Joshua 2:17

And the men said unto her, We [will be] blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.

And the men {H582} said {H559} unto her, We will be blameless {H5355} of this thine oath {H7621} which thou hast made us swear {H7650}.

The men said to her, "We will not be guilty of violating the oath you made us swear, provided that

The men said to her, “We will not be bound by this oath you made us swear

And the men said unto her, We will be guiltless of this thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.

Context

The book of Joshua chronicles Israel's entry into the Promised Land, with the fortified city of Jericho being their first major obstacle. In preparation for the invasion, Joshua sent two spies to scout the land (Joshua 2:1). This verse occurs during a critical exchange between these Israelite spies and Rahab, a harlot living in Jericho. Rahab bravely hid the spies from the king's men (Joshua 2:4), and in return, she appealed to them for a promise of salvation for herself and her entire household when Israel attacked the city (Joshua 2:12-13). Joshua 2:17 is the spies' direct response, laying out the conditions under which their solemn oath to her would remain binding.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Conditional Covenant and Obligation: This verse highlights the conditional nature of the agreement between Rahab and the spies. While they are committed to their oath, they specify the circumstances under which they would be absolved, emphasizing that Rahab must fulfill her part of the bargain. This sets the stage for the specific instructions given in the following verses regarding the scarlet cord and gathering her family (Joshua 2:18-19).
  • Integrity of an Oath: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, an oath was a serious commitment, often invoking divine witness, and breaking it could have severe consequences. The spies' declaration of being "blameless" underscores their commitment to the oath while also clearly defining the boundaries of their responsibility. This reflects the importance of keeping one's word.
  • Divine Providence and Faith: Although Rahab was a Gentile and a harlot, her act of faith in protecting God's people positioned her to receive mercy and be incorporated into the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5). Her faith is later celebrated in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25), demonstrating how God works through unexpected individuals and circumstances to fulfill His purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The key term in this verse is "blameless." The Hebrew word used here is naqi (נָקִי), which means "clear," "innocent," "free from obligation," or "unpunished." By stating they "will be blameless," the spies are asserting that if Rahab fails to meet the specific conditions they are about to lay out (such as keeping their mission secret or failing to gather her family), they would be absolved of their sworn duty to protect her. This clarifies the terms of the agreement and ensures mutual accountability.

Practical Application

Joshua 2:17 offers several enduring lessons for contemporary life:

  • Understanding Conditions: The verse reminds us of the importance of clarity in agreements and promises. Whether in personal relationships or business dealings, understanding the conditions and expectations of all parties is vital for integrity and successful outcomes.
  • The Value of Integrity: The spies' insistence on being "blameless" highlights the ancient and timeless value placed on keeping one's word. For believers, this resonates with the call to live with integrity and truthfulness, reflecting God's own faithfulness.
  • God's Inclusive Grace: Rahab's story, initiated by this oath, powerfully illustrates God's willingness to extend grace and salvation to those outside His covenant people, based on faith. Her inclusion in God's plan reminds us that salvation is available to all who call upon the Lord, regardless of their past or origin.

Reflection

Though a brief declaration, Joshua 2:17 is pivotal in the unfolding narrative of Rahab's salvation. It solidifies the terms of the life-saving covenant, emphasizing both the spies' commitment and the necessary actions on Rahab's part. This verse underscores the seriousness of promises made and the meticulous way in which God orchestrates events, using human choices and agreements to bring about His divine will and extend His mercy.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Numbers 30:2

    If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

  • 2 Samuel 21:7

    But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that [was] between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

  • 2 Samuel 21:1

    ¶ Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, [It is] for Saul, and for [his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.

  • 2 Samuel 21:2

    And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites [were] not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

  • Leviticus 19:11

    ¶ Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

  • Leviticus 19:12

    And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

  • Genesis 24:3

    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:
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