Joshua 6:22

Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out the woman and all who are with her, just as you promised her."

Study Bible

But Joshua had said
This phrase introduces the authority of Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses. The Hebrew root for "Joshua" is "Yehoshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." Joshua's leadership is divinely appointed, and his words carry the weight of God's command. Historically, Joshua is a type of Christ, leading his people into the Promised Land, symbolizing spiritual victory and fulfillment of God's promises.

to the two men
These two men were the spies sent by Joshua to scout Jericho (Joshua 2:1). Their mission was crucial in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel's conquest of Canaan. The number two often signifies witness and testimony in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of their role in confirming God's promise to deliver Jericho into Israel's hands.

who had spied out the land
The act of spying out the land was a strategic move, demonstrating the balance between divine guidance and human responsibility. The Hebrew word for "spied" is "ragal," which can also mean to explore or search out. This reflects the diligence required in discerning God's will and the importance of preparation in spiritual warfare.

Go into the house of the prostitute
Rahab's house was a place of refuge for the spies. The mention of her profession highlights God's grace and redemption. In Hebrew, "prostitute" is "zonah," which can also mean innkeeper, suggesting her role in providing shelter. Rahab's faith and actions led to her inclusion in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5), illustrating God's ability to use anyone for His purposes.

and bring out the woman
This command underscores the theme of salvation and deliverance. The Hebrew word for "bring out" is "yatsa," meaning to lead forth or deliver. Rahab's deliverance is a foreshadowing of the salvation offered through Christ, who brings us out of sin and into new life.

and all who are with her
Rahab's family was saved because of her faith and obedience. This phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of salvation, where one's faith can impact others. It reflects the biblical principle of household salvation, seen in Acts 16:31, where the faith of one can lead to the blessing of many.

because of the oath you swore to her
The oath represents a covenant, a binding promise that reflects God's faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "oath" is "shevuah," which signifies a solemn vow. This highlights the importance of integrity and keeping one's word, mirroring God's unchanging nature and His covenantal promises to His people. The fulfillment of this oath demonstrates God's justice and mercy, as He honors the faith of Rahab and the commitment of the spies.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, successor to Moses, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the conquest of Jericho.

2. The Two Spies
These were the men sent by Joshua to scout out Jericho. They had previously stayed at Rahab's house and promised her safety in return for her help.

3. Rahab
A Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies and was promised protection for her and her family during the conquest.

4. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, the first city conquered by the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land.

5. The Promise
The agreement made between Rahab and the spies, ensuring her safety due to her faith and assistance.

Teaching Points

Faith and Action
Rahab's account illustrates the importance of faith accompanied by action. Her belief in the God of Israel led her to act courageously, which resulted in her salvation.

God's Faithfulness
The fulfillment of the spies' promise to Rahab demonstrates God's faithfulness in keeping His promises through His people.

Inclusivity of God's Plan
Rahab, a non-Israelite and a prostitute, is included in God's redemptive plan, showing that God's grace extends beyond cultural and moral boundaries.

The Power of a Promise
The spies' commitment to Rahab underscores the importance of keeping one's word, reflecting God's own faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rahab's faith challenge our understanding of who can be used by God for His purposes?

2. In what ways can we see the theme of redemption in Rahab's account, and how does it connect to the broader account of the Bible?

3. How does the account of Rahab encourage us to act on our faith in practical ways in our daily lives?

4. What can we learn from the spies' fulfillment of their promise to Rahab about the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our commitments?

5. How does Rahab's inclusion in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) impact our understanding of God's grace and the inclusivity of the Gospel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 11:31
This verse highlights Rahab's faith, noting that she was not destroyed with the disobedient because she welcomed the spies in peace.

James 2:25
This passage emphasizes Rahab's actions as evidence of her faith, showing that faith without works is dead.

Exodus 12:23
The protection of Rahab's house can be compared to the Passover, where the Israelites were spared by marking their doors with blood.