“But if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.”– Joshua 2:20 (KJV)
“But if you tell what we are doing, we are no longer bound by the oath we made you.”– Joshua 2:20 (NLT)
“If you tell anyone what we are doing, we will be exempt from the oath you made us swear.”– Joshua 2:20 (MSG)
What Does Joshua 2:20 Mean?
This verse finds its place in the story of Israel’s conquest of Jericho, where two spies were sent to gather information about the city. They found refuge in the house of Rahab, a woman who lived on the city wall. Rahab made a bold choice to hide the spies, trusting that they were connected to the true God of Israel. In return, the spies promised her safety when their army attacked Jericho. In this specific verse, the spies are telling Rahab the terms of their agreement. They are emphasizing that if she chooses to disclose their plans to others, their promise of protection would no longer apply. This aligns with the biblical principle of the importance of trust and confidentiality, especially in critical moments.
This moment in the narrative highlights Rahab’s faith and courage as she chooses to place her trust in the God of Israel rather than the king of Jericho. The phrase “if you tell what we are doing” signifies the spies’ hope that Rahab will remain loyal and keep their mission a secret until the time is right for Israel’s attack.
Joshua 2:20 Explanation and Commentary
This verse reflects the mutual trust formed between Rahab and the spies. Despite Rahab’s background as a woman of the city known for prostitution, she displayed remarkable faith by believing in the spies’ God. When she hid the spies, she was placing the future of her family in their hands. It is this act of faith that would not only save her but also allow her to be part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ as mentioned in Matthew 1:5. We see from this that God’s purposes often go beyond our understanding and that He can use anyone for His plans.
As we reflect on this verse, we recognize the importance of discretion and trust in our relationships. The spies had to protect their mission and also Rahab’s life, which shows us the delicate balance of keeping confidences while also ensuring that God’s will is fulfilled. The spies made it clear that the promise of safety was contingent upon her silence regarding their mission. This serves as a lesson on the weight of words and the responsibilities that come with our promises.
There is also a foreshadowing of Israel’s victory over Jericho through Rahab’s choices and actions. Her decision to aid the spies came at a significant risk to herself. This courage reveals a deeper understanding of faith, that sometimes we must take risks and step out in trust when faced with uncertainty. Hebrews 11:31 later acknowledges Rahab’s faith, declaring that she was saved because she received the spies in peace.
In realizing the implications of this exchange, we are invited to reflect on our own lives – are there moments where we need to trust others or to be trustworthy ourselves? Our words and actions do hold power. When we make promises, we need to be aware of the potential consequences of breaking them. Such biblical narratives encourage us to weave trustworthiness into the fabric of our character.
Context of Joshua 2:20
To properly understand Joshua 2:20, we need to look at the broader context of the Book of Joshua and the events leading up to this verse. The Israelites had long been wandering in the wilderness, and they were finally ready to enter the Promised Land. Jericho stood as the first significant obstacle in their path. The spies were sent to gather intelligence on this fortified city before the imminent attack.
The choice of Rahab as the one who would help the spies also speaks volumes about God’s grace. Although she was a Canaanite and engaged in a lifestyle deemed sinful by Israelite standards, she recognized the power of God and decided to take a stand. This situation would later exemplify God’s love for the Gentiles and His willingness to extend grace beyond the borders of Israel.
We must also note the surrounding atmosphere in Jericho. The city was heavily fortified, and the idea of an Israelite victory would have been considered impossible by the inhabitants. Yet Rahab’s actions reveal that life in Jericho was filled with fear as the reputation of the Israelites and their God had preceded them. By hiding the spies, Rahab was making a bold statement against her own people.
The acts of faith in this chapter, particularly Rahab’s, remind us that God is always ready to use unexpected people in astonishing ways. This context makes the promise made to her more powerful as we see how fear and faith collide. Her story encourages us to place our faith in God, despite the challenges that surround us. With their mission secured and her family’s safety guaranteed, the stage is set for a miraculous victory in Jericho.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Joshua 2:20
The first key phrase, “if you tell what we are doing,” serves as a crucial reminder of the stakes involved. Rahab had a responsibility not just to herself but to her family. By keeping the spies’ secret, she was ensuring their survival and, ultimately, her own. This resonates deeply with our own lives where sometimes, faith involves making tough decisions and standing firm against societal expectations.
The term “we will be quit of thine oath” carries substantial significance. It emphasizes that mutual agreements require trust. The spies are clear that their pledge of safety is conditional. If the covenant is broken by her betrayal, they will no longer be bound by their promise of protection.
Promises hold remarkable power, reflecting our integrity and accountability. As we make commitments—be it in friendships, work, or family—we ought to remember the value of maintaining those vows. The emphasis placed on the trust between the spies and Rahab can inspire us to foster meaningful relationships built on trust and loyalty. In many ways, maintaining one’s word is a reflection of our character and our relationship with God.
Finally, Rahab’s situation illustrates the interaction of fear and faith. Here was a woman living in a city overwhelmed by fear yet choosing to trust in the God of Israel instead. This battle between fear and faith often plays out in our own lives. We can choose to let fear dictate our actions or, like Rahab, stand boldly in our faith, impacting those around us positively.
Lessons to Learn From Joshua 2:20
Joshua 2:20 illustrates profound lessons that resonate throughout the scriptures and into our daily lives. The first lesson centers on the necessity of trust. Whether between ourselves and God or with our friends and family, trust is a foundation that we cannot overlook. The spies trusted Rahab with their lives, and she, in turn, trusted their word of safety. This mutual trust is something we can strive for in all aspects of our relationships.
The second lesson is courage. Rahab took a significant risk by siding with the spies, showing us that faith often requires stepping outside our comfort zones. By making bold decisions, we can inspire change not only in our environments but also in the people around us. Like Rahab, we can influence our communities positively, even when circumstances are against us.
This story also emphasizes the importance of confidentiality. In our lives, we frequently have knowledge or experiences that must be kept private. Upholding confidentiality is key to maintaining trust in our relationships. When we share secrets, we risk damaging bonds that may have taken years to build. Learning to be trustworthy—like both Rahab and the spies—encourages a climate of mutual respect.
Lastly, there is a message of redemption throughout Rahab’s story. Her faith played a significant role in her redemption and that of her family. This reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach; He can use anyone, regardless of their past. The grace extended to her illustrates God’s merciful nature, which invites us to share that same grace in our lives.
Final Thoughts
For those of us who reflect on the powerful narrative surrounding Joshua 2:20, we are encouraged to consider how we might embody these lessons in our own lives. Trust, courage, confidentiality, and redemption aren’t just ideas; they are concepts we can live out daily. They call us to engage with our communities sincerely and authentically.
As we navigate our own faith journey, let us remember the courage shown by Rahab, the trust established between the spies and herself, and the power of our promises. Each of us can impact others positively, whether we realize it or not. We are invited to explore these themes further, growing in our faith and commitment towards God.
If you want to learn more about biblical narratives related to trust and faith, consider checking out more stories, such as Numbers 13:22 or John 7:12. There’s a wealth of insights waiting to be discovered!