Joshua 2:20

KJV

And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if thou utter {H5046} this our business {H1697}, then we will be quit {H5355} of thine oath {H7621} which thou hast made us to swear {H7650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, if you say a word about this business of ours, then we will be free of your oath that you made us swear."

Berean Standard Bible

And if you report our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”

American Standard Version

But if thou utter this our business, then we shall be guiltless of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 2:20 articulates a critical condition within the covenant established between the Israelite spies and Rahab, the harlot of Jericho. This verse specifies that the oath sworn by the spies to spare Rahab and her household would be nullified if she were to betray their mission by revealing their presence or plans. It underscores the absolute necessity of secrecy and trust in a high-stakes espionage operation, highlighting the conditional nature of the agreement and the severe consequences of its breach for Rahab's salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of [Joshua chapter 2](/joshua/2 "Joshua 2 - Rahab and the Spies"), immediately following the spies' detailed instructions to Rahab regarding her family's safety during the impending invasion. Having been hidden by Rahab and aided in their escape, the spies initiated an oath to protect her and her household. [Joshua 2:17](/joshua/2-17 "Joshua 2:17 - The Spies' Oath") establishes the initial promise, while [Joshua 2:18-19](/joshua/2-18-19 "Joshua 2:18-19 - Conditions for Rahab's Salvation") lays out the specific conditions: her family must remain inside her house, and a scarlet cord must be tied in her window as a sign. Verse 20 adds the final, non-negotiable condition, emphasizing that any disclosure of their "business" would release them from their sworn obligation, placing Rahab and her family in mortal peril. This clause serves as a crucial safeguard for the spies and a test of Rahab's faithfulness to the agreement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, oaths and covenants were solemn, binding agreements, often invoked with divine witnesses and carrying severe consequences for breach. The spies' oath to Rahab was a life-or-death matter, reflecting the high stakes of the impending conquest of Canaan. Jericho was a heavily fortified city, and any intelligence leak could compromise Israel's military strategy and endanger the spies' lives. Rahab, as a resident of Jericho, was a high-risk informant, making the condition of absolute secrecy paramount. Her act of sheltering the spies, while a betrayal of her own city, was an act of faith towards the God of Israel, demonstrating a recognition of His power (as she declared in [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9-11 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Faith")). The cultural understanding of hospitality also played a role, as Rahab extended protection to strangers, albeit in a clandestine manner.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes present in [Joshua 2](/joshua/2 "Joshua 2 - Rahab and the Spies") and reinforced by verse 20 include **Conditional Covenant and Trust**. The spies' promise of salvation to Rahab is explicitly conditional upon her adherence to their instructions, particularly maintaining absolute secrecy. This highlights how trust is foundational to agreements, especially in situations of extreme danger and mutual vulnerability. Another significant theme is **Divine Providence**, as this seemingly human agreement is undeniably part of God's overarching plan for Israel's conquest of the land, as detailed throughout the [Book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest of Canaan"). Rahab's act of faith and obedience, later commended in [Hebrews 11:31](/hebrews/11-31 "Hebrews 11:31 - Rahab's Faith") and [James 2:25](/james/2-25 "James 2:25 - Rahab Justified by Works"), was instrumental in her salvation and the protection of her family, demonstrating God's ability to use unexpected individuals in His grand narrative of redemption. The verse also subtly touches on the **Consequences of Betrayal**, making it clear that a breach of trust would negate the life-saving promise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Utter (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** This primitive root (H5046) means "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and causatively, "to manifest" or "to announce" (always by word of mouth to one present). In [Joshua 2:20](/joshua/2-20 "Joshua 2:20 - The Spies' Conditional Oath to Rahab"), it signifies Rahab's act of revealing, disclosing, or making public the spies' presence and mission. The term emphasizes a direct, verbal declaration that would expose their clandestine "business" and compromise their strategic objective, underscoring the severe consequences of such a betrayal.
* **Business (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This versatile noun (H1697), derived from the verb "to speak," encompasses a wide range of meanings including "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," "message," or "report." In this context, "this our business" refers to the spies' entire clandestine operation—their identities, their purpose of reconnaissance, and the impending Israelite invasion of Jericho. Rahab's disclosure of this "matter" or "affair" would be a breach of trust, directly jeopardizing the mission and the lives of the spies.
* **Quit (Hebrew, _nâqîy'_):** This adjective (H5355) means "innocent," "blameless," "clean," "clear," "exempted," or "free from obligation." When the spies declare they will be "quit" of their oath, they mean they will be absolved, released, and morally unburdened from their sworn promise to protect Rahab and her household. Her failure to uphold the condition of secrecy would render their sacred oath null and void, thereby freeing them from any responsibility for her fate and leaving her vulnerable to the impending judgment upon Jericho.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if thou utter this our business,"**: This clause establishes the critical condition for the spies' oath to remain valid. "This our business" refers to their clandestine mission: their identity as Israelite spies, their purpose of reconnoitering Jericho, and the impending invasion. The use of "utter" (Hebrew, _nâgad'_) implies not just casual talk but a deliberate disclosure that would compromise their operation. This highlights the absolute necessity of Rahab's discretion and loyalty to the agreement.
* **"then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear."**: This second clause states the direct consequence of violating the condition. If Rahab reveals their mission, the spies would be "quit" (Hebrew, _nâqîy'_)—absolved, released, or innocent—of the solemn oath they swore to her. This means the promise of salvation for her and her family would be immediately revoked, leaving them vulnerable to the impending destruction of Jericho. It underscores the reciprocal nature of the covenant and the severe penalty for its breach.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 2:20 primarily employs **Conditional Clause** ("And if... then...") to establish the terms of the agreement, clearly outlining the cause-and-effect relationship between Rahab's actions and the validity of the spies' oath. This structure emphasizes the critical importance of her adherence to the secrecy pact. The verse also relies on **Oath/Covenant Language**, which is central to the narrative of God's dealings with Israel and human interactions within the biblical text. The spies' "oath" is a formal, binding promise, and the discussion of being "quit" of it highlights the legal and moral weight attached to such commitments in the ancient world. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** in this verse; it subtly hints at the dire consequences Rahab would face if she failed to uphold her end of the bargain, thereby intensifying the narrative tension and underscoring the life-or-death stakes involved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 2:20, while a specific clause in a human agreement, resonates with broader theological truths about covenants, trust, and divine faithfulness. It demonstrates that even human covenants, when made with solemnity, carry significant weight and often include conditions for their fulfillment. The spies' oath, though conditional, reflects a divine principle: God's promises, while ultimately sovereign, often invite human response and obedience. Rahab's salvation hinges on her obedience to the specific instructions given by the spies, which ultimately aligns with her faith in the God of Israel. This passage serves as a reminder that faithfulness to commitments, whether human or divine, is crucial for the flourishing of relationships and the fulfillment of promises.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram") - Illustrates God's unconditional covenant with Abraham, contrasting with the conditional human agreement in Joshua.
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience") - Details the blessings that follow Israel's obedience to God's covenant, emphasizing the conditional nature of their prosperity in the land.
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - Who May Dwell on God's Holy Hill?") - Describes the righteous person as one who "swears to his own hurt and does not change," highlighting the importance of integrity in keeping oaths.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 2:20 offers profound insights into the nature of trust, integrity, and the serious implications of our commitments. In a world where promises are often broken and trust is easily eroded, this verse reminds us of the gravity of our word. For believers, it challenges us to consider the integrity of our own promises, both to God and to others. Just as Rahab's physical salvation depended on her faithfulness to the spies' conditions, our spiritual walk often involves obedience to God's revealed will. This passage also subtly points to God's incredible grace, as Rahab, a Gentile harlot, was offered a path to redemption through her faith and subsequent obedience, securing her place not only in Israel's history but also in the lineage of Christ. Her story encourages us that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, when they respond in faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the conditional nature of the spies' oath to Rahab reflect aspects of our own human relationships and agreements?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge me to be more faithful and discreet in my own commitments and responsibilities?**
* **What does Rahab's willingness to keep this secret, despite the risk, teach us about the nature of true faith and trust?**

### FAQ
**Why was secrecy so important for the spies' mission and Rahab's safety?**

Answer: Secrecy was absolutely critical because the spies were on a reconnaissance mission in enemy territory. Any disclosure of their presence or purpose would have immediately alerted the king of Jericho, leading to their capture and execution, thereby compromising Israel's entire invasion strategy. For Rahab, keeping the "business" secret was a matter of life and death, as it was the non-negotiable condition for her and her family's salvation. Her betrayal would not only endanger the spies but also nullify their oath, leaving her without protection when the Israelites attacked. Her act of faith in protecting them, and her subsequent discretion, were paramount to her survival and the success of the mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 2:20 describes a conditional human covenant, it ultimately points to the superior, unconditional covenant established in Christ. Rahab's salvation, dependent on her obedience to specific instructions (the scarlet cord, remaining indoors, secrecy), foreshadows a greater salvation offered through faith in Jesus. Her act of faith, recognized in [Hebrews 11:31](/hebrews/11-31 "Hebrews 11:31 - Rahab's Faith"), allowed her to escape the judgment that fell upon Jericho, much like believers are saved from the judgment of sin through Christ. The spies' oath, though conditional, reflects a divine pattern of promise and fulfillment. Yet, unlike this human agreement, God's new covenant in Christ is not contingent on our perfect obedience but on Christ's perfect obedience and sacrifice. We are "quit" of the curse of the law not by our works, but by the work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through Him, we receive an eternal, unconditional promise of salvation, secured by His blood, as described in [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant"). Rahab's story, where a harlot is brought into God's family through faith and obedience, beautifully illustrates God's radical grace that culminates in Christ, who makes all things new and offers a salvation that is sure and steadfast, not dependent on our ability to keep a secret, but on His finished work on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 11:13

A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.