18. And the children of Israel struck them not, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the leaders.
19. But all the leaders said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.
20. This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath come upon us, because of the oath which we swore to them.