Old Testament
Joshua 9:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Joshua made a peace treaty with them and entered into a covenant to let them live. The leaders of the community confirmed it with an oath.
Compare translations
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.
What Joshua 9:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, makes a significant decision to form a peace treaty with a group of people known as the Gibeonites. Despite being instructed by God to conquer the land, Joshua chooses to enter into a covenant with them, promising to spare their lives. This decision is confirmed by the leaders of the Israelite community, who take an oath to uphold the agreement. The act of making a covenant signifies a deep commitment and trust between the parties involved. It highlights the importance of integrity and the weight of promises made, even in complex situations. Joshua's choice reflects a moment of diplomacy and mercy, showing that sometimes, the path of peace can be chosen over conflict, even when it may not align with initial expectations or commands. This moment sets the stage for future interactions between the Israelites and the Gibeonites, illustrating the complexities of leadership and decision-making in challenging circumstances.
How to apply Joshua 9:15 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of making thoughtful decisions and honoring our commitments. In our own lives, we may face situations where we must choose between conflict and peace. It encourages us to consider the long-term implications of our choices and to act with integrity and compassion.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Gibeonites' Trick (Joshua 9:1–27)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joshua
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 9:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 9:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 9:15 mean?
Joshua 9:15 describes how Joshua made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites, choosing to spare their lives despite God's command to conquer the land. This decision was confirmed by the leaders of Israel, highlighting themes of diplomacy and the importance of keeping promises.
What is the significance of the covenant in Joshua 9:15?
The covenant in Joshua 9:15 signifies a formal agreement between Joshua and the Gibeonites, emphasizing trust and commitment. It shows that even in difficult situations, leaders can choose mercy and peace over conflict.
What does the phrase 'made a league' mean in Joshua 9:15?
The phrase 'made a league' in Joshua 9:15 refers to forming a formal alliance or agreement. In this context, it indicates Joshua's commitment to protect the Gibeonites and uphold their lives through a peace treaty.
How does Joshua 9:15 relate to leadership?
Joshua 9:15 illustrates the complexities of leadership, as Joshua must navigate between following God's commands and making a compassionate decision. It highlights the importance of integrity and the impact of choices on community relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.