^{18 Ref} The children of Israel didn't strike them, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. All the congregation murmured against the princes.

^{19 Ref} But all the princes said to all the congregation, We have sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.

^{20 Ref} This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them.

^{21 Ref} The princes said to them, Let them live: so they became wood cutters and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.