What does Joshua 2:8 mean?

And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; Joshua 2:8

Explanation

Joshua 2:8 describes a moment in the story of Rahab, a woman living in Jericho who has taken in two spies sent by Joshua to gather intelligence on the city before the Israelite invasion. The previous verses narrate that the king of Jericho has been informed of the spies’ presence and demands Rahab turn them over. Instead, she hides them on the roof of her house under stalks of flax. Verse 8 occurs just before the sentries sent by the king would search her home. Rahab goes up to the roof where the spies are hidden to speak with them. This verse sets the scene for the pact Rahab will make with the spies, ensuring her family’s safety in return for her aid.

Historical Context

The verse is set during the time of the conquest of Canaan when the Israelites, led by Joshua after Moses’s death, are about to enter the Promised Land. The events likely take place in the Bronze Age, within a patriarchal and tribal society, where warfare, espionage, and negotiations were common. Jericho was a fortified city and a strategic target for the Israelites. The historical accuracy of the event is debated among scholars, but its significance within the Biblical narrative is to demonstrate divine providence and the idea that faithfulness can come from unexpected places.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse and Rahab’s actions are often interpreted as a testament to God’s ability to work through individuals of all backgrounds. Rahab, despite being a Canaanite prostitute, demonstrates faith in the God of Israel and is commended for her actions in later texts (Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25). Her role in harboring the spies is seen as part of God’s divine plan for the salvation of his people and a foreshadowing of the inclusivity of Gentiles in the Christian faith. Moreover, Rahab is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:5), deepening her significance in the broader Christian narrative.

Practical Applications

Joshua 2:8 can be applied to modern life in several ways. It illustrates the virtues of courage, resourcefulness, and faith. Rahab’s actions encourage believers to stand for what is right, even when it involves personal risk, and to trust in a higher purpose. This passage can inspire individuals to display hospitality, act with integrity, and make choices that honor their faith, regardless of their past or societal expectations.

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

In the original Hebrew text, the words bear significance:

• “Laid down” (שכב): This can mean to lie down or to sleep, but in this context likely refers to settling in for the night, indicating the time of day when the action takes place.
• “She came up” (עלתה): This verb denotes physical movement upwards, affirming Rahab’s proactive approach and her role as the protector at that moment.
• “Roof” (הגג): Roofs in ancient Near Eastern houses were often flat and used for various purposes, including storage, sleeping in good weather, or drying crops, such as the flax mentioned earlier in the narrative.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Rahab can be compared to other ancient myths’ heroines, such as the Sumerian priestess Shamhat from the Epic of Gilgamesh, who also plays an unexpected pivotal role and interacts with outsider figures. There are also parallels with Greek and Roman mythological figures like Medea, who helps Jason secure the Golden Fleece. Within these cultural stories, there’s a common motif of women aiding male heroes, often at significant personal risk.

Scientific Perspectives

The description of Rahab’s actions does not directly intersect with scientific understandings. However, archaeological evidence regarding ancient Jericho and its destruction may provide some context for the Biblical narrative. The stratigraphy of Jericho could potentially reflect a period of destruction, although there is much debate among archaeologists about the timelines and whether they match the Biblical account.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Joshua 2:8, such as those by Matthew Henry or the Pulpit Commentary, focus on Rahab’s expressions of faith and her critical role in the Israelite spies’ success. They highlight her wisdom in taking the right moment to speak to the spies, her discernment of God’s power, and her decisive action to ensure her family’s safety. Some commentators also draw attention to the moral complexities of Rahab’s deception, debating whether her actions, while betraying her city, were justified due to her allegiance to the true God of Israel and her role in the divine plan.