Joshua 6 22

Joshua 6:22 kjv

But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.

Joshua 6:22 nkjv

But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the country, "Go into the harlot's house, and from there bring out the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her."

Joshua 6:22 niv

Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into the prostitute's house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her."

Joshua 6:22 esv

But to the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua said, "Go into the prostitute's house and bring out from there the woman and all who belong to her, as you swore to her."

Joshua 6:22 nlt

Meanwhile, Joshua said to the two spies, "Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute's house and bring her out, along with all her family."

Joshua 6 verses

Joshua 6 22 Meaning

Joshua 6:22 conveys Joshua’s instruction to the two Israelite spies concerning Rahab. As the city of Jericho faced destruction, Joshua commanded these men to fulfill their earlier oath by rescuing Rahab, the former harlot, and her entire household from the city. This verse highlights the importance of keeping sworn promises and illustrates divine mercy extended to those who demonstrate faith in God.

Joshua 6 22 Context

Joshua 6 describes the miraculous fall of Jericho. Prior to this, Joshua sent two spies to the city (Josh 2), where they found refuge and aid from Rahab, a resident harlot. Rahab, confessing faith in the God of Israel and His impending conquest, extracted an oath from the spies to spare her and her household when Jericho fell. She marked her house with a scarlet cord as a sign for their protection. God commanded Jericho to be completely destroyed (herem), with all its inhabitants. This verse comes at the precise moment of Jericho's collapse, confirming God's faithfulness and Israel's integrity in honoring the oath made to Rahab, a unique exception within the wider judgment upon the city. It underscores God's plan of salvation even amidst His judgment.

Joshua 6 22 Word analysis

• But Joshua: Establishes Joshua's divine authority as Moses' successor (Deut 34:9; Josh 1:1-9) in orchestrating the fulfillment of the oath, indicating leadership and responsibility.
• had said (וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ - wayyō'mer): The verb indicates a direct command given earlier and now being acted upon. It shows a planned and deliberate action, not a spur-of-the-moment decision.
• to the two men (אֶל־שְׁנֵ֨י הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים - 'el-sh'nē hā'ǎnāshîm): Specifically refers to the two spies from Joshua 2:1. Their involvement reinforces the personal nature of the oath made.
• who had spied out the land (הַֽמְרַגְּלִים֙ אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ - ham'raggəlîm 'et-hā'āreṣ): Identifies them by their specific mission to Jericho (Josh 2:1). This links directly back to the covenant formed between them and Rahab.
• “Go into (בֹּ֙אוּ֙ - bō'û): An imperative verb, a direct command to enter immediately. This emphasizes urgency, as the city is already being consumed by destruction.
• the harlot’s house (בֵּית֩ הָאִשָּׁ֨ה הַזֹּנָ֜ה - bêt hā'iššāh hazzōnâ):
  • הַזֹּנָה (hazzōnâ): "the prostitute" or "harlot." This term signifies her previous societal status. Its retention here underscores the profound grace and impartiality of God's salvation. Her identity, despite her past, highlights that salvation is by faith, not human merit. This can be seen as a polemic against beliefs that status or past sin inherently disqualify one from God's grace. It affirms that God uses unexpected individuals in His plan.
  • house (בֵּית - beit): More than a dwelling, it signifies Rahab's household and the sanctuary within, set apart for salvation. It mirrors the concept of "households" being saved in biblical narratives (e.g., Noah's ark, Lot's family, Acts 16:31).
• and bring out (וְהוֹצִ֨יאוּ - w'hôṣî'û): Another imperative command to extract or remove, indicating a deliberate act of rescue from destruction.
• from there (מִשָּׁ֗ם - miššām): Emphasizes that the salvation is from within the doomed city, a direct intervention.
• the woman (אֶת־הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ - 'et-hā'iššāh): Referring to Rahab herself. While earlier called "harlot," here simply "the woman," emphasizing her individual identity as the recipient of mercy and key to her family's salvation.
• and all who belong to her (וְאֵת֙ כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־לָ֔הּ - w'êt kol-'ăšer-lāh): This highlights the communal nature of salvation facilitated through Rahab’s faith. It includes her father, mother, brothers, and sisters, and all her family members (Josh 2:13; 6:23). God's grace extends to the entire family unit.
• as you swore to her (כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּעְתֶּם־לָֽהּ - ka'ăšer nišb‘atem-lāh):
  • נִשְׁבַּעְתֶּם (nišb‘atem): "you swore" or "you took an oath." This emphasizes the fulfillment of the sacred oath made in Josh 2:14, 17-20. Keeping one's word is paramount, especially an oath sworn before the Lord (cf. Num 30:2; Psa 15:4).
  • This phrase underscores Israel's ethical and spiritual integrity, contrasting it with the perceived treachery of Canaanite nations. It teaches about God's faithfulness as reflected in His people's faithfulness.

Joshua 6 22 Bonus section

Rahab’s inclusion into Israel (as confirmed by this verse and its aftermath) is a powerful narrative against tribalism, indicating God's design for a community built on faith, not just lineage. Rabbinic tradition holds that Rahab eventually converted fully, married Salmon (a prominent Judahite prince and ancestor of David and Jesus), and became a highly respected figure among the Israelites. Her story became a pivotal point in showing God's grace breaking through human barriers, foreshadowing the Gentile inclusion into the people of God that is more fully revealed in the New Testament (Acts 10-11). The scarlet cord, central to her deliverance (Josh 2:18), has been often seen by scholars as an evocative prefigurement of the salvific blood of Jesus Christ, marking those for whom God's judgment passes over. This episode at Jericho stands as a stark reminder that even in the midst of divine judgment, there is always room for redemption for those who humble themselves and put their trust in the Lord.

Joshua 6 22 Commentary

Joshua 6:22 is a profound demonstration of God’s covenant faithfulness and His inclusive grace. Amidst the complete destruction of Jericho, a herem operation of divine judgment against a wicked nation, this verse singles out Rahab and her household for salvation. This wasn't arbitrary but a direct fulfillment of an oath made by the Israelite spies, an oath contingent on Rahab’s earlier act of faith and her active obedience (displaying the scarlet cord). The command given by Joshua to rescue them before the final fiery judgment confirms God's demand for integrity among His people—they must keep their word even to a former pagan "harlot." Rahab’s story illustrates that God’s salvation transcends social status, past sins, or national identity, reaching anyone who responds in faith and actions that align with that faith. It shows that judgment and mercy can coexist in God's divine plan, highlighting a pathway for reconciliation for all nations.

Examples:

• Integrity: A believer upholding a promise made to someone, even if it becomes inconvenient.
• Grace: Understanding that God's grace can extend to anyone, regardless of their past.
• Household Salvation: The hope that an individual’s faith can lead to salvation for their family.