The Gibeonites immediately send a call for help to Joshua at the Israelite camp at Gilgal. The Hebrew text of this verse is quite wordy. Do not abandon translates the Hebrew idiomatic expression “Do not relax your hand” (Revised Standard Version). Sir represents the relationship expressed by the Hebrew “your servants.” The language is designed to remind Joshua of the treaty between them; as his subjects they are entitled to his protection from their enemies. The idea may also be expressed, “We are your subjects! Please do not abandon us!” Or, “We have surrendered ourselves to you and placed ourselves under your protection! Do not abandon us!”

In the Hebrew text there are also two synonymous verbs, which Good News Translation translates help and save. In some languages these will be better rendered as a single verb.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .