Joshua 9:15
And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern treaties typically involved elaborate oath-taking ceremonies invoking deities as witnesses. The oath's sanctity meant violation brought divine curse. The 'princes of the congregation' likely refers to tribal leaders who had authority to make binding commitments for Israel. Their corporate oath-taking meant the entire nation was bound. The specification 'to let them live' addressed the central issue—Deuteronomy 20:16-17 commanded destroying nearby Canaanite cities. By treaty, Gibeonites were exempted from this cherem. Once sworn 'by the LORD' (verse 18), the oath couldn't be revoked even after discovering the deception. This illustrates ancient covenant theology's absolute nature—oaths stood regardless of how obtained. Later, Saul's violation of this oath brought judgment on Israel (2 Samuel 21:1-14), confirming the treaty's perpetual binding nature. Church history wrestles with this tension: faithfulness to commitments obtained through deception. Most Reformed theologians conclude that oath sanctity prevails—our faithfulness reflects God's character regardless of others' truthfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does covenant faithfulness even to those who deceived us reflect God's unchanging character?
- What does the binding nature of oaths 'by the LORD' teach about taking God's name in commitments?
- When has God called you to honor commitments despite discovering they were based on incomplete information?
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Analysis & Commentary
Israel's fateful decision: 'Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.' The phrase 'made peace' (asah shalom, עָשָׂה שָׁלוֹם) establishes formal treaty. The 'league' (berit, בְּרִית—covenant) invokes sacred oath. The commitment 'to let them live' specifically grants protection from the cherem (devoted destruction) that other Canaanite cities faced. Most significant: 'the princes of the congregation sware'—they took oath before the LORD (verse 18 clarifies). This oath-taking makes the treaty irrevocable despite its deceptive origin. The Reformed principle: oath sanctity supersedes circumstantial considerations. Numbers 30:2: 'If a man vow a vow unto the LORD...he shall not break his word.' The passage teaches that covenant commitments bind us even when obtained through deception or proving inconvenient. God honors faithfulness to oaths because His own character is utterly faithful.