“But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the Book of Joshua, which recounts the Israelites’ conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. In this particular passage, the Israelites had encountered the Gibeonites, who were a neighboring people. The Gibeonites had heard about the victories of the Israelites and were afraid of being conquered, so they resorted to deception.
In the preceding verses, the Gibeonites disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and came to Joshua and the Israelites, pretending to seek a treaty of peace. They presented themselves with worn-out clothes, worn-out sandals, and moldy bread, making it seem as if they had traveled from a faraway place. Without consulting the Lord, Joshua and the leaders of Israel hastily entered into a covenant with them, making a solemn oath of peace.
However, after three days, the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites were actually inhabitants of the nearby land, Canaan, which was part of the territory God had instructed them to conquer. Realizing their mistake, the leaders of Israel gathered to discuss the situation. It is at this point that they expressed their dilemma in Joshua 9:19.
The phrase “We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel” refers to the binding oath made in the name of the Lord. The Israelites recognized that they had made a solemn promise before God, invoking His name as they swore a covenant of peace with the Gibeonites. Their dilemma stemmed from their understanding that breaking this oath would not only be a violation of their word but also a violation of their commitment to the Lord.
Therefore, the Israelite leaders concluded, “now therefore we may not touch them.” In other words, they believed they were obligated to honor the agreement they had made, even though it was based on deception. They understood that their covenant with the Gibeonites was sealed by an oath made in the presence of the Lord, and they believed it was their responsibility to uphold it.
This episode serves as a lesson about the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on Him in all decisions. Joshua and the Israelite leaders failed to consult the Lord before entering into a treaty, and as a result, they were deceived by the Gibeonites. However, once they realized their error, they recognized the weight of their oath before God and chose to honor it, despite the challenging circumstances.
The broader message from this passage encourages believers to prioritize their commitment to the Lord and maintain their integrity, even when facing unexpected situations or the consequences of their own mistakes. It underscores the significance of seeking God’s wisdom and counsel in all aspects of life, acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority in our decision-making processes.
