John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 9:15
And Joshua made peace with them ,.... Upon the report the princes made of having examined what they had said, and which they found to be true, particularly concerning their victuals: and made a league with them, to let them live ; and not destroy them as he did the Canaanites, and was ordered to do; they being supposed not to belong to them by the representation of things they had made: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them ; that they would keep the league and covenant... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 9:15-21
Here is, I. The treaty soon concluded with the Gibeonites, Josh. 9:15. The thing was not done with much formality, but in short, 1. They agreed to let them live, and more the Gibeonites did not ask. In a common war this would have been but a small matter to be granted; but in the wars of Canaan, which were to make a general destruction, it was a great favour to a Canaanite to have his life given him for a prey, Jer. 45:5. 2. This agreement was made not by Joshua only, but by the princes of the... read more