Joshua 2:14
And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the LORD gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The spies don't just promise future kindness; they vow their lives for hers if she keeps silent. This isn't merely an exchange of favors, but a solemn, life-for-life oath, demonstrating their profound respect for Rahab's courageous risk and their own commitment to God's faithfulness to her.
After spying out the land, the two Israelite men are discovered in Jericho and ordered by the king to be brought out. Rahab, who has hidden them on her roof, deceives the king's men, claiming the spies left before the city gate was shut. The men then make a solemn pact with Rahab, pledging their lives for hers if she keeps their mission secret, and promising to show her kindness when Israel conquers the land.
In a tense moment, the spies make an incredible promise to Rahab. What does it mean to pledge your life for another?
The spies tell Rahab, 'Our life for yours...' (Joshua 2:14). This is a powerful vow, essentially saying, 'May we die if you are not kept safe.' It's not just a casual assurance; it's a deep commitment, a pledge of their very lives for her security.
This kind of promise highlights the immense value God places on life and the seriousness of commitments made. It shows that even in dangerous situations, faithfulness and protection are paramount. For Rahab, this oath was her only hope, a tangible sign that her bold act of hiding the spies would be remembered and rewarded.
Rahab risked everything for these spies. What does it look like when their promise of 'kindness and truth' is fulfilled?
The spies conclude their promise with a vision of the future: 'when the LORD gives us the land, we will deal kindly and truly with you' (Joshua 2:14). This isn't just about sparing her life; it's about a commitment to show both kindness and truth.
'Kindness' here speaks of steadfast love and loyal commitment, an active doing of good. 'Truth' refers to faithfulness and reliability, keeping their word. This reflects God's own character, who is full of mercy and faithfulness. Rahab's faith, which acknowledged God as the true God and trusted His promises, was met with His very own qualities. Her act of faith led to her inclusion and preservation, demonstrating that God honors those who honor Him.
Understand the original words
emeth · Hebrew Noun
In the context of covenantal relationships, truthfulness, reliability, and fidelity. It describes a person or God who is dependable and whose actions align perfectly with their promises.
This exchange highlights the intense fear gripping Canaan and Rahab's courageous, faith-driven decision to align with Israel, a choice that defied national loyalty and risked her life.
c. 1440 BC
Israelites Cross the Red Sea
After escaping slavery in Egypt, the Israelites miraculously crossed the Red Sea, a divine intervention that instilled fear in surrounding nations.
c. 1440 BC
Defeat of Sihon and Og
The Israelites defeated two Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, beyond the Jordan River, demonstrating their military strength and God's favor.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Camp at Shittim
The Israelites set up camp in the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from Jericho, initiating the final stage before entering the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho
Joshua sent two spies to scout Jericho, the first major city in Canaan, to assess its defenses and the inhabitants' readiness for conflict.
This passage highlights Rahab's faith, explicitly mentioning her act of hiding the spies as evidence of her belief in God's power and promises.
James 2:25Similar to Hebrews, James also commends Rahab for her actions, stating that she was justified by her works, specifically her hiding of the spies and sending them away by a different route.
Deuteronomy 2:25This verse speaks to the 'terror' that fell upon the inhabitants of the land, mirroring Rahab's statement that the people of Jericho were 'fainting because of' the Israelites, which was a direct result of God's intervention.
Exodus 14:21Rahab's belief was founded on the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, a foundational event that demonstrated God's power and his deliverance of Israel, which she explicitly references as a reason for her fear and faith.
Joshua 6:22-23This passage shows the direct fulfillment of the spies' promise to Rahab and her family, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving those who trusted in Him, even a foreigner.
calvinJoshua 2:1-24: "And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there."
Miserat [31] autem Josue filius Nun viros duos exploratores clam, [32] dicendo: Ite, considerate terram et Jericho. Profecti sunt igitur et ingressi sunt domum mulieris meretricis, cujus nomen erat Rahab, et dormierunt illic.
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there…
wesleyJoshua 2:14: "And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee."
2:14 For yours - We will venture our lives for the security of yours. Our business - That is, this agreement of ours, and the condition of it, lest others under this pretence, should secure themselves. By which they shew both their piety and prudence in managing their oath with so much circumspection,…
The spies don't just promise future kindness; they vow their lives for hers if she keeps silent. This isn't merely an exchange of favors, but a solemn, life-for-life oath, demonstrating their profound respect for Rahab's courageous risk and their own commitment to God's faithfulness to her.
After spying out the land, the two Israelite men are discovered in Jericho and ordered by the king to be brought out. Rahab, who has hidden them on her roof, deceives the king's men, claiming the spies left before the city gate was shut. The men then make a solemn pact with Rahab, pledging their lives for hers if she keeps their mission secret, and promising to show her kindness when Israel conquers the land.
After spying out the land, the two Israelite men are discovered in Jericho and ordered by the king to be brought out. Rahab, who has hidden them on her roof, deceives the king's men, claiming the spies left before the city gate was shut. The men then make a solemn pact with Rahab, pledging their lives for hers if she keeps their mission secret, and promising to show her kindness when Israel conquers the land.
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c. 1406 BC
Rahab Hides the Spies
Rahab, a resident of Jericho, hid the Israelite spies from the king's men, demonstrating her faith and a willingness to betray her city.
c. 1406 BC
Spies Make a Covenant with Rahab
The spies pledged to spare Rahab and her family in exchange for her help and silence, solidifying their dangerous agreement with an oath.
"And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the LORD gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”" — The spies don't just promise future kindness; they vow their lives for hers if she keeps silent. This isn't merely an exchange of favors, but a solemn, life-for-life oath, demonstrating their profo…
