Joshua 9:18 - The children of Israel didn’t strike them, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. All the congregation murmured against the princes.
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What does "Joshua 9:18" mean?
This verse from Joshua 9:18 refers to the story of the Gibeonites in the Book of Joshua. To understand it, here's a breakdown:
"The children of Israel didn’t strike them...": The Israelites, led by Joshua, had been commanded by God to conquer and destroy the inhabitants of Canaan. "Striking" them here means attacking and killing them.
"...because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel.": The Gibeonites, knowing the Israelites' power and the fate of other Canaanite cities, tricked the Israelites into making a covenant (a solemn promise or treaty) with them. They pretended to be from a far-off land and presented themselves as humble supplicants. The "princes" (leaders) of the Israelites, without consulting God, made an oath to the Gibeonites in the name of Yahweh (God's name), guaranteeing their safety. Once the truth came out (that the Gibeonites lived nearby), the Israelites realized they had been deceived, but because they had sworn an oath in God's name, they felt obligated to honor it. Oaths made in God's name were considered sacred and unbreakable.
"All the congregation murmured against the princes.": The rest of the Israelites were angry with their leaders ("princes") for making this agreement. They understood God's command to conquer the land and were likely frustrated that the oath prevented them from fulfilling that command concerning the Gibeonites. "Murmured" means they complained and grumbled against their leaders, expressing their displeasure and disapproval.
In essence, the verse highlights the dilemma and its consequences:
The Israelites were bound by an oath made in God's name, even though it was based on deception.
The rank and file Israelites resented their leaders for the decision, because it compromised their initial goal.
The importance of this passage lies in several aspects:
The sanctity of oaths: Even a deceitfully obtained oath was considered binding if made in God's name.
The consequences of hasty decisions: The leaders acted without seeking God's guidance, leading to a difficult situation.
Leadership accountability: The leaders faced criticism from the people for their poor judgment.
The complex morality of warfare in the Old Testament: The book of Joshua contains violent acts and is often difficult for modern readers to reconcile with contemporary ethical standards. This passage presents a further challenge, as it reveals the tension between a divine mandate and the moral imperative of keeping a promise.
Joshua 9:18 - The children of Israel didn’t strike them, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. All the congregation murmured against the princes.
What does "Joshua 9:18" mean?
This verse from Joshua 9:18 refers to the story of the Gibeonites in the Book of Joshua. To understand it, here's a breakdown:
"The children of Israel didn’t strike them...": The Israelites, led by Joshua, had been commanded by God to conquer and destroy the inhabitants of Canaan. "Striking" them here means attacking and killing them.
"...because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel.": The Gibeonites, knowing the Israelites' power and the fate of other Canaanite cities, tricked the Israelites into making a covenant (a solemn promise or treaty) with them. They pretended to be from a far-off land and presented themselves as humble supplicants. The "princes" (leaders) of the Israelites, without consulting God, made an oath to the Gibeonites in the name of Yahweh (God's name), guaranteeing their safety. Once the truth came out (that the Gibeonites lived nearby), the Israelites realized they had been deceived, but because they had sworn an oath in God's name, they felt obligated to honor it. Oaths made in God's name were considered sacred and unbreakable.
"All the congregation murmured against the princes.": The rest of the Israelites were angry with their leaders ("princes") for making this agreement. They understood God's command to conquer the land and were likely frustrated that the oath prevented them from fulfilling that command concerning the Gibeonites. "Murmured" means they complained and grumbled against their leaders, expressing their displeasure and disapproval.
In essence, the verse highlights the dilemma and its consequences:
The Israelites were bound by an oath made in God's name, even though it was based on deception.
The rank and file Israelites resented their leaders for the decision, because it compromised their initial goal.
The importance of this passage lies in several aspects:
The sanctity of oaths: Even a deceitfully obtained oath was considered binding if made in God's name.
The consequences of hasty decisions: The leaders acted without seeking God's guidance, leading to a difficult situation.
Leadership accountability: The leaders faced criticism from the people for their poor judgment.
The complex morality of warfare in the Old Testament: The book of Joshua contains violent acts and is often difficult for modern readers to reconcile with contemporary ethical standards. This passage presents a further challenge, as it reveals the tension between a divine mandate and the moral imperative of keeping a promise.