So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites. The children of Israel had sworn peace to them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah.)

Since he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and in fact gave his hand and still did all these things, he shall not escape.

Therefore thus says the Lord Jehovah: As I live, surely My oath which he despised, and My covenant which he broke, I will recompense upon his own head.

Also the hand of God was on Judah to give them singleness of heart to obey the command of the king and the rulers, at the Word of Jehovah.

I say, Keep the king's edict, because of the oath of God.

Therefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.