Joshua 9:20

Amharic (Tigrigna: Contemporary Tigrinya Bible 2024)

እዚ ክንገብረሎም ኢና። ብሰንኪ እቲ ዝመሓልናሎም ማሕላ ቍጥዓ ከይመጸና እውን ብህይወት ክንገድፎም ኢና።

What Does This Mean?

This verse is about Joshua and the Israelites deciding to keep their promise to the Gibeonites and let them live, to avoid breaking their oath. It shows the importance of keeping one's word.

Explained for Children

Imagine you promised your friend you wouldn't tell anyone about a surprise party. Even if you don't want to keep the secret anymore, you should because you made a promise. That's what Joshua and the Israelites did with the Gibeonites.

Historical Background

Joshua 9:20 is part of the Book of Joshua, written by Joshua or a historian shortly after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. The audience was the Israelites, and it reflects the cultural setting of the ancient Near East, where oaths were taken very seriously.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us of the importance of keeping our promises, even when it's difficult. For example, if you promised to help a friend move on a busy day, you should follow through.

Topics

oathspromisestrustintegrityobligationcommitment

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joshua and the Israelites let the Gibeonites live?

They let the Gibeonites live because they had made a promise to them and breaking an oath was considered a serious offense.

What does this verse teach about promises?

It teaches that promises should be kept, even when it's inconvenient, to maintain integrity and avoid divine wrath.

How does this relate to other parts of the Bible?

It connects to other parts of the Bible that emphasize the importance of keeping one's word, such as Numbers 30:2 and James 5:12.

Can you give a real-life example of this principle?

If you promised to help a friend in need, even when it's not convenient for you, you should follow through to maintain your integrity and fulfill your promise.

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