Verses 19-20
‘ But all the princes said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by YHWH, the God of Israel. Now therefore we may not touch them. This we will do to them and let them live, lest wrath be on us because of the oath which we have sworn to them.’
The princes explained their reasons. A solemn oath had been sworn, a solemn covenant made. Therefore it had to be kept otherwise the wrath of God would come on Israel (see 2 Samuel 21:1-9). They were inviolate. They could not be touched.
“This we will do to them.” Then would follow the details found in Joshua 9:21. (The words hanging in suspense would also keep the listeners in suspense for a few moments).
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