Joshua 9:16-27 - Gibeon's Deception Discovered
16 And it came to pass, at the end of three days after they had solemnised with them a covenant, that they heard that, near neighbours, they were unto them, and, in their midst, they were dwelling. 17 So the sons of Israel brake up, and came in unto their cities on the third day, - their cities, being Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. 18 And the sons of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the assembly had sworn unto them by Yahweh, God of Israel, - but all the assembly murmured against the princes.
19 And all the princes said unto all the assembly, We, have sworn unto them, by Yahweh, God of Israel, - now, therefore, we may not touch them. 20 This, will we do unto them, even let them live, - lest there come on us wrath, because of the oath which we have sworn unto them. 21 And the princes said unto them - Let them live. So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the assembly, as the princes spake unto them.
22 And Joshua called for them, and spake unto them, saying, - Wherefore did ye deceive us, saying - We are, very far, from you, whereas, ye, in our midst, are dwelling? 23 Now, therefore, accursed, ye are, - and ye shall not cease to be in bond-service as hewers of wood and drawers of water, for the house of my God.
24 And they responded to Joshua, and said - Because it was, plainly told, thy servants, how that Yahweh thy God had commanded Moses his servant to give unto you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, - therefore feared we greatly, for our lives, because of you, and did this thing. 25 Now, therefore, here we are, in thy hand, - as may be good and right in thine eyes, to do unto us, do. 26 And he did to them so, - and rescued them out of the hand of the sons of Israel, and they slew them not. 27 And Joshua appointed them that day to be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto the assembly, - and unto the altar of Yahweh, as they are until this day, in the place which he should choose.