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.
21. And the leaders said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the leaders had promised them.
22. And Joshua called for them, and he spoke unto them, saying, Why have you deceived us, saying, We are very far from you; when you dwell among us?
23. Now therefore you are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being slaves, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.
24. And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told your servants, how that 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 much afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing.
25. And now, behold, we are in your hand: as it seems good and right unto you to do unto us, do.
26. And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not.
27. And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.