Old Testament
Joshua 9:23
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Because of this, you are now cursed, and none of you will be freed from being servants, cutting wood and carrying water for the house of my God.
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Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.
What Joshua 9:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua declares a curse upon the Gibeonites after they deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty. As a consequence of their trickery, they are condemned to serve the Israelites as laborers, specifically tasked with cutting wood and drawing water for the tabernacle. This punishment reflects the seriousness of their deceit and the importance of honesty in relationships. The Gibeonites, although spared from destruction, are now bound to a life of servitude, highlighting the consequences of their actions. This situation serves as a reminder that dishonesty can lead to long-term repercussions, even if it seems to provide a temporary advantage. The verse emphasizes the need for integrity and the importance of keeping one's word, especially in dealings with others, including God.
How to apply Joshua 9:23 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of honesty in our interactions. Just as the Gibeonites faced consequences for their deceit, we too must be mindful of our actions and words. Striving for integrity can help us build trust and avoid negative repercussions in our relationships.
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 9:23
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Key themes
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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 9:23 mean?
Joshua 9:23 means that the Gibeonites, after deceiving the Israelites, are cursed to serve as laborers, specifically cutting wood and drawing water for the house of God. This reflects the consequences of their dishonesty and the importance of integrity.
What is the significance of the curse in Joshua 9:23?
The curse in Joshua 9:23 signifies the serious repercussions of deceitful actions. It shows that dishonesty can lead to long-term consequences, even if it initially seems beneficial.
How does Joshua 9:23 relate to the theme of integrity?
Joshua 9:23 relates to the theme of integrity by illustrating that dishonesty can lead to severe consequences. The Gibeonites' trickery resulted in a lifetime of servitude, emphasizing the importance of being truthful in all dealings.
What lesson can we learn from Joshua 9:23?
From Joshua 9:23, we learn that our actions have consequences, especially when it comes to honesty. The verse serves as a reminder to uphold integrity in our relationships to avoid negative outcomes.
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