18. But they didn't attack those cities. That's because the leaders of the community had taken an oath and made a peace treaty with them. They had taken the oath in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. The whole community told the leaders they weren't happy with them.
19. But all of the leaders answered, "We've made a peace treaty with them. We've taken an oath in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. So we can't touch them now.
20. "But here is what we'll do to them. We'll let them live. Then the Lord's anger won't fall on us because we didn't keep the oath we took."
21. They continued, "Let them live. But let them cut wood and carry water for the whole community." So the leaders kept their promise to them.
22. Joshua sent for the people of Gibeon. He said, "Why did you trick us? You said, 'We live far away from you.' But in fact you live close to us.
23. So now you are under a curse. You will always serve us. You will always cut wood and carry water for the house of my God."
24. They answered Joshua, "We were clearly told what the Lord your God had commanded his servant Moses to do. He commanded him to give you the whole land. He also ordered him to wipe out all of its people to make room for you. So we were afraid you would kill us. That's why we tricked you.
25. We are now in your hands. Do to us what you think is good and right."
26. So Joshua saved the people of Gibeon. He didn't let the people of Israel kill them.