Joshua 2:18

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.

Behold, when we come {H935} into the land {H776}, thou shalt bind {H7194} this line {H8615} of scarlet {H8144} thread {H2339} in the window {H2474} which thou didst let us down by {H3381}: and thou shalt bring {H622} thy father {H1}, and thy mother {H517}, and thy brethren {H251}, and all thy father's {H1} household {H1004}, home {H1004} unto thee.

when we enter the land, you tie this piece of scarlet cord in the window you let us down from; and you gather together in your house your father, mother, brothers, and your father's entire household.

unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house.

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 gather unto thee into the house thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household.

Commentary

Context of Joshua 2:18

This verse is a crucial part of the narrative involving Rahab, a harlot living in the city of Jericho. Prior to the Israelites' invasion of Canaan, Joshua sent two spies to scout the land, particularly Jericho. Rahab bravely hid these spies from the king's men, demonstrating an extraordinary act of faith and loyalty to the God of Israel, whom she had heard about. In return for her protection, the spies made a solemn oath to her and her household. Joshua 2:18 outlines the specific instructions Rahab must follow to ensure her safety during the impending destruction of Jericho's walls, highlighting the covenant made with her.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant and Promise: The verse details the specific conditions of the agreement between the spies and Rahab. It is a divine promise of protection contingent on her obedience to their instructions. This reflects God's faithfulness to those who turn to Him.
  • Salvation by Faith: Rahab's actions throughout this chapter, culminating in her adherence to these instructions, are presented as a powerful example of salvation by faith. Her belief in the God of Israel, even as a pagan, led her to act courageously and secure deliverance for herself and her family.
  • The Scarlet Thread: The "line of scarlet thread" serves as a visible sign and symbol of the covenant. Much like the blood on the doorposts during the Passover in Egypt, this scarlet thread marked Rahab's house for protection, distinguishing it from the doomed city. The color scarlet is often associated with blood, particularly in biblical themes of redemption and sacrifice.
  • Household Salvation: God's grace extends not only to Rahab but also to her entire family. The instruction to gather her "father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household" under her roof emphasizes the importance of family in God's plan of salvation and the blessing that can flow through one person's faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "scarlet" is shani (שָׁנִי), which refers to a vibrant, deep red dye. This same word is used throughout the Old Testament in descriptions of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, often signifying purity or atonement. The word for "line" or "cord" is tiqvah (תִּקְוָה), which can also mean "hope." While the primary meaning here is a physical cord, the underlying nuance of hope is certainly present given the context of deliverance.

Practical Application

Joshua 2:18 offers several timeless lessons:

  • God's Inclusive Grace: Rahab, a Gentile and a harlot, was saved through faith. This demonstrates that God's grace and salvation are available to all who believe, regardless of their past or background.
  • The Importance of Visible Faith: The scarlet thread was a public, visible declaration of Rahab's faith and trust in the spies' promise. For believers today, our lives should visibly reflect our faith in Christ.
  • Seeking Family Salvation: Rahab's immediate concern was for her family's safety, and the spies honored that. This encourages believers to actively pray for and share the good news of salvation with their own households.
  • The Foreshadowing of Christ: The scarlet thread serves as a powerful Old Testament type, pointing forward to the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate sign of God's covenant and the means of salvation for all who believe.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 6:23 (7 votes)

    And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.

  • Joshua 2:21 (6 votes)

    And she said, According unto your words, so [be] it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.

  • Joshua 2:12 (5 votes)

    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:

  • Joshua 2:13 (5 votes)

    And [that] ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.

  • Acts 10:33 (4 votes)

    Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

  • Leviticus 14:4 (4 votes)

    Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive [and] clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:

  • Hebrews 9:19 (4 votes)

    For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,