Joshua 2:12

Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:

Now therefore, I pray you, swear {H7650} unto me by the LORD {H3068}, since {H3588} I have shewed {H6213} you kindness {H2617}, that ye will also shew {H6213} kindness {H2617} unto my father's {H1} house {H1004}, and give {H5414} me a true {H571} token {H226}:

So, please, swear to me by ADONAI that, since I have been kind to you, you will also be kind to my father's family. Give me some evidence of your good faith,

Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by Jehovah, since I have dealt kindly with you, that ye also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true token;

Commentary

Context of Joshua 2:12

This verse is part of the dramatic encounter between Rahab, a harlot living in Jericho, and the two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the land before the invasion of Canaan. Having successfully hidden the spies from the King of Jericho's men, Rahab reveals her understanding of the LORD's power and Israel's impending victory, acknowledging the fear that has fallen upon the inhabitants of the land. In this pivotal moment, after demonstrating remarkable courage and faith, she makes a plea for her own life and the lives of her family, leveraging the kindness she has shown.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant of Kindness (Chesed): Rahab appeals to the spies based on the "kindness" (Hebrew: chesed - חֶסֶד) she has shown them. This term signifies more than mere benevolence; it implies loyal love, steadfast affection, or covenant faithfulness. She desires a reciprocal act of chesed from them, a binding promise based on their shared understanding of loyalty.
  • Faith and Discernment: Rahab's request is rooted in her profound faith in the God of Israel and her discernment of His divine plan. She recognizes that the LORD is "God in heaven above, and in earth beneath" (Joshua 2:11). This faith, though from an unlikely source, is foundational to her plea for salvation.
  • Seeking a True Token: Rahab asks for a "true token" or sign (Hebrew: אוֹת - 'ot) as a guarantee of their promise. This foreshadows the specific sign they later agree upon: the scarlet cord tied in her window, a visible mark of protection for her household during the assault on Jericho (Joshua 2:18). This token serves as tangible proof of the covenant made.
  • Salvation Through Association: Rahab's primary concern is not just her personal safety but the deliverance of her entire family—her father, mother, brothers, and sisters. Her act of faith extends to encompass her loved ones, demonstrating a desire for communal salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "kindness" here is chesed (חֶסֶד), a rich theological term often translated as "steadfast love," "mercy," or "loyal devotion." It describes a deep, abiding commitment, especially within a covenant relationship. Rahab's use of chesed highlights her desire for a binding, reciprocal relationship with the Israelites, mirroring the covenant faithfulness of their God. The "true token" she requests is an 'ot (אוֹת), which means a sign, mark, or pledge, emphasizing the need for concrete assurance.

Practical Application

Rahab's story from Joshua 2:12 offers several powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Faith in Unexpected Places: God's grace and salvation are not limited to those who seem outwardly righteous. Rahab, a Gentile and a harlot, demonstrates profound faith that leads to her and her family's salvation, highlighting God's expansive mercy. Her faith is even celebrated in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25).
  • The Power of Reciprocal Kindness: The principle of chesed reminds us of the importance of loyal love and compassionate action. When we extend kindness, we often open doors for grace to be returned, both from God and from others.
  • Seeking Assurance: Like Rahab, we often look for signs or assurances of God's promises. While our faith should not depend solely on visible tokens, God often provides confirmation and peace to those who genuinely seek Him and His will.
  • Intercession for Family: Rahab's concern for her household reminds us to pray and work for the salvation and well-being of our own families, extending our faith and hope to those we love.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 2:18 (5 votes)

    Behold, [when] we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.

  • James 2:13 (3 votes)

    For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

  • Ezekiel 9:4 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

  • Ezekiel 9:6 (2 votes)

    Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.

  • Genesis 24:3 (2 votes)

    And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

  • Esther 8:6 (2 votes)

    For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

  • Romans 1:31 (2 votes)

    Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: