Joshua 6:17-18
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The command is not just for destruction, but for Jericho to be "devoted to the LORD," meaning utterly set apart for God as a sacred offering, with its riches going into the tabernacle treasury. This stark decree highlights that even in judgment, God claims ultimate ownership and is acknowledging Israel's victory as His own gift.
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. But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As the Israelites prepare to enter Jericho, God declares the city and everything within it to be completely destroyed, or "devoted to the LORD." This is a holy offering, with all spoils designated for God's tabernacle, signifying Israel's reliance on Him for victory. The only exception is Rahab the prostitute and her household, who will be spared for her act of loyalty in hiding the Israelite spies.
Why was the entire city of Jericho and everything in it to be destroyed? It wasn't just a military victory; it was a radical act of divine judgment.
Joshua 6:17 declares that the city and everything in it were to be 'devoted to the LORD for destruction.' This Hebrew concept, often translated as 'accursed' or 'ban,' meant something was set apart for God's exclusive use – in this case, destruction.
Why Such Severity?
This wasn't capricious violence; it was a deliberate, holy act of judgment and a foundational marker for Israel's conquest.
Amidst total annihilation, one person and her household were spared. Who was Rahab, and why did she receive such remarkable mercy?
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Joshua 6:17 highlights an extraordinary exception: 'Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live.' This wasn't arbitrary favoritism but a direct result of her courageous faith.
Rahab's Act of Faith:
The Principle of Grace:
Rahab's story is a powerful testament to God's grace, demonstrating that faith, not ethnicity or past occupation, is what truly matters.
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 utter destruction of Jericho, a first-fruit offering to God, highlights the absolute nature of divine commands and the severe consequences of disobedience, while Rahab's inclusion underscores God's grace towards those who show faith and courage.
c. 1406 BC
Israel crosses the Jordan River
After 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into the promised land of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
Discovery of Rahab's actions
Two Israelite spies are sent to scout Jericho. Rahab, a prostitute, hides them from the city's authorities, saving their lives.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Conquest of Jericho
Following God's specific instructions, the Israelite army marches around Jericho for seven days, and on the seventh day, they shout and the city walls miraculously collapse.
c. 1406 BC
Destruction of Jericho
The city and all its inhabitants are devoted to destruction by the LORD. Only Rahab and her household are spared due to her act of faith in hiding the spies.
c. 1406 BC
Achan's sin and its consequences
Despite the command for utter destruction, Achan takes forbidden items from Jericho, leading to defeat at Ai and exposing the need for obedience.
This passage defines the concept of something being 'devoted' or 'accursed' (cherem), which cannot be redeemed and must be destroyed or consecrated to the Lord, directly paralleling the command for Jericho.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2This verse commands the Israelites to utterly destroy the nations in the promised land, mirroring the severity of God's judgment on Jericho for its wickedness.
Hebrews 11:31This New Testament passage highlights Rahab's faith and action in hiding the spies, directly connecting her salvation in Jericho to her belief in God.
1 Kings 16:34This verse recounts the rebuilding of Jericho with a curse upon its founder, reinforcing the idea of Jericho's complete destruction and its symbolic significance of judgment.
Joshua 2:1-14This passage details Rahab's earlier act of hiding the Israelite spies, providing the direct reason why she and her household were spared from the destruction of Jericho.
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…
The command is not just for destruction, but for Jericho to be "devoted to the LORD," meaning utterly set apart for God as a sacred offering, with its riches going into the tabernacle treasury. This stark decree highlights that even in judgment, God claims ultimate ownership and is acknowledging Israel's victory as His own gift.
As the Israelites prepare to enter Jericho, God declares the city and everything within it to be completely destroyed, or "devoted to the LORD." This is a holy offering, with all spoils designated for God's tabernacle, signifying Israel's reliance on Him for victory. The only exception is Rahab the prostitute and her household, who will be spared for her act of loyalty in hiding the Israelite spies.
As the Israelites prepare to enter Jericho, God declares the city and everything within it to be completely destroyed, or "devoted to the LORD." This is a holy offering, with all spoils designated for God's tabernacle, signifying Israel's reliance on Him for victory. The only exception is Rahab the prostitute and her household, who will be spared for her act of loyalty in hiding the Israelite spies.
"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. But you, keep yourselves from the…" — The command is not just for destruction, but for Jericho to be "devoted to the LORD," meaning utterly set apart for God as a sacred offering, with its riches going into the tabernacle treasury. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026
