22 Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, u‘We are very far from you,’ when vyou dwell near us? 23 Now therefore, you are wcursed, and none of you shall be freed from being slaves—woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.”

24 So they answered Joshua and said, “Because your servants were clearly told that the Lord your God xcommanded His servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore ywe were very much afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing. 25 And now, here we are, zin your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.” 26 So he did to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they did not kill them. 27 And that day Joshua made them awoodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord, bin the place which He would choose, even to this day.