King James Version

What Does Joshua 9:15 Mean?

Joshua 9:15 in the King James Version says “And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation swar... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

Joshua 9:15 · KJV


Context

13

And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.

14

And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. the men: or, they received the men by reason of their victuals

15

And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

16

And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them.

17

And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel's fateful decision: 'Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.' The phrase 'made peace' (asah shalom, עָשָׂה שָׁלוֹם) establishes formal treaty. The 'league' (berit, בְּרִית—covenant) invokes sacred oath. The commitment 'to let them live' specifically grants protection from the cherem (devoted destruction) that other Canaanite cities faced. Most significant: 'the princes of the congregation sware'—they took oath before the LORD (verse 18 clarifies). This oath-taking makes the treaty irrevocable despite its deceptive origin. The Reformed principle: oath sanctity supersedes circumstantial considerations. Numbers 30:2: 'If a man vow a vow unto the LORD...he shall not break his word.' The passage teaches that covenant commitments bind us even when obtained through deception or proving inconvenient. God honors faithfulness to oaths because His own character is utterly faithful.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern treaties typically involved elaborate oath-taking ceremonies invoking deities as witnesses. The oath's sanctity meant violation brought divine curse. The 'princes of the congregation' likely refers to tribal leaders who had authority to make binding commitments for Israel. Their corporate oath-taking meant the entire nation was bound. The specification 'to let them live' addressed the central issue—Deuteronomy 20:16-17 commanded destroying nearby Canaanite cities. By treaty, Gibeonites were exempted from this cherem. Once sworn 'by the LORD' (verse 18), the oath couldn't be revoked even after discovering the deception. This illustrates ancient covenant theology's absolute nature—oaths stood regardless of how obtained. Later, Saul's violation of this oath brought judgment on Israel (2 Samuel 21:1-14), confirming the treaty's perpetual binding nature. Church history wrestles with this tension: faithfulness to commitments obtained through deception. Most Reformed theologians conclude that oath sanctity prevails—our faithfulness reflects God's character regardless of others' truthfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does covenant faithfulness even to those who deceived us reflect God's unchanging character?
  2. What does the binding nature of oaths 'by the LORD' teach about taking God's name in commitments?
  3. When has God called you to honor commitments despite discovering they were based on incomplete information?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ1 of 12

made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶ֤ם2 of 12
H0
יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙3 of 12

And Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

שָׁל֔וֹם4 of 12

peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וַיִּכְרֹ֥ת5 of 12

with them and made

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לָהֶ֛ם6 of 12
H0
בְּרִ֖ית7 of 12

a league

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

לְחַיּוֹתָ֑ם8 of 12

with them to let them live

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וַיִּשָּֽׁבְע֣וּ9 of 12

sware

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לָהֶ֔ם10 of 12
H0
נְשִׂיאֵ֖י11 of 12

and the princes

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

הָֽעֵדָֽה׃12 of 12

of the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 9:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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