Joshua 2:20

_AND IF THOU UTTER THIS OUR BUSINESS, THEN WE WILL BE QUIT OF THINE OATH WHICH THOU HAST MADE US TO SWEAR._ No JFB commentary on this verse....

8-21 Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness of God is often expressed by his kindness and truth, Psalms 117:2; in both these we must be followers of him. Those who will be conscientious in keeping promises, are cautious in making them. The spies make needful conditions. The scarlet cord, like the blood upon the doorpost at the passover, recalls to remembrance the sinner's security under the atoning blood of Christ; and that we are to flee thereto for refuge from the wrath of a justly offended God. The same cord Rahab used for the saving of these Israe...

Verse Joshua 2:20. _IF THOU UTTER THIS OUR BUSINESS_] It was prudent to make her _life_ depend on her _secresy_; had it been otherwise she might have been tempted to give information, not only concerning the spies, but concerning the designs of the Israelites. But her life being at stake, added to every other motive, she kept the secret for the sake of her own personal safety and that of all her relatives....

EXPOSITION THE OATH OF THE SPIES.— JOSHUA 2:12 KINDNESS. The original is perhaps a little stronger, and involves usually the idea of mercy and pity. This, however, is not always the ease (see Genesis 21:23; 2 Samuel 10:2). "It had been an ill nature in Rahab if she had been content to be saved alone: that her love might be a match to her faith, she covenants for all her family, and so returns life to those of whom she received it," (Bp. Hall). A TRUE TOKEN. Literally, _a token of truth. _The construction is that in which the latter noun often stands in Hebr

AND IF THOU UTTER THIS OUR BUSINESS,.... So that others would either hang out scarlet threads or get into her house for shelter, Joshua 2:14; THEN WE WILL BE QUIT OF THINE OATH WHICH THOU HAST MADE US TO SWEAR; be under no obligation to make it good, by saving her and her father's house....

2. THE SPIES AND RAHAB'S FAITH CHAPTER 2 _ 1. The spies sent forth (Joshua 2:1)_ 2. Rahab's faith and works (Joshua 2:2) 3. The escape of the spies and assurance given (Joshua 2:15) 4. The return of the spies (Joshua 2:22) The historical account needs not to be restated. Joshua, who was one of the spies sent out by Moses, now sends two spies to view the land, even Jericho. Jericho was the great stronghold of the enemy, surrounded by high walls. Jericho means “fragrance” and is a type of the world. (It is interesting to note that in the Hebrew Jericho differs in its spelling in Joshua from that in Numbers. Th

II. TWO HEBREW SPIES VISIT JERICHO AND EVADE CAPTURE. The narrative is inconsistent with Joshua 1:11, Within three days ye are to pass over Jordan. The events in ch. 2 must have taken longer than three days, for Joshua 2:22 tells us that the spies abode three days in the mountains; and with one day to go and another to return, five days at least would be required. This is an indication that Joshua 2 and Joshua 1 are from different sources. And perhaps Joshua 2 itself is composite. The narrative reads consistently if Joshua 2:15 is omitted, for we can hardly think of the conversation being continued between Rahab at the window and the spies on the ground outside the wall. 1. SHITTIM:...

Reception of the Spies by Rahab 9. _the Lord_ The name is remarkable as used by Rahab. But the Israelites had long been encamped in the neighbourhood, and she might easily have become acquainted with the name of their God. _your terror_ i.e. "the terror of you." The prophetic words of triumph in Moses" song were now fulfilled (Exodus 15:14-16; comp. also Deuteronomy 11:25). _faint_ Heb. MELT. "Oure hearte basshade, ne spirit bood in us at youre yncomynge," Wyclif. See Joshua 2:24....

_VER._ 17-20. _AND THE MEN SAID UNTO HER,_ &C.— Before they left her house, they had answered her request with respect to her security; as they not only engaged themselves to perform it, but also settled with her about the token which was to be her safeguard, and to assist them in keeping their word. This token was _a line of scarlet thread,_ according to our version. But it is not quite clear that שׁני _shani_ specifies the colour of this _line._ The word comes from שׁנה _shanah, i.e. to double;_ so that it may signify in this place, _a double,_ strong, _well-twisted_ line, the same as the spies made use of to descend from Rahab's window. Gataker is of this opinion. However, setting one conjecture against another, it must be confessed, that that founded on the most common signification of the word שׁני _sheni,_ according to the ancient versions, seems to deserve the preference. It is ce...

_The Covenant Made With Rahab Joshua 2:8-21_ 8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; 9 And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. 11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did here remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. 12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have showed you kindness, that ye will also show kindness unto my father's house, and g