²⁰ This we will do to them, even let them live, so that wrath will not be upon us for the oath which we swore to them.” ²¹ So the leaders said to them, “Let them live.” Thus they became ^(A)hewers of wood and drawers of water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them.

²² Then Joshua called for them and spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ ^(B)when you are living nearly in the midst of us?