Inspire: Joshua, Judges & Ruth 978-1-4964-7519-0 - Flipbook - Page 22
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But the Israelites did not attack the towns, for the Israelite leaders had made a
vow to them in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel.
The people of Israel grumbled against their leaders because of the treaty. 19 But
the leaders replied,
18
“Since we have sworn an oath
in the presence of the LORD,
the God of Israel,
we cannot touch them.
20 This is what we must do. We must let them live, for divine anger would come
upon us if we broke our oath. 21 Let them live.” So they made them woodcutters
and water carriers for the entire community, as the Israelite leaders directed.
22 Joshua called together the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you lie to us? Why did
you say that you live in a distant land when you live right here among us? 23 May
you be cursed! From now on you will always be servants who cut wood and carry
water for the house of my God.”
24 They replied, “We did it because we—your servants—were clearly told that
the Lord your God commanded his servant Moses to give you this entire land and
to destroy all the people living in it. So we feared greatly for our lives because of
you. That is why we have done this. 25 Now we are at your mercy—do to us whatever you think is right.”
26 So Joshua did not allow the people of Israel to kill them. 27 But that day he
made the Gibeonites the woodcutters and water carriers for the community of
Israel and for the altar of the Lord—wherever the Lord would choose to build
it. And that is what they do to this day.
Israel Defeats the Southern Armies
Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard that Joshua had captured and completely destroyed Ai and killed its king, just as he had destroyed the town
of Jericho and killed its king. He also learned that the Gibeonites had made peace
with Israel and were now their allies. 2 He and his people became very afraid when
they heard all this because Gibeon was a large town—as large as the royal cities
and larger than Ai. And the Gibeonite men were strong warriors.
3 So King Adoni-ze dek of Jerusalem sent messengers to several other kings:
Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon.
4 “Come and help me destroy Gibeon,” he urged them, “for they have made peace
with Joshua and the people of Israel.” 5 So these five Amorite kings combined their
armies for a united attack. They moved all their troops into place and attacked
Gibeon.
6 The men of Gibeon quickly sent messengers to Joshua at his camp in Gilgal.
10
“Don’t abandon your servants now!”
they pleaded.
“Come at once!
Save us! Help us!
21
