Joshua 9:19
But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.
Original Language Analysis
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַנְּשִׂיאִים֙
But all the princes
H5387
הַנְּשִׂיאִים֙
But all the princes
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
unto all the congregation
H5712
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
unto all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
6 of 17
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְנוּ
We have sworn
H7650
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְנוּ
We have sworn
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
8 of 17
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
unto them by the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
unto them by the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְעַתָּ֕ה
H6258
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נוּכַ֖ל
now therefore we may
H3201
נוּכַ֖ל
now therefore we may
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
15 of 17
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
Historical Context
The princes' public declaration protected the Gibeonites from popular vengeance when the congregation discovered the deception (v. 18). Ancient Near Eastern treaties invoked deity names as guarantors—breaking such oaths invited divine curse. Israel's reputation for keeping oaths (even obtained through deception) would have spread throughout Canaan, demonstrating covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you honor commitments made unwisely or through deception without compromising integrity?
- What does Israel's oath-keeping teach about God's character and expectations for His people?
- When has protecting God's reputation required you to keep a costly promise?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
All the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel—The verb sworn (נִשְׁבַּעְנוּ, nishba'nu) invokes God's name in oath-making, creating a binding covenant. The phrase by the LORD God of Israel (בַּיהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, ba-YHWH Elohei Yisra'el) emphasizes that the oath's authority rests on God's character, not the princes' wisdom.
Now therefore we may not touch them (לֹא נוּכַל לִנְגֹּעַ בָּהֶם, lo nukhal lingo'a bahem)—Despite being deceived, the leaders recognized that breaking an oath made in God's name would profane His holiness. This decision honors Leviticus 19:12: 'Ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God.' The Gibeonites' deception didn't nullify Israel's obligation—God's reputation was at stake. Centuries later, Saul's violation of this oath brought divine judgment (2 Samuel 21:1-14).