This verse, Joshua 9:25, comes from the end of a deceptive encounter between the Israelites and the Gibeonites. To understand its meaning, you need some context:
The Context: The Israelites had been commanded by God to conquer Canaan and destroy its inhabitants (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The Gibeonites, fearing the Israelites, tricked them into a treaty of peace. They claimed to be from a distant land, showing up in worn-out clothes and with moldy bread to make their story believable (Joshua 9:3-15).
The Deception is Revealed: After the treaty was made, the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites were actually their neighbors. They were angry, but they were bound by their oath, which they had sworn in the name of the Lord (Joshua 9:19-20). Breaking an oath made in God's name was considered a very serious offense.
Joshua's Response: Instead of killing the Gibeonites, Joshua curses them to be servants, specifically woodcutters and water carriers, for the house of God (Joshua 9:23).
Meaning of Joshua 9:25:
"Now, behold, we are in your hand. Do to us as it seems good and right to you to do.”
This statement is a desperate plea of surrender and submission from the Gibeonites to Joshua. It expresses several things:
Complete Submission: "We are in your hand" means the Gibeonites acknowledge that they are entirely at the mercy of Joshua and the Israelites. They recognize that they could have been killed for their deception.
Acknowledgement of Wrongdoing: By submitting in this way, they implicitly admit their guilt in deceiving the Israelites. They are not arguing or trying to justify their actions.
Trust in Justice: "Do to us as it seems good and right to you to do" implies that the Gibeonites believe Joshua will act justly and fairly, despite their transgression. They are trusting that he will not be needlessly cruel or vengeful. They are hoping for mercy.
In Summary: The Gibeonites, caught in their deception, offer themselves as slaves and hope that Joshua will show them leniency and not destroy them, even though they are subject to his judgment. It's a plea for mercy and a recognition of the consequences of their deceit. It also reflects a certain trust in the Israelites' (or at least Joshua's) sense of what is "good and right" in the situation.
This verse, Joshua 9:25, comes from the end of a deceptive encounter between the Israelites and the Gibeonites. To understand its meaning, you need some context:
The Context: The Israelites had been commanded by God to conquer Canaan and destroy its inhabitants (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The Gibeonites, fearing the Israelites, tricked them into a treaty of peace. They claimed to be from a distant land, showing up in worn-out clothes and with moldy bread to make their story believable (Joshua 9:3-15).
The Deception is Revealed: After the treaty was made, the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites were actually their neighbors. They were angry, but they were bound by their oath, which they had sworn in the name of the Lord (Joshua 9:19-20). Breaking an oath made in God's name was considered a very serious offense.
Joshua's Response: Instead of killing the Gibeonites, Joshua curses them to be servants, specifically woodcutters and water carriers, for the house of God (Joshua 9:23).
Meaning of Joshua 9:25:
"Now, behold, we are in your hand. Do to us as it seems good and right to you to do.”
This statement is a desperate plea of surrender and submission from the Gibeonites to Joshua. It expresses several things:
Complete Submission: "We are in your hand" means the Gibeonites acknowledge that they are entirely at the mercy of Joshua and the Israelites. They recognize that they could have been killed for their deception.
Acknowledgement of Wrongdoing: By submitting in this way, they implicitly admit their guilt in deceiving the Israelites. They are not arguing or trying to justify their actions.
Trust in Justice: "Do to us as it seems good and right to you to do" implies that the Gibeonites believe Joshua will act justly and fairly, despite their transgression. They are trusting that he will not be needlessly cruel or vengeful. They are hoping for mercy.
In Summary: The Gibeonites, caught in their deception, offer themselves as slaves and hope that Joshua will show them leniency and not destroy them, even though they are subject to his judgment. It's a plea for mercy and a recognition of the consequences of their deceit. It also reflects a certain trust in the Israelites' (or at least Joshua's) sense of what is "good and right" in the situation.