King James Version

What Does Joshua 9:26 Mean?

Joshua 9:26 in the King James Version says “And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not. — study this verse from Joshua chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not.

Joshua 9:26 · KJV


Context

24

And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.

25

And now, behold, we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do.

26

And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not.

27

And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose. made: Heb. gave, or, delivered to be


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel—Joshua's protection of the Gibeonites upheld covenant integrity despite their deception. The verb נָצַל (natsal, 'delivered') often describes divine rescue from enemies. Joshua's intervention prevented mob justice, establishing rule of law over vengeful impulses. The Israelites wanted to attack them (v. 18), but Joshua's leadership restrained the assembly.

This protection foreshadows Christ as covenant mediator, who delivers believers from deserved wrath. The Gibeonites obtained through treaty deception what they could never earn—safety within Israel's camp and service in God's presence. Similarly, believers receive through Christ's righteousness what deception could never secure: reconciliation with God. Later history vindicated Joshua's protection; when Saul violated this treaty, divine judgment fell on Israel (2 Samuel 21:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Joshua's decision carried long-term implications for Israel's political landscape. Gibeon became a Levitical city (Joshua 21:17) and remained important through Israel's monarchy—the tabernacle resided there during David's reign (1 Chronicles 16:39, 21:29). Saul's later massacre of Gibeonites violated this sacred oath, requiring David to make atonement through executing Saul's descendants (2 Samuel 21:1-9), demonstrating that God held Israel accountable for covenant promises even those made under deception.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joshua's protection of the deceptive Gibeonites challenge our tendency to withhold mercy from those who wronged us?
  2. What does God's later judgment on Israel for violating this treaty teach about the seriousness of covenant promises?
  3. In what ways does this narrative illustrate that God's grace often operates through imperfect human decisions within His sovereign plan?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 10

And so did

H6213

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

לָהֶ֖ם2 of 10
H0
כֵּ֑ן3 of 10
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וַיַּצֵּ֥ל4 of 10

he unto them and delivered

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

אוֹתָ֛ם5 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִיַּ֥ד6 of 10

them out of the hand

H3027

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

בְּנֵֽי7 of 10

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל8 of 10

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְלֹ֥א9 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֲרָגֽוּם׃10 of 10

that they slew

H2026

to smite with deadly intent


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 9:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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