Ver. 27. And Joshua made them that day hewers, &c.— Thenceforward he condemned them for ever to this service, the duties of which they continued to discharge in the time of Nehemiah, under the name of Nethinims; who, as we before observed on ver. 20 are considered by some learned men as having been the posterity of the Gibeonites: others, among whom is Calmet, observe, that the Gibeonites were greatly diminished by the persecution which Saul carried on among them, and that it was evidently this which obliged David and the princes of Israel to contribute slaves to the service of the house of the Lord, who were called Nethinims. The Gibeonites are no more mentioned after the captivity; or, if they are, a passage in Nehemiah 10:34 would incline one to think that they were then discharged from one part of their office; and Josephus, Bell. Jud. lib. ii. c. 7. seems to confirm this opinion.
In the place which he should choose— The tabernacle was now at Gilgal, whence it was conveyed to Shiloh, Nob, and Gibeon; in which last two cities it remained for fifty-five year. Patrick. See 1 Kings 3:2.Psalms 48:1.
REFLECTIONS.—The business being thus determined, Joshua called for the chief men of these cities probably, and let them know the resolution.
1. He reproves them for their imposition. A lie deserves rebuke: yet he speaks with mildness, considering their situation, and feeling for their distress. Note; If we considered the violence of others' temptation, we should be less severe against their sin, considering ourselves, lest we also should be tempted. 2. They confess their fault, and assign their reason; which, though it will by no means excuse their sin, at least may be some alleviation of it. When life is at stake, it requires great grace to dare to speak the truth. 3. Joshua condemns them to perpetual servitude. Though the curse of death was removed, the curse of bondage was upon them. However, in its issue it was to be of service to all parties: To the Gibeonites themselves, who, being thus employed about the sanctuary, would be better taught, and have a peculiar privilege of spiritual improvement: To the priests and Levites, who would be much assisted by the ministry of these strong men, in the very laborious work of drawing so much water as the frequent ablutions required, and cleaving so much wood as the frequent sacrifices would need: To the people, who had a common interest in the altar, that it should be well served, and were probably, before this, themselves assistants in these common services. Note; God can thus over-rule the issue of events, and bring much good out of evil. 4. The Gibeonites readily acquiesce in the determination. They refer themselves entirely to Joshua, to be and do as he pleased; and he saves them, and sets them to work. Their cities were given to the people, and their service employed for the public. Note; (1.) The soul which refers itself wholly to Jesus Christ need not fear being cast away. (2.) If Christ receives us, we need not complain of any cross that he is pleased to lay upon us. (3.) They, who serve the Saviour, will ever have reason to bless the day in which they made the exchange of carnal liberty for spiritual subjection.