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.

JOSHUA 9:20KJV
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Joshua 9:20 (KJV)

What does Joshua 9:20 mean?

Joshua 9:20 records the leaders of Israel deciding to let the Gibeonites live because they had sworn an oath to them, fearing that breaking this promise would bring God’s anger on themselves. The verse highlights their commitment to keep their word, even though the agreement was made under misleading circumstances.

In this scene, the Israelite leaders are speaking among themselves after discovering that the Gibeonites had tricked them into making a peace treaty. The leaders are concerned about the consequences of breaking their oath, showing how seriously they took promises made before God. This verse shows the tension between justice and faithfulness to an oath in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 9:20

  • "do" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word is used for taking action or carrying out a decision. Here, it emphasizes the leaders’ resolve to act in a way that honors their oath.
  • "live" (חָיָה, chayah): This word means to let someone continue living. The leaders decide not to kill the Gibeonites, directly connecting their action to the oath.
  • "wrath" (קֶצֶף, qetsef): This word refers to anger or wrath, often used of God’s anger. The leaders fear that breaking their oath would bring divine punishment.
  • "oath" (שְׁבוּעָה, shevuah): This word means a solemn promise or vow, especially one made before God. The seriousness of this oath shapes the leaders’ decision.
  • "sware" (שָׁבַע, shava): This verb means to swear or take an oath. The leaders had sworn by the Lord, making the promise binding and sacred.

Why Joshua 9:20 matters

  • Joshua 9:20 clears up that the Israelites’ decision to spare the Gibeonites was not out of mercy or approval, but because of a binding oath made before God.
  • The verse highlights the weight and seriousness of oaths in ancient Israel, especially those made in God’s name, even when made under false pretenses.
  • This verse connects to the larger story by showing the consequences of hasty decisions and the importance of integrity, setting the stage for how Israel would treat the Gibeonites going forward.

Where else these words appear

“wrath” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:18 And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

“oath” Hebrew H7621 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 24:8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
  • Joshua 2:17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
  • Nehemiah 10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;