation murmured against the leaders.
Jos.9.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- כל: DET
- הנשיאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אל: NEG
- כל: DET
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- נשבענו: VERB,niphal,perf,1,c,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועתה: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- נוכל: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- לנגע: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Genesis 21:27-31 (structural): Abraham and Abimelech conclude a covenant and oath at Beersheba with mutual promises toward a foreign party—parallel to Israel's binding treaty with the Gibeonites and the formal making of an oath with outsiders.
- Psalm 15:4 (verbal): Speaks of one who 'swears to his neighbor and does not change' (or 'swears to his own hurt and does not change'), reflecting the ethical obligation to keep an oath even when it is disadvantageous, as the leaders assert in Joshua 9:19.
- Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 (thematic): Warns that vows made before God must be fulfilled and advises caution about making oaths; supports the principle that promises sworn by the LORD are binding and must be honored.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-14 (thematic): Relates to the Gibeonites and national obligations: a famine and subsequent reparative actions arise from Saul's treatment of the Gibeonites, showing long-term legal/moral consequences of dealings with that group and the seriousness of covenant obligations.
- Numbers 30:2 (structural): Law concerning vows—'If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath...'—establishes the binding character of vows made before God, paralleling the leaders' claim that their oath sworn by Yahweh cannot be revoked.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the princes said unto all the congregation, "We have sworn unto them by the LORD, the God of Israel; now therefore we cannot touch them."
- And all the leaders said to all the congregation, "We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel; now therefore we cannot touch them.
Jos.9.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- נעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- והחיה: VERB,hiph,impf,3,ms
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- ולא: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- קצף: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- השבועה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נשבענו: VERB,niphal,perf,1,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 9:15 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: Joshua and the leaders make a league with the Gibeonites and swear to let them live—the action to which 9:20 refers.
- Joshua 9:27 (structural): Resolution later in the narrative: though the oath to spare their lives is honored, the Gibeonites are assigned menial service (woodcutters and water‑carriers), showing how the oath is preserved while addressing the deception.
- Deuteronomy 20:10–12 (thematic): Law prescribing that an approaching city be offered terms of peace and, if it accepts, be spared and made tributary—parallels the practice of making treaties and sparing inhabitants rather than destroying them.
- 2 Samuel 21:1–2 (allusion): Later crisis involving the Gibeonites: a famine is attributed to Saul’s violation of a treaty with them, and David negotiates reparations. Connects the Joshua treaty with later obligations and consequences involving the same group.
- Genesis 21:22–34 (thematic): Abraham’s covenant and sworn agreement with Abimelech (a foreign ruler) shows the broader ancient Near Eastern practice of making binding oaths/treaties with outsiders and the moral/legal importance of upholding them.
Alternative generated candidates
- This we will do unto them: we will let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we swore unto them.
- This is what we will do to them: let them live, lest wrath be upon us for the oath that we swore to them."
Jos.9.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- הנשיאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- יחיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חטבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושאבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לכל: PREP
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- הנשיאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Josh.9.27 (verbal): Repeats the exact designation and outcome: the Gibeonites are made "hewers of wood and drawers of water," specifying service to the congregation and the altar—direct verbal parallel and judicial outcome.
- 1 Kings 9:20-21 (thematic): Solomon conscripts remaining Canaanite peoples for forced labor while Israelites are exempt; thematically parallels assigning non‑Israelites to servile, public labor under Israelite rule.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-9 (allusion): Later account involving the Gibeonites under David (requests for justice and ensuing actions) shows the continuing distinct legal and social status of the Gibeonites created by Joshua's decision.
- Lev.25:39-43 (thematic): Laws distinguishing Israelite indentured servitude from the status of foreign servants provide legal and cultural background for why non‑Israelites (like the Gibeonites) could be set to permanent menial service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the princes said unto them, "Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes have promised them."
- And the leaders said to them, "Let them live; but they shall be woodcutters and water-drawers for all the congregation," as the leaders had spoken to them.
Jos.9.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- למה: ADV
- רמיתם: VERB,qal,perfect,2,m,pl
- אתנו: PRON,1,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- רחוקים: ADJ,m,pl
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- מכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- מאד: ADV
- ואתם: CONJ+PRON,2,pl
- בקרבנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,1,pl
- ישבים: VERB,qal,participle,m,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 9:13-15 (verbal): Immediate context: the Gibeonites' deception and Israel's treaty are narrated here (same act of 'deceiving' and the claim that they lived 'far from us'), making this a direct verbal and structural parallel.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-9 (allusion): Later resolution concerning the Gibeonites: David hands over descendants of Saul to the Gibeonites to atone for Saul's wrongs against them—this passage presupposes the historic relationship and injustices connected to the Gibeonites mentioned in Joshua 9.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-12 (thematic): Law governing offers of peace and treaty-making with a city before siege: provides legal/thematic background for how Israel was to negotiate with Canaanite towns and contrasts proper treaty procedure with the Gibeonites' deceptive approach.
- Genesis 26:28-31 (thematic): Isaac's covenant with Abimelech (and the making of oaths and agreements with local peoples) illustrates an earlier precedent for formal treaties between Israelite patriarchs and neighboring populations, thematically related to Joshua's treaty with the Gibeonites.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Joshua called for them, and said unto them, "Why have ye deceived us, saying, 'We are very far from you,' when ye do dwell among us?
- Then Joshua called them and said to them, "Why did you deceive us, saying, 'We are very far from you,' when you dwell among us?
Jos.9.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- ארורים: ADJ,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- יכרת: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- וחטבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cnst
- עצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושאבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cnst
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Joshua 9:21-27 (verbal): Immediate context: the same narrative and legal disposition—Israel’s oath and the assignment of the Gibeonites as hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar (repeats the language and legal outcome).
- 2 Samuel 21:1-9 (thematic): Later episode involving the Gibeonites: the covenantal/justice issues between Israel and the Gibeonites lead to severe consequences for Saul’s house, showing the ongoing distinct status and remembered obligations toward the Gibeonites introduced in Joshua 9.
- Genesis 9:25 (thematic): Both texts invoke a curse that results in servitude: Noah’s curse on Canaan (‘a servant of servants’) parallels Joshua’s declaration that the deceived peoples are cursed and set to servile labor.
- Numbers 3:6-9 (structural): Assigning people to service of the sanctuary: like the Levites being given to Aaron to perform the tabernacle’s work, Joshua’s arrangement places the Gibeonites in permanent labor connected to God’s house—different status but similar structural function of dedicated service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now ye are cursed, and none of you shall be freed; ye shall be servants, hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God."
- Now therefore you are cursed; none of you shall ever be released to be free—no one shall be discharged to be a woodcutter or a water-drawer for the house of my God.
Jos.9.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויענו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- כי: CONJ
- הגד: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- הגד: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לעבדיך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,ms
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ולהשמיד: VERB,hiph,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מפניכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,2,m,pl
- ונירא: VERB,niphal,impf,1,m,pl
- מאד: ADV
- לנפשתינו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,pl
- מפניכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,2,m,pl
- ונעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 9:14 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel — Joshua and the leaders make a covenant with the Gibeonites without consulting Yahweh, the episode to which v.24 is a direct continuation.
- Joshua 2:1-7 (thematic): Rahab’s deception to protect herself and the spies parallels the Gibeonites’ false claim of distant origin as a strategy to avoid destruction by Israel.
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (allusion): Directly related legal background — the divine command to destroy the inhabitants of the land that the Gibeonites invoke as the reason for fearing Israel.
- Numbers 33:51-56 (allusion): God’s instruction to dispossess and drive out the Canaanite peoples provides the wider covenantal/ethical context for the Gibeonites’ plea and Israel’s treatment of the land’s inhabitants.
- 1 Samuel 15:9,24 (thematic): Saul’s sparing of the Amalekite king and his excuse (fear/people) echoes themes of failing to carry out divine commands and offering self-justifying explanations or pleas.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they answered Joshua, "Because it was told unto thy servants what the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, we were very much afraid for our lives because of you, and did this thing.
- They answered Joshua, "Because it was told to your servants what the LORD your God commanded his servant Moses, to give you all the land and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, we feared greatly because of our lives on your account, and we did this thing.
Jos.9.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- הננו: PRON,1,c,pl
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- כטוב: PREP+ADJ,m,sg
- וכישר: CONJ+PREP+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 2:12-14 (thematic): Rahab's plea to the Israelite spies — she appeals for the lives of her household and pledges submission/trust in the spies' protection (a covenantal request for mercy like the Gibeonites').
- Ruth 3:9 (thematic): Ruth's petition to Boaz — a vulnerable plea asking a stronger party to do what seems right on her behalf; both passages show humble submission and request for favor/protection.
- 1 Samuel 25:28-31 (thematic): Abigail's intercession to David — she humbly implores David to accept restraint and mercy; like the Gibeonites, she places her fate in another's hands and asks him to act as he sees fit.
- Genesis 50:17-21 (thematic): Joseph's brothers beg for mercy and call themselves 'your servants'; Joseph's response and the brothers' appeal echo the dynamics of submission, plea for life, and the recipient's discretionary power.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now, behold, we are in thy hand; do to us as it seemeth good and right in thine eyes to do unto us."
- And now behold, we are in your hand; do to us as seems good and right in your sight."
Jos.9.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כן: ADV
- ויצל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- מיד: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- הרגום: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 9:15 (structural): Immediately prior account explaining why Israel spared the Gibeonites—Israel made a treaty/oath with them, which frames Joshua's decision to save them from destruction.
- Joshua 9:27 (structural): Direct consequence of sparing the Gibeonites: Joshua assigns them servile tasks (hewers of wood and drawers of water), showing the covenantual sparing produced lasting subordination rather than execution.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-14 (thematic): Later negotiation with the Gibeonites under David, where reparation is demanded for Saul's slaughter of Gibeonites—this episode reflects long-term legal/moral consequences connected to Israel's treatment of the Gibeonites.
- Judges 11:30-39 (thematic): Jephthah's vow shows the force of vows/oaths made by leaders and their tragic implications—parallel theme of commitments binding Israel's actions toward individuals or groups.
- Genesis 26:28-31 (allusion): Isaac's covenant with Abimelech (oath/treaty with a foreign ruler) parallels the Gibeonite treaty motif: formal agreements with non-Israelites producing obligations that govern future conduct.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he did unto them; and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they slew them not.
- So he spared them from the hand of the people of Israel, and he did not put them to death.
Jos.9.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:3mp
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- חטבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושאבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cnst
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לעדה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולמזבח: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 9:22-26 (verbal): Immediate context: the preceding verses record Joshua’s decision to assign the Gibeonites as hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and the altar, the same action summed up in 9:27.
- Numbers 3:6-10 (thematic): Describes the Levites’ appointment to perform service for the tabernacle and the congregation; parallels the theme of assigning non-priestly groups specific service roles related to the sanctuary.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-9 (allusion): Later story involving the Gibeonites and the house of Saul (retribution for past deeds). Connects to the distinct, dependent status of the Gibeonites within Israelite society and their special legal/treatment history.
- 1 Chronicles 23:25-32 (thematic): Lists the duties assigned to Levites (gatekeeping, ministering, bearing burdens, praise), providing a parallel pattern of allocated service roles for the upkeep and functioning of Israel’s sacred life, akin to the Gibeonites’ assigned tasks.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, unto this day, at the place which the LORD should choose.
- But Joshua made them that day woodcutters and water-drawers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place that he should choose.
When all the kings who were beyond the Jordan, in the hill country and in the lowland and by all the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon—the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite—heard of it,
they assembled themselves together to fight with Joshua and with Israel as one. But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,
they acted with craft. They went and made themselves worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins old and mended, and bound sandals on their feet and put on patched garments, and all their bread was dry and crumbling.
They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, "We have come from a very distant country; now make a covenant with us." But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, "Perhaps you dwell among us; how then shall we make a covenant with you?" So they said to Joshua, "We are your servants." And Joshua said to them, "Who are you and from where do you come?"
They said to him, "From a very far country your servants have come because of the name of the LORD your God. For we have heard the report of him and of all that he did in Egypt,
and of all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth—
and our elders and all the inhabitants of our country said to us, ‘Take provisions for the journey; go meet them and say to them, “We are your servants; now make a covenant with us.”’ So we took our provisions in our hand on the day we set out to go to you, and now behold, here they are—bread hot when we took it from our houses on the day we left to go to you; now behold, it is dry and crumbled.
These wineskins were new and behold they are burst; and these our sandals and our garments are worn from the very long journey. So they took of their provisions, but they did not ask counsel of the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
At the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors and that they lived among them. So the people of Israel set out and came to their cities on the third day; and their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. But the people of Israel did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel; and all the congregation complained against the leaders.
All the leaders said to all the congregation, "We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel; now therefore we cannot touch them." So they answered, "This we will do to them: we will let them live, lest wrath be upon us for the oath which we swore to them." And the leaders said to them, "Let them live; but they shall be hewers of wood and carriers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD."
Then Joshua called for them and spoke to them, "Why did you deceive us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you are actually living among us? Now therefore you are cursed, and you shall never cease to be servants—woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God."
They answered Joshua, "Because it was told to your servants what the LORD your God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, we feared greatly for our lives because of you, and so we did this. Now behold, we are in your hand; as it seems good and right to you to do to us, do to us." So he did to them and delivered them out of the hand of the people of Israel, and he did not kill them. And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD—until this day, to the place that he would choose. Thus he assigned them to be woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, at the place that shall be chosen.