19. But the leaders replied, “Since we have sworn an oath in the presence of the lord, the God of Israel, we cannot touch them.
20. This is what we must do. We must let them live, for divine anger would come upon us if we broke our oath.
21. Let them live.” So they made them woodcutters and water carriers for the entire community, as the Israelite leaders directed.
22. Joshua called together the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you lie to us? Why did you say that you live in a distant land when you live right here among us?
23. May you be cursed! From now on you will always be servants who cut wood and carry water for the house of my God.”