Definition: And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 9:15. It’s a pretty significant moment in biblical history! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Joshua is saying he understands that people were causing trouble and needed to be calmed down. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Joshua made peace with them…” - This suggests a period of conflict or disagreement had been happening between Joshua's people (the Israelites) and the people who lived in the region. “…and made a league with them…” – This is key. Joshua isn’t just ending the conflict; he's establishing a relationship with these people. He’s offering them a chance to be on good terms. “to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.” - This part explains why he made this agreement. The "princes of the congregation" are leaders – often elders or officials – within Joshua's community. They swore an oath, essentially a promise to help him maintain peace and ensure the people’s well-being. So, in short, Joshua is saying he’s willing to give these people a chance, and they're promising to cooperate with him. What does this verse tell us about Joshua? It shows that even after a difficult situation, Joshua was willing to look for a way to resolve things peacefully. It highlights his leadership and desire for stability within his community. Context is Important: This verse comes before the story of Joshua’s conquest of Canaan (the land God promised). It’s a crucial step in the narrative that shows Joshua's approach to leading and managing his people. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its significance within a larger biblical context? For example: What does "princes of the congregation" mean? How does this verse relate to Joshua’s leadership?