Definition: And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 9:21. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising verse! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is giving these people a new job – a role of responsibility and service. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the princes said unto them…” : This refers to a group of leaders – likely some of the elders or officials who were overseeing the Israelites. They were feeling a bit uneasy because they weren't getting what they expected. “…Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation.” : This is the core of the verse. It’s saying that these leaders are being given a different task: to help everyone in the Israelites' community – not just the elite or important people, but all of them. Hewers of wood and drawers of water : This describes a very physical job - building things, making tools, and helping with everyday tasks. It’s about practical labor. “As the princes had promised them.” : This is the crucial part. The Bible says that God had already told these leaders this specific job – they were given this opportunity to serve the people. So, what does it mean in a broader sense? It suggests a shift in how God’s people are being cared for and utilized. It implies that God is looking for ways to involve more people in his work and to provide opportunities for them to contribute to the well-being of the community – not just as recipients of blessings, but as active participants in making things better. Why might this be significant? This verse speaks to a few possibilities: God's desire for unity: It could mean God wants to connect with people in different ways and create opportunities for everyone to participate. A practical way to strengthen the community: By assigning these leaders new tasks, it demonstrates that God values their involvement and is looking for ways to build a strong and thriving society. In short, this verse is about God opening up more avenues of service and opportunity to those entrusted with leading and caring for his people. --- Do you have any specific questions about this passage that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like a deeper explanation of the imagery used (like "hewers of wood and drawers of water")?