Breakdown of Joshua 6:17

"And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent." — The phrase "devoted to the LORD" highlights that the destruction of Jericho wasn't just an act of war, but a sacred offering to God, signifying Israel's total dependence on Him as they entered the Pr…

Joshua 6:17 Meaning Explained

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Joshua 6:17

And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The phrase "devoted to the LORD" highlights that the destruction of Jericho wasn't just an act of war, but a sacred offering to God, signifying Israel's total dependence on Him as they entered the Promised Land. This consecration also explained why even inanimate objects, and not just the inhabitants, were to be utterly destroyed.

What Joshua 6:17 means

As the Israelites prepare to enter Jericho, God issues a drastic command: the entire city, along with everything in it, is to be completely destroyed, set apart for God. This severe judgment is reserved for Jericho as the first fruit of their conquest in the promised land. An exception is made only for Rahab the prostitute and her household, whose earlier act of hiding Israelite spies earned them mercy from this utter destruction.

The Utter Devotion of Jericho

Why did God command the complete destruction of Jericho? It wasn't just about conquering a city; it was a profound theological statement.

The command for Jericho to be 'devoted to the LORD for destruction' (Hebrew: cherem) signifies that the city and everything in it were set apart exclusively for God. This meant absolute destruction and appropriation for God's use, not for the conquerors' personal gain.

A Firstfruit Offering: As the first major city conquered in Canaan, Jericho served as a 'firstfruits' offering to God. This acknowledged that the entire land and its conquest belonged to Him. (See Barnes: 'as a token that Israel received all the land from Him.')
A Severe Judgment: The utter destruction was a demonstration of God's holiness and justice against the extreme sinfulness of the Canaanites. It also served as a terrifying warning to other nations.
Testing Obedience: This command, alongside the unusual method of conquest, tested Israel's faith and obedience, ensuring they relied on God's power, not their own strategies or desires for plunder.

Rahab's Faith: A Refuge in Destruction

In the midst of total destruction, one life is spared. What made Rahab different, and how does her story echo through Scripture?

Rahab's salvation hinges entirely on her courageous act of hiding the Israelite spies and her demonstrated faith in the God of Israel. Despite her profession and the city's impending doom, she trusted the reports of God's power.

A Choice for Faith: Rahab actively chose to believe in the God who was giving the land to Israel, even though she was an outsider and her city was doomed. She understood that Israel's God was superior.
Faith in Action: Her faith wasn't passive; she risked her life by hiding the messengers. This act of defiance against her own people and king demonstrated the genuineness of her belief.

Understand the original words

Original language

devoted to destructionחֵרֶם

cherem · Hebrew Noun

A concept of consecration to God that necessitates total exclusion from common or profane use. In the context of divine judgment, it often involves the total destruction of items or living beings deemed incompatible with His holiness.

Historical context

Written: Likely between 1400 and 1370 BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Joshua, though the final compilation likely involved later editors.
Location: Written from the plains of Moab, looking towards the conquest of Canaan.
Genre: Narrative history with strong elements of divine command and covenant fulfillment. It features detailed accounts of military campaigns and divine intervention.

Historical background

The destruction of Jericho was not just a military conquest but a sacred act, dedicating the city and its spoils to God as a firstfruit offering, demonstrating His sovereign power and holiness from the very start of Israel's conquest.

c. 1446 BC
Israelites Cross the Jordan River
After 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into the promised land, a momentous event signaling God's fulfillment of His promises.
c. 1446 BC
Spies Sent to Jericho
Joshua sends two spies to scout Jericho, a heavily fortified city. They lodge with Rahab, who hides them from the city authorities, believing in the God of Israel.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Fall of Jericho
Following God's specific instructions, the Israelites march around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, they shout, the walls collapse, and the city is utterly destroyed as devoted to the LORD.
c. 1446 BC
Rahab and Her Household Spared
Because Rahab hid the Israelite spies, she and her entire household are saved from the destruction of Jericho, a testament to her faith and God's mercy.

Key themes

01Divine judgment and wrath
02Sovereign mercy and grace
03Faith rewarded and protected
04God's sovereign claims

Cross-references

Leviticus 27:28-29

This passage explains the concept of something being 'devoted' (an 'accursed thing' or 'cherem' in Hebrew) to the Lord, meaning it's set apart for destruction and cannot be redeemed, paralleling the fate of Jericho.

1 Samuel 15:3

This passage shows King Saul being commanded to 'utterly destroy' the Amalekites and everything they had, similar to the command given for Jericho, highlighting God's righteous judgment against sin.

Hebrews 11:31

This verse directly references Rahab's faith, stating she did not perish with those who were disobedient because she welcomed the spies, reinforcing the reason for her salvation amidst Jericho's destruction.

Romans 9:3

The Apostle Paul uses the Greek word 'anathema' (which is related to the concept of 'cherem') to express his deep anguish for his people, showing how this idea of being set apart for judgment or salvation has profound theological weight.

Scholarly commentary

Joshua 6:17: "And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent."

Joshua 6:17 . The city shall be accursed — to the Lord — That is, devoted to destruction, by the right which God has to punish such as offend against him. This he speaks by direction from God, (see 1 Kings 16:34 ,) whose will it was that every thing in Jericho should be utterly de…
benson

Joshua 6:17: "And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent."

6:17 Accursed - That is, devoted to utter destruction. This he speaks by direction from God, as is evident from 1Kings 16:34. To the Lord - Partly because the first - fruits were appropriated to God; partly lest the soldiers being glutted with the spoil of the rich city, should gr…
wesley

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What Joshua 6:17 means

Historical context

Written: Likely between 1400 and 1370 BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Joshua, though the final compilation likely involved later editors.
Location: Written from the plains of Moab, looking towards the conquest of Canaan.
Genre: Narrative history with strong elements of divine command and covenant fulfillment. It features detailed accounts of military campaigns and divine intervention.

Historical background

c. 1446 BC

Israelites Cross the Jordan River

After 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into the promised land, a momentous event signaling God's fulfillment of His promises.

c. 1446 BC

Spies Sent to Jericho

Joshua sends two spies to scout Jericho, a heavily fortified city. They lodge with Rahab, who hides them from the city authorities, believing in the God of Israel.

c. 1446 BC— this verse

The Fall of Jericho

Following God's specific instructions, the Israelites march around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, they shout, the walls collapse, and the city is utterly destroyed as devoted to the LORD.

c. 1446 BC

Rahab and Her Household Spared

Because Rahab hid the Israelite spies, she and her entire household are saved from the destruction of Jericho, a testament to her faith and God's mercy.

Scholarly commentary

Joshua 6:17: "And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent."

Joshua 6:17 . The city shall be accursed — to the Lord — That is, devoted to destruction, by the right which God has to punish such as offend against him. This he speaks by direction from God, (see 1 Kings 16:34 ,) whose will it was that every thing in Jericho should be utterly de…
benson

Joshua 6:17: "And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent."

6:17 Accursed - That is, devoted to utter destruction. This he speaks by direction from God, as is evident from 1Kings 16:34. To the Lord - Partly because the first - fruits were appropriated to God; partly lest the soldiers being glutted with the spoil of the rich city, should gr…
wesley

Frequently asked questions

What does Joshua 6:17 mean?

Explain the meaning of Joshua 6:17

What is the context of Joshua 6:17?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "devoted to destruction" mean in the original Hebrew?”
“Why did Traditionally attributed to Joshua, though the final compilation likely involved later editors. write Joshua 6:17?”
“How does divine judgment and wrath show up in Joshua 6:17?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Joshua 6:17 is available in the Sola app.