Joshua 6:22 Meaning and Explanation
“But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Joshua sends the two former spies to bring Rahab and all she has out of her house, honoring the oath they had sworn to her.
What Does Joshua 6:22 Mean?
Amid the fall of the city, Joshua remembers a promise. He directs the two spies who had once lodged with Rahab to go into her house and bring out the woman and all that she has, "as ye sware unto her." The oath made earlier is not forgotten in the chaos of conquest.
The word "But" sets this rescue in deliberate contrast to the destruction around it. Faithfulness to a promise governs the moment. Israel's leaders keep their sworn word even to a foreigner, even to one whose past was marked by shame. This care to honor a vow reflects the character of the God Israel serves, who keeps His covenants. Rahab trusted that promise, and her trust is vindicated. Where faith takes hold of a true word, that word proves reliable when the testing comes.
Joshua 6:22 in the Original Language
shaba (שָׁבַע), 'sware' -- to swear or bind oneself by oath, the solemn pledge now being kept.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 6:22
What does Joshua 6:22 mean?
Joshua sends the two former spies to bring Rahab and all she has out of her house, honoring the oath they had sworn to her.