Joshua 9:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
נַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
This we will do
H6213
נַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
This we will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְהַֽחֲיֵ֣ה
to them we will even let them live
H2421
וְהַֽחֲיֵ֣ה
to them we will even let them live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
4 of 14
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
אוֹתָ֑ם
H853
אוֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִֽהְיֶ֤ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙
H5921
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַשְּׁבוּעָ֖ה
be upon us because of the oath
H7621
הַשְּׁבוּעָ֖ה
be upon us because of the oath
Strong's:
H7621
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Proverbs 20:25It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.Malachi 3:5And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
The fear of divine wrath for oath-breaking was well-founded in Torah—Numbers 30:2 commands: 'If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word.' Ancient Near Eastern cultures took oaths with utmost seriousness, as violating deity-sworn treaties invited supernatural punishment. Israel's decision demonstrated mature covenant theology: God's honor trumps human convenience.
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do you take promises made in God's name, even when circumstances change?
- What creative solutions honor both God's holiness and practical realities when facing dilemmas?
- How does fear of God's discipline function as wise reverence rather than servile terror?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—The phrase lest wrath be upon us (וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה עָלֵינוּ קֶצֶף, v'lo-yihyeh aleinu qetzef) reveals Israel's fear of divine judgment for oath-breaking. The word wrath (qetzef) describes God's fierce anger against covenant violation, not mere human displeasure.
The decision to let them live (נְחַיֶּה, nechayeh) as servants (v. 21) balanced covenant faithfulness with practical wisdom. Rather than execute them (breaking the oath) or fully integrate them (violating herem separation), Israel created a servant class for sacred duties. This compromise protected God's name while limiting Canaanite influence. When Saul later violated this oath by killing Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:1), God sent three-year famine—proving the wrath Israel feared was real.