Charles Ellicott Commentary Joshua 9:19

"But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by Jehovah, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them." — Joshua 9:19 (ASV)

We have sworn unto them ... therefore we may not touch them. —Although the covenant was obtained from the Israelites by false pretences, yet, being made in the name of Jehovah, it could not be broken; it was His covenant. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not, is commended in Psalms 15:4. We should notice that the law of Jehovah had raised the tone of morality in this particular. There are many Christians who would not hesitate to repudiate an agreement concluded under false pretences.