What does Joshua 2:19 mean?

And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him. Joshua 2:19

Explanation

The verse Joshua 2:19 is part of the story about the Israelite spies being hidden by Rahab in Jericho. In the verse, the spies set conditions for Rahab’s family’s safety when the Israelites would come to conquer the city. They declare that if anyone from her family leaves her house and goes into the streets during the attack, they would not be responsible for that person’s death. Conversely, if anyone stays inside the house with Rahab, the spies are obligating themselves to protect them, assuming accountability if harm comes to them within the home.

The literal meaning is straightforward—a conditional guarantee of safety based on location. Deeper analysis suggests the theme of sanctuary and the sacredness of one’s word. The house symbolizes a place of refuge and the promise made by the spies is akin to a sacred vow, illustrating the importance of honor and commitment in the biblical narrative.

Historical Context

This verse is set during the period of early Israelite history, when the Israelites were attempting to conquer the Promised Land—a region that included the city of Jericho. This event is situated at the beginning of their campaign under the leadership of Joshua. The mention of blood and streets of Jericho gives a vivid picture of the historical context of warfare and the taking over of cities in the ancient Near East. Rahab’s home provided a strategic spot on Jericho’s wall and her actions in hiding the spies are couched in the culture of hospitality and protection for guests, which was of high importance in ancient societies.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, one could argue that this verse highlights God’s providence and the importance of faith. Rahab, by aligning herself with God’s people, showed faith in God’s power and his promises. There is an underlying message of salvation and protection for those who choose to align themselves with God. This is echoed in later Christian theology with the idea of the ‘house’ representing the Church and the safety it provides to believers.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this verse could be in the understanding of commitments and promises. When a promise is made, it should be kept, and the conditions fully understood by all parties involved. On a personal level, the verse can be a reminder to stay within the ‘boundaries’ of safety—whether spiritual, emotional, or physical—that one sets for themselves or are set by God.

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.”
• Genesis 19:15-17: Similar to Rahab’s situation, Lot and his family are warned to stay inside their home during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
• Exodus 12:7,13: The marking of the Israelite’s doors during the Passover is another instance where safety is assured by staying within a home.

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Hebrew text are significant. The word for ‘house’ (bayit) indicates not just a physical structure but also a household or family. The word for ‘blood’ (dam) implies life-force and guilt. The phrase ‘his blood shall be upon his head’ is an idiomatic expression meaning that the person is responsible for their own life or death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This notion of sanctuary within a home is found in various other ancient cultures and religions. For instance, the concept of ‘sanctuary’ in Greek and Roman traditions where temples sometimes served as places of refuge. In many ancient Near Eastern cultures, there were traditions that laid out the expectation of protection for strangers and guests, which is illustrated in Rahab’s story.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse doesn’t intersect directly with modern scientific understandings as it pertains more to social contracts and ethical responsibility. However, modern psychology might look at the effects of living under such high-stakes conditions, examining the stress and tension that those inside the house would experience, knowing their survival depended on staying within its walls.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries typically focus on Rahab’s act of faith and the serious nature of oaths in the Bible when discussing Joshua 2:19. Many point out that the spies’ words not only set terms for physical safety but also imply a deeper spiritual and covenantal relationship. Commentators often note Rahab’s inclusion in the lineage of Christ in Matthew 1 as an example of God’s grace extended to Gentiles, highlighting the significance of her actions and the promises made to her.