“But the leaders said to all the congregation, "We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and now we may not touch them."”
Joshua 9:19
Summary
In Joshua chapter 9, the Gibeonites, fearful of the Israelites' conquests, resort to deception to secure their safety. They disguise themselves as envoys from a distant land, presenting worn-out provisions and tattered clothing to convince Joshua and the leaders of Israel that they come from a far country. The Israelites, without consulting God, make a covenant with them, promising to spare their lives. Once the deceit is revealed and the Gibeonites are recognized as neighbors, the Israelites are bound by their oath and choose not to harm them, albeit condemning them to servitude as water carriers and woodcutters.