19. But all the princes said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. Now therefore we may not touch them.
20. We will do this to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them.”
21. The princes said to them, “Let them live.” So they became wood cutters and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.
22. Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you live amongst us?
23. Now therefore you are cursed, and some of you will never fail to be slaves, both wood cutters and drawers of water for the house of my God.”
24. They answered Joshua, and said, “Because your servants were certainly told how the Lord your God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you. Therefore we were very afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing.
25. Now, behold, we are in your hand. Do to us as it seems good and right to you to do.”
26. He did so to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they didn’t kill them.
27. That day Joshua made them wood cutters and drawers of water for the congregation and for the Lord’s altar to this day, in the place which he should choose.