Old Testament
Joshua 9:27
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That day, Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, a role they continue to this day, in the place the LORD would choose.
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And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.
What Joshua 9:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Joshua 9:27, after the Gibeonites deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty, Joshua assigned them the roles of woodcutters and water carriers. This decision was significant because it allowed the Gibeonites to serve the Israelite community and the worship of God at the altar. Their service was not just a punishment but also a way for them to integrate into the Israelite society. The phrase 'even unto this day' indicates that this arrangement continued for a long time, showing the lasting impact of Joshua's decision. The roles of woodcutting and water carrying were essential for the daily life and religious practices of the Israelites, highlighting the importance of service in the community. This verse illustrates themes of humility, service, and the consequences of deception, as the Gibeonites, who initially sought to save themselves, ended up serving the very people they tried to trick.
How to apply Joshua 9:27 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of serving others, regardless of our circumstances. Even when we face challenges or make mistakes, we can find purpose in serving our community and contributing to the greater good, just as the Gibeonites did.
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 9:27
Related Bible verses
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 9:27 mean?
Joshua 9:27 describes how Joshua assigned the Gibeonites the roles of woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelite community and the altar of the LORD. This decision allowed them to serve the community and integrate into Israelite society after they deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty.
What is the significance of the roles given to the Gibeonites in Joshua 9:27?
The roles of woodcutters and water carriers were essential for the daily life and worship practices of the Israelites. By assigning these roles to the Gibeonites, Joshua provided them a way to contribute to the community while also reflecting the consequences of their earlier deception.
What does 'even unto this day' mean in Joshua 9:27?
The phrase 'even unto this day' indicates that the arrangement of the Gibeonites serving as woodcutters and water carriers continued for a long time, showing the lasting impact of Joshua's decision on their integration into Israelite society.
How does Joshua 9:27 relate to the theme of humility?
Joshua 9:27 illustrates humility through the Gibeonites' acceptance of their roles as servants, despite their initial attempt to deceive the Israelites. Their willingness to serve highlights the importance of humility in contributing to the community.
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