Now therefore, you are cursed, and you shall never cease being slaves, both hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God."The basic sentiment of this verse is repeated several times in the chapter, but this one caught my attention. First, it refers to the people as cursed, and gives their punishment. Today, if someone makes an promise based upon false pretenses, most people would simply consider the promise invalid. However, the Israelites kept the promise, because it had been sworn to God. Even the treachery of the other side did not remove them from being bound by their word to God.
However, the liars did not get off unpunished. They are described as cursed, and the punishment will be perpetual, to all their descendents, because they lied. However, they are given a specific duty, and it's one that will keep them in proximity to the Temple. Even though they are not believers, and have lied, they are made to work around God's holy place. Normally, wouldn't someone cursed be forbidden from approaching the temple? Their mere presence would be seen by many as a pollution of the place's purity. But that is where they are assigned.
Why do this? I have two theories. First, it means that the Israelites themselves would not have to do this low duty, which frees them for other works. Second, their constant proximity to the Temple would allow them to learn the ways of God, and perhaps come to believe and/or worship Him as the Israelites do. While this is just theorizing, I hope that I'm right, and that these treacherous people eventually came to know God as the one true God.
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