We (also us) of this and the following two verses must be translated as an inclusive first personal pronoun, in those languages that make a distinction between inclusive and exclusive forms. The leaders are saying that no one in Israel is allowed to harm these people. Although the Hebrew text has “touch” (Revised Standard Version), it is used in the sense of bringing harm to the persons touched, and so the basis for Good News Translation.

God will punish us translates the Hebrew “anger will be upon us” (see Revised Standard Version), a reference to God’s anger.

It is possible to place verses 19-20 together and so translate “19-20 But they answered, ‘We have promised them freedom in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. Therefore we must let them live. Otherwise the LORD will punish us severely.’ ”

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 .