Joshua 9:25
And now, behold, we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֖ה
H6258
בְיָדֶ֑ךָ
are in thine hand
H3027
בְיָדֶ֑ךָ
are in thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כַּטּ֨וֹב
good
H2896
כַּטּ֨וֹב
good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
4 of 9
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
בְּעֵינֶ֛יךָ
as it seemeth
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֛יךָ
as it seemeth
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern treaty protocols required vassal nations to pledge complete submission to the suzerain. The Gibeonites used diplomatic language acknowledging Joshua's absolute authority over their fate. However, Joshua's existing oath (v. 15, 19) constrained his options—their deception trapped Israel into covenant obligations that God's character would honor despite human failure to seek His counsel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Gibeonites' progression from deception to complete surrender mirror the journey of genuine repentance?
- What does Joshua's merciful response teach about how covenant leaders should balance justice with grace?
- In what ways does submitting to 'what seems good and right' in God's eyes differ from worldly concepts of fairness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
We are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do (הִנֵּנוּ בְיָדֶךָ כַּטּוֹב וְכַיָּשָׁר בְּעֵינֶיךָ, hinenu veyadecha katov vekhayashar be'einecha)—complete surrender to Joshua's judgment. The phrase 'in thine hand' (בְיָדֶךָ, veyadecha) appears frequently in Scripture as submission to authority (Genesis 16:6, 1 Samuel 24:4). The doubled expression 'good and right' (טוֹב וְיָשָׁר, tov veyashar) acknowledges Joshua's moral authority to determine justice.
This unconditional submission contrasts with their earlier deception. Having manipulated circumstances through lies, they now abandoned all pretense and cast themselves on mercy. Their posture anticipates the tax collector's prayer, 'God be merciful to me a sinner' (Luke 18:13). Joshua's response—protection rather than execution—models how covenant grace operates: those who acknowledge unworthiness and submit to divine authority receive mercy rather than deserved judgment.