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 9:27KJVWhat does Joshua 9:27 mean?
Joshua 9:27 explains that Joshua assigned the Gibeonites to serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelite community and for the altar of the LORD, and that this arrangement continued in the place God would choose, lasting up to the writer’s present day. This verse shows the outcome of the agreement Joshua made with the Gibeonites after they sought peace with Israel through deception.
Joshua, the leader of Israel, is acting after discovering that the Gibeonites tricked the Israelites into making a treaty with them. Instead of destroying them, Joshua designates the Gibeonites to do essential but humble work—cutting wood and drawing water—for both the people and the worship of God. The verse highlights how the Gibeonites’ fate was tied to serving the Israelites and the sanctuary, and that this arrangement was ongoing at the time of writing.
The Hebrew behind Joshua 9:27
- The word for "hewers" is חֹטֵב (ḥotév), meaning someone who cuts or chops, especially wood. This shows the specific, physical labor assigned to the Gibeonites.
- "Drawers" is שֹׁאֵב (shoév), meaning someone who draws or carries water. This emphasizes the daily, necessary service work they were given.
- The word for "congregation" is עֵדָה (ʿedah), referring to the whole community of Israel, showing that the Gibeonites' service was for everyone, not just a select group.
- "Altar" is מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbéach), which points to the religious aspect of their service, connecting their work directly to Israel’s worship practices.
Why Joshua 9:27 matters
- Joshua 9:27 clarifies that the Gibeonites were not killed or expelled, but instead given a permanent, defined role within Israel, which was both a consequence and a mercy.
- The verse connects the Gibeonites’ service to both the community and the altar, showing their ongoing involvement in Israel’s daily life and worship.
- By stating that this arrangement lasted "unto this day," the verse underlines the lasting impact of Joshua’s decision and the fulfillment of the oath made to the Gibeonites.