What does Joshua 2:6 mean?

But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. Joshua 2:6

Explanation

Joshua 2:6 describes an event in the story of Rahab the prostitute who lives in the city of Jericho. In this verse, Rahab is depicted as having taken two Israelite spies to her roof and hiding them under piles of flax. This action is significant not only because Rahab is protecting these spies from the authorities in Jericho who were searching for them but also because it represents her allegiance to the God of Israel over her native city-state of Jericho. The literal meaning is straightforward: Rahab hid the spies to keep them safe. However, the deeper meaning conveys a theme of faith and trust in God, as Rahab’s actions would eventually lead to her salvation and the protection of her family when Jericho was later besieged by the Israelites.

Historical Context

The Book of Joshua is set in the late Bronze Age, a time of city-states and warfare in the ancient Near East, and is part of the Deuteronomistic history which includes Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. The narrative describes the Israelites, led by Joshua, as they enter and settle in Canaan. Rahab’s story occurs as Joshua sends spies to assess the walled city of Jericho. Jericho was a fortified city-state in the land that was promised to the Israelites by God, and thus, it was destined to be conquered by them according to biblical tradition.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse demonstrates God’s providence and the often-unexpected ways He works through individuals. Rahab, despite being a Canaanite prostitute, is used by God to further His divine plan for Israel. This speaks to themes of inclusivity and redemption in the biblical narrative. Several theological perspectives view Rahab’s actions as an act of faith, corroborated by her acknowledgment of the Israelites’ God in Joshua 2:9-11. Furthermore, her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as mentioned in Matthew 1:5 underscores the importance of her actions and God’s grace.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as an example of courageous action in the face of danger. Practically, it encourages individuals to stand for what is morally right, even against social norms or personal risk. It emphasizes the importance of offering protection to those who are vulnerable and extends the concept that sometimes, breaking human laws may be necessary to uphold divine laws of justice and righteousness.

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?”
• Matthew 1:5: “And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;”

Language Study

The key words in the original Hebrew of this verse are:

• “Brought up” (עָלָה alah): often used to denote movement upwards or to a higher place.
• “Roof” (גָּג gag): the flat rooftops common in ancient Near Eastern architecture that were used for various activities.
• “Stalks of flax” (פִּשְׁתִּים pishtim): flax was used to make linen, and the stalks were likely laid out to dry, providing both a reason for their presence and a good cover.
• “Laid in order” (שִׁקֵּם shiqem): implies deliberate arrangement, contributing to the effectiveness of the hiding place.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern texts, there are stories of city walls and espionage that can be compared to the narrative of Rahab and the spies. Culturally, Rahab’s profession may have been associated with religious temple practices, but the text instead focuses on her faith and actions. In many cultures, including Greek and Mesopotamian, betraying one’s city-state was considered treason, yet Rahab’s choice is celebrated in the Hebrew Bible due to her allegiance to a higher divine authority.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the practice of laying flax stalks on a roof would comport with ancient agricultural methods of processing plant fibers for textile production. Flax needs to be retted (soaked) and then dried to prepare the fibers for spinning into linen. The scientific understanding of this process adds plausibility to the narrative detail in Joshua 2:6.

commentaries

Experts and commentators offer a range of interpretations of Joshua 2:6. Some focus on Rahab’s courage and the risk she took to conceal the spies. Others emphasize her faith in God’s promise to the Israelites. John Calvin remarks on Rahab’s wisdom in choosing a hiding place that would not arouse suspicion. Matthew Henry comments on the providence of God in preparing the means of the spies’ concealment ahead of time. Many modern commentaries also focus on the redemptive aspect of Rahab’s story, seeing her as a symbol of how God’s grace can extend to all, regardless of background or past.