What does Joshua 2:18 mean?

Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee. Joshua 2:18

Explanation

Joshua 2:18 references the instructions given by the Israelite spies to Rahab, a woman living in Jericho, who had provided them refuge from their enemies. The spies asked Rahab to tie a scarlet cord in the window through which she let them escape. This cord was to be a sign for the upcoming attack on Jericho, indicating that her household should be spared. The literal meaning is clear: the scarlet thread is a physical marker for Rahab’s safety. On a deeper level, the scarlet thread can be seen as a symbol of mercy and protection. It’s also noteworthy as an early example in the Bible of a Gentile expressing faith in the God of Israel, which leads to her inclusion within the community of God’s people.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of the early Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership. Jericho was a crucial and fortified city in Canaan, and its fall was vital for Israel’s establishment in the Promised Land. The narrative showcases the Israelites’ reliance on God’s guidance, as well as the participation of unlikely individuals like Rahab in His plans. Historically, this event is part of the larger narrative of Israel’s exodus from Egypt and subsequent claim to Canaan, reflecting the cultural and historical claim of early Israelites to the land.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the scarlet thread symbolizes salvation and protection, which parallels the lamb’s blood used on the doorposts in the Passover story. In Christian theology, this is often paralleled with the blood of Christ, representing salvation. Rahab’s faith and actions, despite being a foreigner and a prostitute, show that God’s grace and the covenant with Israel extend beyond ethnic boundaries. It also illustrates the theme of faith being demonstrated through action, a principle that is echoed throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Practical Applications

This verse can teach modern readers about the importance of taking tangible steps to express one’s faith and trust in God’s promises. The practical application might be to demonstrate integrity and kindness toward others who are outside one’s social or religious circle. It also encourages protecting those who are vulnerable and ensuring safety for one’s family and community. It serves as an example of how faith can bring about redemption and inclusion within a community.

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 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.”

Language Study

In the original Hebrew text, the word for “line” is חוּט (chut), which can mean a thread or a cord. The word for “scarlet” is שָׁנִי (shani), which refers to a bright red color, often associated with a dyed fabric. The specific term used here also connotes something that stands out, making the cord highly visible, and symbolic of protection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, red often symbolized life, health, and victory. Comparable myths or stories in other ancient cultures might include tokens or signs that provide protection or convey a promise. The use of a scarlet thread as a protective symbol can be compared to various symbols in different cultures that are used as amulets or talismans to provide safety and ward off harm.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, there is nothing inherently protective about the color red or a scarlet thread. The protection Rahab receives is not because of the thread’s physical properties, but rather its significance as a sign agreed upon by the spies. In studying color psychology, however, red is often associated with alertness and attention, which could provide an ancillary reason why such a color was chosen for visibility and recognition.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Joshua 2:18. Matthew Henry, for example, sees the scarlet thread as both a token of Rahab’s faith and a type of the blood of Christ. He emphasizes Rahab’s willingness to follow the spies’ instructions as evidence of her belief in God’s power. Other commentaries focus on Rahab’s role in the lineage of Jesus, as mentioned in the genealogy in the Gospel of Matthew, pointing out her significance in salvation history beyond the immediate context of the fall of Jericho.