What does Joshua 2:13 mean?

And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. Joshua 2:13

Explanation

The verse in question, Joshua 2:13, is a request made by Rahab the harlot to the Israelite spies. Rahab has already provided a hiding place for these spies, sent by Joshua to assess the city of Jericho before the Israelites’ planned conquest. In exchange for her assistance, Rahab seeks an assurance of safety for herself and her family. The statement is both a plea for mercy and a negotiation for protection – it is about preservation of life and familial bonds amidst impending conflict. The deeper meaning lies in the themes of faith and loyalty. Though not an Israelite herself, Rahab’s actions align her with the God of Israel, and her plea reflects a belief in His power and the Israelites’ eventual victory.

Historical Context

This verse comes at a critical juncture in the narrative of the Israelites’ entry into the Promised Land. The book of Joshua is set in the Late Bronze Age, around the 13th century BCE, during which the Israelites are poised to conquer the land of Canaan as instructed by Yahweh. The city of Jericho was one of the foremost Canaanite cities, and its conquest was key to securing the territory. Rahab, despite being a Canaanite, comes to play a critical role by aiding the spies from Israel.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Joshua 2:13 underscores the notion of covenantal loyalty. Rahab’s actions can be seen as aligning with the Israelites’ covenant with God, and her request is essentially for a covenant of protection for her and her family. Furthermore, her faith is acknowledged in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25), where Rahab is commended for her faith-based actions despite her background, showcasing divine grace that transcends national and ethical boundaries.

Practical Applications

This verse teaches the importance of compassion, the protection of the innocent, and the extension of mercy towards those outside one’s immediate community. In daily life, it could inspire acts of kindness and solidarity towards those who are different or from outside one’s social or religious circles, recognizing the shared humanity and the ethical imperative to safeguard life.

Cross-References

• Joshua 6:17: “And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.”
• Joshua 2:12: “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:”
• 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?”

Language Study

In the original Hebrew text, the word for “save alive” is “חִיָּה” (chayah), which implies preserving life or making alive. It indicates an active rescue or a guarantee of life. The word for “deliver” used here is “הִצִּילוּ” (hitzilu), suggesting extraction from danger or escape from death. The language emphasizes the seriousness of the request and the dire circumstances faced by Rahab and her family.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this to other ancient texts, parallels can be drawn with other stories of sanctuary and protection. For example, in ancient Greek mythology, supplicants would seek asylum at altars of gods for protection, much like Rahab seeking the Israelites’ protection. Similarly, in the ancient Near East, cities often had asylum-seekers who clung to sacred elements as a plea for safety.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, this verse does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings. However, study in anthropology and sociology could provide insight into the human behaviors of cooperation and reciprocal altruism, which are epitomized in the agreement between Rahab and the spies: Rahab’s cooperation in return for the preservation of her family.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars often emphasize Rahab’s faith and the ethical obligation of the Israelite spies to honor their promise as key elements of this verse. Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes that Rahab’s plea stems from a genuine conversion and faith in God’s power. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary highlights the theme of God’s deliverance extending to all who seek refuge in Him. John Calvin comments on the seriousness with which oaths should be respected, as demonstrated by the spies’ commitment to Rahab’s safety.