Joshua 2:19

If anyone goes out the door of your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head, and we will be innocent. But if a hand is laid on anyone with you in the house, his blood will be on our heads.

Study Bible

If anyone goes out the door of your house
This phrase emphasizes the importance of staying within the boundaries of safety and protection. In the Hebrew context, the "house" symbolizes a place of refuge and covenant. The house of Rahab, marked by the scarlet cord, becomes a sanctuary. The act of going "out the door" signifies leaving the protection of the covenant, akin to stepping outside God's will. This imagery is reminiscent of the Passover in Exodus, where the Israelites were instructed to stay indoors under the protection of the blood-marked doorposts.

into the street
The "street" represents the world outside the covenant, a place of danger and exposure. In ancient cities, streets were often chaotic and unpredictable, symbolizing the spiritual peril of stepping outside God's protection. Theologically, this can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual risks of leaving the community of faith and venturing into secular or sinful environments.

his blood will be on his own head
This phrase is a legal idiom indicating personal responsibility for one's actions. In Hebrew culture, blood symbolizes life and guilt. The expression "on his own head" suggests that the individual bears the consequences of their decision. This reflects the biblical principle of personal accountability before God, as seen in Ezekiel 18:20, where each person is responsible for their own sin.

and we will be innocent
Here, the spies declare their innocence if the terms of the agreement are broken. This reflects the biblical concept of justice and covenant faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "innocent" often implies being free from guilt or obligation. The spies' statement underscores the importance of adhering to the covenant terms, highlighting the mutual responsibilities in a covenant relationship.

But if a hand is laid on anyone who is with you in the house
This phrase underscores the protection promised to those within the covenant. The "hand" symbolizes harm or violence, and the assurance given is that no harm will come to those who remain within the designated place of safety. This reflects God's promise of protection to His people, as seen throughout Scripture, where God is a refuge and fortress for those who trust in Him (Psalm 91:4).

his blood will be on our heads
In contrast to the earlier phrase, this indicates the spies' acceptance of responsibility should harm come to those under their protection. This reflects the seriousness of their oath and the weight of covenant obligations. The phrase "on our heads" signifies bearing the guilt or consequences, illustrating the biblical principle of vicarious responsibility, akin to Christ bearing our sins on the cross.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rahab
A Canaanite woman living in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies. Her faith and actions led to her and her family's salvation.

2. Israelite Spies
Sent by Joshua to scout the land of Jericho. They made a covenant with Rahab for her protection.

3. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, significant for its impending conquest by the Israelites.

4. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, responsible for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.

5. The Covenant
An agreement between Rahab and the spies, symbolized by a scarlet cord, ensuring her family's safety during the conquest.

Teaching Points

Faith and Action
Rahab's account teaches that true faith is accompanied by action. Her belief in the God of Israel led her to protect the spies, risking her own life.

God's Grace and Redemption
Rahab, a non-Israelite and a sinner, is included in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), demonstrating God's grace and the power of redemption.

The Importance of Obedience
The condition of staying inside the house for protection emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's instructions for salvation.

Covenant and Protection
The covenant made with Rahab shows the seriousness of promises and the protection that comes from being under God's covenant.

Community Responsibility
The passage highlights the responsibility of the community to protect those within their care, reflecting the broader biblical principle of loving and safeguarding one another.

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 does the account of Rahab and the spies illustrate the concept of salvation through faith and obedience?

3. How can we apply the principle of community responsibility in our own church or family settings?

4. What does Rahab's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus teach us about God's grace and redemption?

5. How can the covenant between Rahab and the spies inspire us to be faithful in our commitments to God and others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The Passover, where the blood on the doorposts protected the Israelites, parallels the protection promised to Rahab's household.

Hebrews 11:31
Rahab is commended for her faith, showing her belief in the God of Israel.

James 2:25
Rahab's actions are highlighted as an example of faith demonstrated through works.