Joshua 9:18

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.

Study Bible

But the Israelites did not attack them
This phrase highlights a pivotal moment of restraint by the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "attack" is "נָגַף" (nagaph), which often implies a forceful strike or defeat. Historically, the Israelites were commanded to conquer the land of Canaan, yet here they refrain due to a prior oath. This restraint underscores the importance of honoring commitments, even when made under deceptive circumstances, reflecting a deep respect for covenants in the ancient Near Eastern context.

because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath
The act of swearing an oath in ancient Israel was a solemn and binding commitment. The Hebrew word for "sworn" is "שָׁבַע" (shaba), which conveys the idea of making a promise with a sacred obligation. This phrase emphasizes the gravity of oaths, especially those made in the name of the LORD. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual and communal responsibility leaders held in guiding the people according to divine principles.

to them by the LORD, the God of Israel
Invoking the name of the LORD, "יְהוָה" (Yahweh), in an oath was to call upon the highest authority and to bind the oath with divine witness. This phrase underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites viewed their relationship with God. The title "the God of Israel" reaffirms the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, highlighting the expectation of faithfulness and integrity in their dealings.

So the whole assembly grumbled against the leaders
The Hebrew root for "grumbled" is "לוּן" (lun), which conveys a sense of murmuring or complaining. This reaction from the assembly reflects a common human response to perceived injustice or dissatisfaction. Historically, the Israelites often expressed discontent during their wilderness journey, and this incident echoes those moments. It serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of leadership and the importance of maintaining unity and trust within a community, even amidst difficult decisions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The people of God, led by Joshua, who are in the process of conquering the Promised Land.

2. The Gibeonites
A group of people from the region of Canaan who deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them.

3. The Leaders of the Assembly
The elders and leaders of Israel who made the oath with the Gibeonites.

4. The LORD, the God of Israel
The covenant God of Israel, whose name was invoked in the oath.

5. The Whole Assembly
The congregation of Israel who were upset with their leaders for making the treaty.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Discernment
The Israelites failed to seek God's guidance before making the treaty. We must always seek God's wisdom in our decisions.

The Sanctity of Oaths
The leaders' decision to honor their oath, despite the deception, underscores the importance of keeping promises, especially those made in God's name.

Leadership Accountability
The leaders faced grumbling from the assembly, reminding us that leaders are accountable to those they lead and must act with integrity.

The Consequences of Deception
The Gibeonites' deception led to a complex situation, teaching us that deceit can have long-lasting effects.

God's Sovereignty in Our Mistakes
Despite the error, God used the situation for His purposes, reminding us that He can work through our mistakes for His glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure that we seek God's guidance in our decision-making processes, as the Israelites failed to do in this instance?

2. What are some modern-day examples of oaths or promises that we should take seriously, and how can we ensure we honor them?

3. How can leaders today maintain integrity and accountability in their decisions, especially when facing criticism from those they lead?

4. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in our lives, even when we make mistakes or face deception?

5. How does the account of the Gibeonites and the Israelites challenge us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of not taking the Lord's name in vain, which relates to the seriousness of the oath made by the Israelites.

Numbers 30:2
This passage discusses the binding nature of vows made to the Lord, highlighting the obligation the Israelites felt to honor their treaty with the Gibeonites.

Psalm 15:4
This verse speaks to the character of a righteous person who keeps an oath even when it hurts, reflecting the Israelites' decision to honor their word.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus teaches about the importance of honesty and integrity in making promises, which can be related to the Israelites' situation.

2 Samuel 21:1-2
This passage recounts the consequences of breaking an oath with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term importance of keeping one's word.