Joshua 2:15 kjv

Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.

Joshua 2:15 nkjv

Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall; she dwelt on the wall.

Joshua 2:15 niv

So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.

Joshua 2:15 esv

Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall.

Joshua 2:15 nlt

Then, since Rahab's house was built into the town wall, she let them down by a rope through the window.

Joshua 2 verses

Joshua 2 15 Meaning

Joshua 2:15 describes the critical moment when Rahab facilitated the escape of the two Israelite spies sent by Joshua. She lowered them down through her window by means of a rope. The verse immediately clarifies why this method was possible and effective: her house was strategically located as it was built directly into or upon the city wall of Jericho. This positioning allowed the spies to bypass the main city gates, ensuring their discreet departure.

Joshua 2 15 Context

This verse is situated in Joshua chapter 2, which opens the narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan by detailing Joshua's strategic sending of two spies to Jericho. Rahab, a harlot living in Jericho, providentially intercepts and shelters these spies. This verse, Joshua 2:15, marks a pivotal moment in the spies' mission and Rahab's decision. After receiving the promise of salvation for her household in exchange for her aid and secrecy (verses 12-14), Rahab actively orchestrates the spies' escape.Historically and culturally, walled cities like Jericho were the primary defensive structures in the ancient Near East, designed to repel invaders. Living "on the wall" or having a house "in the wall" (בְּקִיר הַחוֹמָה, beqîr haḥômâ) indicates a dwelling that was either physically built into the fortification or immediately adjacent to it, sharing its structure. This location was crucial as it offered a unique exit route away from the guarded gates. Rahab’s act was one of extreme risk and treason against her own city, motivated by her budding faith in the God of Israel and a perception of His coming judgment.

Word Analysis

• וַתּוֹרִדֵם (va-ttô-ri-dēm): "And she let them down" or "And she caused them to descend." This is a Hiphil imperfect form of the verb יָרַד (yarad), meaning "to go down, descend," combined with the waw-consecutive, making it a past action. The Hiphil stem indicates a causative action: "she made them go down" or "she lowered them." This emphasizes Rahab's active role, deliberate decision, and initiative in ensuring their escape. Her agency is key here.
• בַּחֶבֶל (ba-ḥevel): "with/by means of the rope." בְּ (bə) is a preposition meaning "in, with, by." חֶבֶל (ḥevel) refers to a rope or cord. This specific instrument is crucial for the safe lowering from the wall, providing a practical means of escape. Later, "the scarlet cord" (Josh 2:18, 21) becomes the specific sign for Rahab's deliverance, making this common "rope" foreshadow that covenantal instrument.
• בְּעַד (bə-'aḏ): "through," "by way of." This preposition indicates the passage through a specific point. It specifies the direction or pathway of descent.
• הַחַלּוֹן (ha-ḥallôn): "the window." הַ (ha) is the definite article. חַלּוֹן (ḥallôn) is a window, typically an opening in a wall to let in light and air. Here, it is transformed from a mundane architectural feature into a strategic escape hatch. It highlights the unusual nature of their egress.
• כִּי (kî): "because," "for." This conjunction introduces the explanation or reason for the preceding action. It explains why the window could be used for escape.
• בֵיתָהּ (bê-ṯāh): "her house." בַּיִת (bayit) is "house" or "dwelling," and the suffix ־הָּ (-hā) means "her." This points to her personal residence. It highlights that the unique situation applies directly to her dwelling.
• בְּקִיר (bə-qîr): "in the wall." בְּ (bə) as above. קִיר (qîr) refers to a wall, often an interior wall or a side wall of a building. In context with "the fortification wall," it points to the direct integration of her house with the city's defense structure.
• הַחוֹמָה (ha-ḥô-māh): "the fortification wall," "the city wall." חומָה (ḥômāh) specifically refers to a defensive, fortified city wall. This term highlights the immense, thick structure surrounding ancient cities. This specifies the type of wall and indicates it was the outer protective boundary of Jericho.
• הִיא (hîʾ): "she." This personal pronoun serves as an emphatic nominative, reinforcing that she was the one doing the action, or she was the one dwelling. Here, it emphasizes that it was her specific residence that was located thus.
• גָרָה (gā-rāh): "was dwelling" or "residing." This is a Qal perfect form of the verb גּוּר (gūr), meaning "to sojourn, to dwell temporarily or permanently." It indicates her established place of residence. Her habitual dwelling in that specific, strategic location allowed this escape to occur.

Words-Group Analysis

• וַתּוֹרִדֵם בַּחֶבֶל בְּעַד הַחַלּוֹן: "And she lowered them with the rope through the window." This phrase details the method and Rahab's crucial, active involvement. It showcases her decisive action and practical aid. The specific objects—rope and window—become vital instruments of salvation.
• כִּי בֵיתָהּ בְּקִיר הַחוֹמָה הִיא גָרָה: "Because her house, in the wall of the fortification, she was dwelling." This entire clause provides the causal explanation for the possibility of the escape method. It underscores the extraordinary, almost providential, placement of Rahab's home. Her strategic living arrangement, which might seem coincidental, plays directly into God's plan for the spies' protection and later, for Jericho's capture. This detail highlights divine orchestrating of seemingly ordinary circumstances.

Joshua 2 15 Commentary

Joshua 2:15 succinctly describes Rahab’s active participation in the divine plan for Israel’s conquest. Her decision to lower the spies from her window, rather than sending them through the city gates, was an ingenious and critical move that ensured their safe return. This action stems directly from her burgeoning faith, which recognized the Lord's power over the gods of Canaan and the certainty of Israel’s victory. The seemingly opportune location of her house "in the wall" is presented as the pragmatic reason for this escape route, yet it hints at divine providence at work, setting up the circumstances necessary for His will to unfold. This verse underscores Rahab’s courageous commitment to the God of Israel, her strategic thinking, and her essential role as a facilitator of the covenant promises.

Bonus SectionRahab's dwelling "in the wall" signifies more than just a logistical advantage. It foreshadows her literal preservation when the city walls collapsed (Josh 6:20), indicating God's protection of those who are found within His chosen people, set apart by faith. While living "in the wall" could have also signified her lower social standing or profession (harlots sometimes resided near city gates or in such fringe areas), for the purpose of the narrative, it becomes her unique avenue for saving herself and her family and playing a part in Israel's victory. Her faith, demonstrated in this decisive action, is commended centuries later in the New Testament (Heb 11:31, Jas 2:25), highlighting that divine judgment and salvation are based on allegiance and obedience of faith, not necessarily moral purity by human standards or national origin. The event serves as an example of God using ordinary, even overlooked individuals, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.