What does Joshua 2:12 mean?

Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token: Joshua 2:12

Explanation

Joshua 2:12 is part of the story of Rahab, a prostitute living in the city of Jericho, who is speaking to two Israelite spies that she has hidden from the authorities of her city. The spies have come to scout the land in preparation for the Israelite conquest led by Joshua. Rahab acknowledges the power of the Israelites’ God, Yahweh, and the fact that she has shown kindness to the spies by hiding them and asking not to be harmed when the Israelites attack the city. She seeks a pledge for the safety of herself and her family. This verse underscores the importance of reciprocal kindness and faithfulness, along with an implicit recognition of Yahweh’s sovereignty.

Historical Context

The Book of Joshua describes the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua after Moses’s death. It is a narrative full of military campaigns and miraculous events, believed by scholars to have taken place sometime in the late Bronze Age, around the 13th century BCE. The verse records one of the notable instances of diplomacy and negotiation within the biblical conquest narratives. Rahab’s actions, therefore, take place in a context where the impending threat of invasion looms over Jericho, and her loyalty tilts towards the perceived winners of this conflict, the Israelites.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the request Rahab makes can be seen as a profession of faith in the God of Israel. It is also an example of God’s provision and grace extending beyond the Israelites to include a Gentile, signaling an early sign of the inclusive nature of God’s redemptive plan. This narrative may be interpreted to show that faith and righteousness are available to all individuals, regardless of their nationality or past, so long as they acknowledge and align themselves with God’s purposes.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by reminding individuals of the importance of kindness and reciprocity. It suggests that when kindness is shown, it is appropriate to seek kindness in return, especially when it comes to matters of life and security. Additionally, it can inspire individuals to harbor a more inclusive outlook towards people of different backgrounds, recognizing that actions and faith rather than ethnicity or social status are what truly define a person’s alignment with divine will.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 11:31: “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”
• James 2:25: “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?”
• Joshua 2:1-21: The entire passage describes the interaction between Rahab and the spies, including her hiding them and helping them escape.
• Joshua 6:17, 25: Rahab and her family are spared during the conquest of Jericho as per the promise made by the spies.

Language Study

The key words in the original Hebrew text of Joshua 2:12 that are of interest include:

• “Swear” (שָׁבַע, shava): An oath or solemn promise, which in ancient Near Eastern context was a binding contract.
• “Kindness” (חֶסֶד, chesed): Often translated as “loving-kindness,” “mercy,” or “steadfast love.” It denotes a sense of loyalty or covenantal faithfulness.
• “True token” (אוֹת אֱמֶת, oth emet): A sign or guarantee of truthfulness and reliability, something one could trust in to be fulfilled.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, hospitality and the protection of guests were deeply ingrained customs. Rahab’s actions align with these ideals but her request transcends the immediate cultural norms as it encompasses a religious oath. Similar themes of divine protection and covenants can be found in other religions. For instance, in various Mesopotamian and Hittite texts, covenants and promises made between gods and humans play a central role. Rahab’s actions and request for an oath might remind readers of such practices.

Scientific Perspectives

No direct scientific perspective relates to the content of this verse as it does not make claims relevant to scientific inquiry. However, archaeological inquiries into the ancient city of Jericho and the historicity of its walls’ falling (as later described in Joshua 6) can indirectly inform an understanding of this verse’s setting.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Joshua 2:12 often focus on Rahab’s faith and her role in the unfolding narrative of the Israelite conquest. Matthew Henry’s commentary underlines Rahab’s wisdom in securing the safety of her family and sees her actions as an indication of her faith in God’s power. Similarly, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges acknowledges Rahab’s care for her father’s house and her shrewdness in ensuring a pledge from the spies. More contemporary scholarship may address the complex moral and ethical dimensions of Rahab’s actions, such as her lying to protect the spies, and discuss her place in biblical genealogies, such as in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.