John Calvin Commentary Joshua 9:22

"And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?" — Joshua 9:22 (ASV)

And Joshua called for them, etc. As he was about to deliver a sad and severe sentence, he begins by stating that the resolution involves no injustice, because nothing would be more inappropriate than to allow tricks and cunning to benefit those who use them. He therefore first reasons earnestly with them for having averted danger by falsehood, and then immediately pronounces them cursed.

By this I understand that he places the blame for their servitude on themselves, because they suffer nothing worse than they have deserved by their deceit or treachery; as if he had said that the reason for the condemnation he pronounces lies within themselves.

It is harsh, indeed, that no end is set for the labors to which they are doomed, for this is implied in the words, Slaves shall never cease from among you: but he declares that no injustice is done to them, as they were cursed by their own doing, or by their own fault.

They, indeed, try to lessen the seriousness of their offense, by claiming the necessity that compelled them, and yet they do not refuse the punishment, which they acknowledge to be justly inflicted.

It may indeed be that, overcome with fear, they refused nothing. Indeed, they calmly and flatteringly agreed to the terms imposed on them. For what could they gain by disputing?

I have no doubt, however, that since they were conscious of having done wrong, and had no way of completely clearing themselves of blame, they considered themselves to have been treated very humanely, as long as their lives were saved.