Old Testament
Joshua 9:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But the Israelites did not attack them because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the LORD God of Israel. The entire assembly complained against the leaders.
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And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes.
What Joshua 9:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites chose not to attack the Gibeonites because their leaders had made a solemn promise to them in the name of the LORD. This decision highlights the importance of keeping one's word, especially when it involves a commitment made before God. The leaders' oath created a moral obligation that the Israelites felt they could not break, even though they later realized they had been deceived by the Gibeonites. The assembly's complaint against the leaders shows the tension between following God's commands and adhering to human agreements. This situation serves as a reminder of the complexities of leadership and the consequences of decisions made in faith and trust.
How to apply Joshua 9:18 to your life
This verse teaches us the significance of integrity and keeping our promises. In our own lives, we should be mindful of the commitments we make, ensuring they align with our values and beliefs. When faced with difficult decisions, we must consider the impact on our relationships and community.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Gibeonites' Trick (Joshua 9:1–27)
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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.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Joshua 9:18
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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 9:18 mean?
Joshua 9:18 means that the Israelites refrained from attacking the Gibeonites because their leaders had made a promise to them in the name of the LORD. This highlights the importance of keeping one's word, even when faced with difficult circumstances.
What is the significance of the oath in Joshua 9:18?
The oath in Joshua 9:18 signifies a moral obligation that the Israelites felt they could not break. It illustrates the tension between following God's commands and honoring human agreements.
Why did the Israelites complain in Joshua 9:18?
The Israelites complained in Joshua 9:18 because they felt their leaders' decision to spare the Gibeonites was misguided, especially after realizing they had been deceived. This reflects the challenges leaders face when balancing faith and community expectations.
What themes are present in Joshua 9:18?
Themes in Joshua 9:18 include the importance of oaths, leadership accountability, trust, deception, moral obligation, and community response. These themes highlight the complexities of decision-making in leadership roles.
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