What is the meaning of Joshua 2:17? The men said to her – Two unnamed Israelite spies (Joshua 2:1) address Rahab after she has hidden them and pleaded for her family’s safety (Joshua 2:12-13). – Their words reveal that the spies, though undercover, speak with the authority of God’s covenant people; their voice is in line with later commands to spare Rahab (Joshua 6:17). – Scripture consistently shows God using ordinary individuals to deliver pivotal messages—compare Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24:33-49 or Nathan before David in 2 Samuel 12:1-7. – The initiative here rests with the men, but it answers Rahab’s faith (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). She has sheltered them, so they now respond with covenantal reassurance. We will not be bound – The phrase underscores the conditional nature of their pledge. Yes, an oath has been sworn, but responsibility lies on both parties. • In Numbers 30:2 the binding power of a vow is emphasized, yet Deuteronomy 23:21-23 highlights that vows are voluntary; once made, they must be fulfilled. • By stating “we will not be bound,” the spies affirm they take oaths seriously while making clear that Rahab must meet specific terms (spelled out in Joshua 2:18-20). – The wording guards against presumption. Just as Jesus later teaches in Matthew 7:24-27 that obedience proves genuine commitment, Rahab’s obedience will prove her faith. by this oath – Ancient oaths invoked God as witness—see Genesis 26:31 and 1 Samuel 20:16-17. Breaking such an oath would invite divine judgment. – Here, the spies emphasize “this oath” to single out the solemn promise they have just made (Joshua 2:14). It is not a casual agreement; it stands before the Lord who commanded Israel not to misuse His name (Exodus 20:7). – The gravity of “this oath” anticipates the red cord scene (Joshua 2:18), a visible token akin to the Passover blood in Exodus 12:13, marking those under protection. you made us swear – Rahab initiated the covenant request (Joshua 2:12-13). She “made” them swear in the sense of earnestly insisting, much like Abraham made his servant swear concerning Isaac’s marriage (Genesis 24:2-3). – Her insistence springs from faith in Yahweh’s supremacy (Joshua 2:9-11). She knows Jericho’s walls cannot save her; only Israel’s God can. – By reminding Rahab that she “made” them swear, the spies underline her accountability. Her future obedience—gathering family inside, keeping silent (Joshua 2:18-20)—will ratify the oath’s validity. – Rahab’s active role illustrates that faith involves decisive action aligned with God’s revealed will (Hebrews 11:31). summary Joshua 2:17 teaches that the saving promise extended to Rahab was real yet conditional. The spies, God’s representatives, acknowledge the seriousness of the oath but make its fulfillment contingent on Rahab’s ongoing obedience. The verse highlights the balance between God-given assurance and human responsibility, reinforcing the biblical pattern that genuine faith is proven by faithful action. |
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