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)
This verse reveals that the entire city and everything within it were "devoted to the LORD," meaning set apart for destruction and not to be kept as spoils. This extreme measure, applied to Jericho as the first fruits of conquest, served as a powerful reminder to Israel that all land and its riches ultimately belonged to God.
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)
As the Israelites stand on the cusp of conquering Jericho, the first major city in the Promised Land, Joshua relays God's strict command: the entire city, its inhabitants, and possessions are to be utterly destroyed, devoted to the Lord. An exception is made solely for Rahab the prostitute and her household, acknowledging her courageous act of hiding the Israelite spies who had scouted the city. This command highlights that Jericho's destruction is not just a military conquest but a sacred act, setting a precedent for how the land is to be claimed under God's authority.
Why was Jericho utterly destroyed, and what does it mean for a city to be 'devoted to the LORD'?
The command for Jericho and everything in it to be "devoted to the LORD for destruction" (Hebrew: cherem) signifies a complete surrender to God's judgment. This wasn't just a military conquest; it was a divine act of purging the land of its deep-seated wickedness.
How could a 'harlot' be spared when an entire city faced annihilation?
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Rahab's inclusion among the spared highlights a profound truth: God's mercy extends beyond outward appearances and societal status to those who act in faith.
Understand the original words
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.
The destruction of Jericho as the first city conquered in Canaan was a unique event, set apart as a 'devoted thing' to the Lord, signifying Israel's complete reliance on Him and dedicating the spoils of conquest to His service.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Israelite Sojourn in Egypt
For 400 years, the Israelites lived as slaves in Egypt, enduring harsh conditions and oppression.
c. 1440 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Led by Moses, the Israelites were miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt, beginning their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
Due to their disobedience, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, until the generation that left Egypt had passed away.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After Moses' death, Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River, initiating the military campaign to take possession of the land of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
The Fall of Jericho
Following God's specific instructions, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapsed after a seven-day siege, leading to the city's complete destruction.
This passage explains the concept of something being 'devoted' or 'accursed' (cherem), meaning it's set apart for destruction or for God's use, highlighting the theological weight of God's judgment on Jericho.
Hebrews 11:31This New Testament passage explicitly mentions Rahab's act of hiding the spies, citing it as an example of faith and a reason for her salvation, directly linking her story to the event in Joshua 6.
Joshua 2:1-16This chapter details Rahab's prior encounter with the spies, showing her faith in the God of Israel and setting the stage for her inclusion in the decree of mercy amidst Jericho's destruction.
1 Kings 16:34This verse shows a later king rebuilding Jericho at the cost of his sons, following a similar pattern of divine judgment and consequence, illustrating the seriousness of defying God's pronouncements.
Matthew 1:5This verse lists Rahab as an ancestress of Jesus, demonstrating how God can bring redemption and include even those from seemingly compromised backgrounds into His grand redemptive plan.
bensonJoshua 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…
wesleyJoshua 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…
This verse reveals that the entire city and everything within it were "devoted to the LORD," meaning set apart for destruction and not to be kept as spoils. This extreme measure, applied to Jericho as the first fruits of conquest, served as a powerful reminder to Israel that all land and its riches ultimately belonged to God.
As the Israelites stand on the cusp of conquering Jericho, the first major city in the Promised Land, Joshua relays God's strict command: the entire city, its inhabitants, and possessions are to be utterly destroyed, devoted to the Lord. An exception is made solely for Rahab the prostitute and her household, acknowledging her courageous act of hiding the Israelite spies who had scouted the city. This command highlights that Jericho's destruction is not just a military conquest but a sacred act, setting a precedent for how the land is to be claimed under God's authority.
As the Israelites stand on the cusp of conquering Jericho, the first major city in the Promised Land, Joshua relays God's strict command: the entire city, its inhabitants, and possessions are to be utterly destroyed, devoted to the Lord. An exception is made solely for Rahab the prostitute and her household, acknowledging her courageous act of hiding the Israelite spies who had scouted the city. This command highlights that Jericho's destruction is not just a military conquest but a sacred act, setting a precedent for how the land is to be claimed under God's authority.
"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." — This verse reveals that the entire city and everything within it were "devoted to the LORD," meaning set apart for destruction and not to be kept as spoils. This extreme measure, applied to Jericho a…
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Last reviewed October 2026