19. And they responded to them: "We have sworn to them in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, and for that reason, we are not able to touch them.
20. But we shall do this to them: Certainly, let them be preserved so that they may live, lest the wrath of the Lord be stirred up against us, since we would have sworn falsely.
21. But though they live, let them serve the entire multitude by cutting wood and carrying water." And while they were discussing these things,
22. Joshua called the Gibeonites, and he said to them: "Why would you be willing to deceive us by fraud, saying, 'We live very far away from you,' when you are in our midst?
23. Therefore, you shall be under a curse, and your stock shall not cease to be cutters of wood and carriers of water, into the house of my God."
24. And they responded: "It was reported to us, your servants, that the Lord your God had promised his servant Moses that he would give you the entire land, and that he would destroy all its inhabitants. Therefore, we were very afraid, and we made a provision for our lives, compelled by the dread of you, and we undertook this counsel.