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Joshua 9:19 All the leaders answered, "We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.
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now therefore, we may not touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But all the leaders said to the whole congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But all the leaders said to the whole congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But all the leaders said to the whole congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then all the leaders said to the whole congregation, “We have sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel, so now we cannot touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But all the leaders said to the whole congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, so now we cannot touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the leaders answered them, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the leaders answered them, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by Jehovah, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But all the leaders said to them, "We have sworn an oath about them to the LORD God of Israel, so we cannot touch them now.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />but they answered, "We have made our solemn promise to them in the name of the LORD God of Israel. Now we cannot harm them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then all of the leaders spoke to the entire congregation, "We have sworn to them in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the leaders answered, ?We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />but all the leaders told the whole community, "We swore an oath to them in the name of the LORD God of Israel. So now we can't hurt them!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But all the leaders said to all the congregation, "We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel; and now therefore we may not touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But all the princes said to all the congregation, We have sworn to them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But all the princes said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. Now therefore we may not touch them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the princes say to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by YHWH, God of Israel; and now, we are not able to come against them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And all the princes say unto all the company, 'We -- we have sworn to them by Jehovah, God of Israel; and now, we are not able to come against them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And all the chiefs will say to all the assembly, We sware to them by Jehovah the God of Israel: and now we shall not be able to touch upon them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they answered them: We have sworn to them in the name of the Lord the God of Israel, and therefore we may not touch them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they responded to them: “We have sworn to them in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, and for that reason, we are not able to touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />these all remonstrated with the community, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and so we cannot harm them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But all the leaders said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we must not touch them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But the princes said to the congregation, We have sworn to them by the LORD God of Israel; now therefore we cannot harm them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Princes of the assembly were saying : “We swore to them by LORD JEHOVAH the God of Israel, therefore we cannot harm them<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But all the princes said unto all the congregation: 'We have sworn unto them by the LORD, the God of Israel; now therefore we may not touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the princes said to all the congregation: We have sworn to them by the Lord God of Israel, and now we shall not be able to touch them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/9-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=2286" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/9.htm">The Deceit of the Gibeonites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">18</span>But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders. <span class="reftext">19</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">All</a> <a href="/hebrew/5387.htm" title="5387: han·nə·śî·’îm (Art:: N-mp) -- Or nasi'; from nasa'; properly, an exalted one, i.e. A king or sheik; also a rising mist.">the leaders</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5712.htm" title="5712: hā·‘ê·ḏāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Congregation. Feminine of ed in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage."></a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">“We</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: niš·ba‘·nū (V-Nifal-Perf-1cp) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">have sworn an oath</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">to them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">by the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">and now</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">we cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: nū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5060.htm" title="5060: lin·gō·a‘ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. Lay the hand upon; by implication, to reach; violently, to strike.">touch</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">20</span>This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a></span><br />If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a></span><br />If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a></span><br />who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/11-35.htm">Judges 11:35</a></span><br />As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">2 Samuel 21:1-2</a></span><br />During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.” / At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24-28</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food. / Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. / And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/12-15.htm">2 Kings 12:15</a></span><br />No accounting was required from the men who received the money to pay the workmen, because they acted with integrity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-22.htm">2 Chronicles 6:22-23</a></span><br />When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, / then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/17-18.htm">Ezekiel 17:18-19</a></span><br />He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Seeing that he gave his hand in pledge yet did all these things, he will not escape!’ / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down upon his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a></span><br />Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a></span><br />Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16-18</a></span><br />Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. / So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. / Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15</a></span><br />Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But all the princes said to all the congregation, We have sworn to them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.</p><p class="hdg">We have</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/9-20.htm">Joshua 9:20</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2</a></b></br> I <i>counsel thee</i> to keep the king's commandment, and <i>that</i> in regard of the oath of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:2</a></b></br> All <i>things come</i> alike to all: <i>there is</i> one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as <i>is</i> the good, so <i>is</i> the sinner; <i>and</i> he that sweareth, as <i>he</i> that feareth an oath.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/1-5.htm">Able</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Company</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/joshua/8-18.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/joshua/9-15.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-8.htm">Touch</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/10-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/joshua/9-21.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/joshua/10-24.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/joshua/9-21.htm">Company</a> <a href="/joshua/9-21.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/joshua/9-25.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/joshua/9-26.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/22-30.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/joshua/9-20.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/joshua/9-21.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/joshua/9-20.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/ruth/2-9.htm">Touch</a> <a href="/joshua/9-21.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/9-1.htm">The kings combine against Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/9-3.htm">The Gibeonites by craft obtain a league</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/9-22.htm">They are condemned to perpetual bondage</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>All the leaders answered</b><br>This phrase indicates a collective response from the leaders of Israel, highlighting the importance of unity and consensus in decision-making. In the context of ancient Israel, leadership was often a shared responsibility among elders and tribal heads, reflecting a communal approach to governance. This collective decision-making process is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the council of elders in <a href="/exodus/3-16.htm">Exodus 3:16</a>.<p><b>We have sworn an oath to them</b><br>Oaths were considered sacred and binding in ancient Israelite culture, as seen in <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a>. Breaking an oath was not only a breach of trust but also a sin against God. The leaders' acknowledgment of the oath underscores the seriousness with which they regarded their promises, even when made under deceptive circumstances, as was the case with the Gibeonites.<p><b>by the LORD, the God of Israel</b><br>Invoking the name of the LORD in an oath added a divine witness to the promise, making it irrevocable. This reflects the deep reverence for God's name and the understanding that He is the ultimate authority and witness to human actions. The use of God's name in oaths is addressed in <a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Leviticus 19:12</a>, emphasizing the need for truthfulness and integrity.<p><b>and now we cannot touch them</b><br>This phrase indicates the leaders' recognition of the binding nature of their oath, despite the Gibeonites' deception. It reflects the principle that faithfulness to one's word is paramount, even when it is inconvenient or costly. This principle is echoed in <a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a>, which describes a righteous person as one who "keeps an oath even when it hurts." The leaders' decision to honor the oath, despite the circumstances, demonstrates a commitment to integrity and obedience to God's commands.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses and led the people into the Promised Land. He is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_gibeonites.htm">The Gibeonites</a></b><br>A group of people from the city of Gibeon who deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, who are in the process of conquering the Promised Land as commanded by God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_leaders_of_the_assembly.htm">The Leaders of the Assembly</a></b><br>The elders and leaders of Israel who are responsible for upholding the covenant made with the Gibeonites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_covenant.htm">The Covenant</a></b><br>An agreement made between the Israelites and the Gibeonites, which was sworn in the name of the LORD.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a></b><br>The Israelites' decision to honor their covenant with the Gibeonites, despite being deceived, underscores the importance of integrity and keeping one's word. As believers, we are called to uphold our commitments, reflecting God's faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rash_decisions.htm">The Consequences of Rash Decisions</a></b><br>Joshua and the leaders failed to seek God's guidance before making the covenant. This serves as a reminder to seek divine wisdom in our decisions to avoid unintended consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_our_mistakes.htm">God's Sovereignty in Our Mistakes</a></b><br>Despite the Israelites' error, God used the situation for His purposes. This teaches us that God can redeem our mistakes and work them for good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>The leaders of Israel had to make a difficult decision to uphold the covenant. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to act with integrity and wisdom, even in challenging situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_oaths.htm">The Power of Oaths</a></b><br>The Israelites' commitment to their oath, even when it was made under false pretenses, demonstrates the seriousness with which God views our promises. We should be careful and deliberate in making commitments.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_gibeonites.htm">What is the identity of the Gibeonites?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_leaders_to_be_misled,_god.htm">Why would an omniscient God allow His leaders to be misled in such a strategic event (Joshua 9)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_prophecy_have_dual_fulfillment.htm">What is Gibeon's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_abimelech's_rule_conflict_with_ot.htm">Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) <span class= "bld">We have sworn unto them . . . therefore we may not touch them.</span>--Although the covenant was obtained from the Israelites by false pretences, yet, being made in the name of Jehovah, it could not be broken; it was His covenant. "He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not," is commended in <a href="/psalms/15-4.htm" title="In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honors them that fear the LORD. He that swears to his own hurt, and changes not.">Psalm 15:4</a>. We should notice that the law of Jehovah had raised the tone of morality in this particular. There are many Christians who would not hesitate to repudiate an agreement concluded under false pretences.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/9-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">All</span><br /><span class="heb">כָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the leaders</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנְּשִׂיאִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(han·nə·śî·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5387.htm">Strong's 5387: </a> </span><span class="str2">An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mist</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answered,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“We</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנַ֙חְנוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·naḥ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> </span><span class="str2">We</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have sworn an oath</span><br /><span class="heb">נִשְׁבַּ֣עְנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(niš·ba‘·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seven oneself, swear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them by the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּֽיהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and now</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַתָּ֕ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> </span><span class="str2">At this time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">touch</span><br /><span class="heb">לִנְגֹּ֥עַ</span> <span class="translit">(lin·gō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5060.htm">Strong's 5060: </a> </span><span class="str2">To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(bā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/9-19.htm">Joshua 9:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/9-19.htm">OT History: Joshua 9:19 But all the princes said to all (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/9-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 9:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 9:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/9-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 9:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 9:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>