²² Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ^(A)‘We are very far from you,’ when ^(B)you dwell near us? ²³ Now therefore, you are ^(C)cursed, 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 ^(D)commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore ^(E)we were very much afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing. ²⁵ And now, here we are, ^(F)in 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 ^(G)woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord, ^(H)in the place which He would choose, even to this day.