Joshua 2:8

KJV

¶ And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;

KJV (with Strong's)

And before they were laid down {H7901}, she came up {H5927} unto them upon the roof {H1406};

Complete Jewish Bible

The two men had not yet lain down when she returned to the roof

Berean Standard Bible

Before the spies lay down for the night, Rahab went up on the roof

American Standard Version

And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 2:8 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelite spies in Jericho, depicting Rahab's immediate and decisive action. Following the departure of the king's search party, Rahab wastes no time, promptly ascending to the roof where she had concealed the spies. This swift and purposeful movement underscores her urgency and resolve, signaling a critical transition from crisis management to strategic negotiation for the salvation of her household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial hinge in the unfolding drama of Joshua chapter 2. It immediately follows the tense sequence where Rahab successfully deceives the king of Jericho's men, sending them on a futile chase after the spies (see [Joshua 2:5-7](/joshua/2-5 "Joshua 2:5-7 - Rahab Deceives the King's Men")). Having hidden the spies under stalks of flax on her roof ([Joshua 2:6](/joshua/2-6 "Joshua 2:6 - Rahab Hides the Spies")), Rahab's action in verse 8 marks the moment the immediate threat subsides. It directly precedes her profound declaration of faith in Yahweh and her subsequent appeal for a covenant of protection for her family, detailed in [Joshua 2:9-13](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-13 - Rahab's Confession and Covenant"). Thus, verse 8 is not merely a descriptive detail but the necessary prelude to the theological and narrative climax of Rahab's encounter with the spies.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Jericho, a formidable Canaanite city known for its strong fortifications, as later evidenced by its miraculous fall ([Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")). Rahab's house, notably situated on the city wall ([Joshua 2:15](/joshua/2-15 "Joshua 2:15 - Rahab's House on the Wall")), provided a strategic location for both concealment and escape. Culturally, flat roofs were ubiquitous in ancient Near Eastern architecture, serving as versatile spaces for drying produce (like flax, [Joshua 2:6](/joshua/2-6 "Joshua 2:6 - Rahab Hides the Spies")), storage, sleep, and private communication. Rahab's ascent to the roof, therefore, was a culturally appropriate means of engaging the spies in a discreet and secure environment, away from the prying eyes of neighbors or household members. Her profession, often translated "harlot," places her on the margins of society, making her courageous and faithful actions even more remarkable and unexpected.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 2:8 subtly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of events to protect His people and advance His purposes, even through unexpected human agents. The precise timing of Rahab's action, immediately after the king's men depart, underscores this divine oversight. Secondly, the verse foreshadows **Rahab's Faith and Courage**. Her swift initiative is not merely pragmatic but stems from a burgeoning conviction about the power of the God of Israel, which she articulates explicitly in the subsequent verses ([Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Declaration of Faith")). This decisive action is a tangible expression of a faith that would later be commended in the New Testament ([Hebrews 11:31](/hebrews/11-31 "Hebrews 11:31 - Rahab's Faith Commended")). Lastly, it sets the stage for the theme of **Covenant and Salvation**, as Rahab's immediate goal is to secure a promise of deliverance for her family from the impending destruction of Jericho, a testament to God's grace extending beyond Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **laid down (שָׁכַב, _shakav'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to lie down," often implying to rest, sleep, or settle. In this context, "before they were laid down" emphasizes the extreme immediacy of Rahab's action. The spies had just endured a terrifying ordeal and would naturally be seeking rest or a moment to collect themselves. Rahab's intervention before they could even fully relax highlights her urgency and the critical nature of the moment she perceived.
* **came up (עָלָה, _alah'_):** This verb signifies "to go up," "ascend," or "climb." Its use here emphasizes Rahab's active and deliberate movement towards the spies. She did not wait for them to descend or for a more convenient time; she took the initiative to seek them out in their place of concealment. This active pursuit underscores her determination and the importance of the conversation she was about to initiate.
* **upon the roof (עַל הַגָּג, _al hagag'_):** The phrase "upon the roof" specifies the location of the encounter. As discussed in the cultural context, flat roofs were common and served as private, elevated spaces. This detail is crucial because it indicates a secure and discreet environment for the sensitive negotiations that were about to take place, away from any potential eavesdroppers within her house or from the street below.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And before they were laid down,"**: This opening clause establishes the precise timing of Rahab's appearance. It conveys a sense of urgency and promptness, indicating that the spies had not yet settled down for rest or even fully recovered from the recent threat posed by the king's search party. Rahab seized the very first opportunity, demonstrating her alertness and determination to act immediately once the danger had passed.
* **"she came up unto them"**: This phrase highlights Rahab's initiative and directness. Rather than waiting for the spies to come to her or to initiate contact, she actively sought them out. This proactive step underscores her courageous and resolute character, revealing her intent to engage in a crucial conversation that would determine the fate of her family.
* **"upon the roof;"**: The specific location of their meeting is significant. The roof was where Rahab had hidden the spies under the flax stalks ([Joshua 2:6](/joshua/2-6 "Joshua 2:6 - Rahab Hides the Spies")). It provided a secluded and elevated space, ideal for a clandestine and vital discussion. This detail emphasizes the need for privacy and security for the sensitive negotiations that were about to unfold between Rahab and the Israelite emissaries.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but effective literary devices. There is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Rahab's immediate and purposeful action on the roof directly anticipates her subsequent bold confession of faith and her pivotal role in the narrative of Jericho's fall. The setting "upon the roof" also creates a sense of **Irony**, as the very place used for concealment and deception (hiding the spies from the king's men) now becomes the sacred space for covenant negotiation and the foundation of Rahab's salvation. Furthermore, the phrase "before they were laid down" contributes to the narrative's **Pacing**, marking a swift transition from the high tension of the search to the strategic calm of negotiation, effectively releasing immediate suspense while building anticipation for the crucial dialogue to follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 2:8, though brief, is rich in theological implications, primarily showcasing God's sovereign hand in using unexpected individuals for His divine purposes. Rahab's immediate and courageous action is not merely human ingenuity but an act stirred by a burgeoning faith in the God of Israel, a faith that responds decisively to divine providence. It underscores the biblical theme that God often works through those on the margins, demonstrating His expansive grace and ability to redeem and incorporate individuals from outside the covenant community into His grand plan. Her proactive step sets the stage for a covenant of salvation, illustrating that faith is not passive but active, marked by works that demonstrate its authenticity.

* [Hebrews 11:31](/hebrews/11-31 "Hebrews 11:31 - Rahab's Faith Commended")
* [James 2:25](/james/2-25 "James 2:25 - Rahab's Faith and Works")
* [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rahab's immediate ascent to the roof in Joshua 2:8 offers a profound lesson on the importance of decisive action in moments of divine opportunity. She did not procrastinate or wait for a more convenient time; recognizing the critical window after the threat had passed, she acted with courage and conviction. This challenges believers today to cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize God-given opportunities and to respond with prompt obedience, even when such actions involve personal risk or stepping out of one's comfort zone. Rahab's story reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or social standing, to accomplish His redemptive purposes, honoring faith that translates into bold, purposeful action. It encourages us to be attentive to the "before they were laid down" moments in our own lives, where a quick and faithful response can unlock significant blessings or advance God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When has God called you to act decisively, even when it felt risky or inconvenient?**
* **How does Rahab's immediate action challenge us to be proactive and courageous in our faith, rather than passive or hesitant?**
* **In what ways might God be using "unlikely" people or circumstances in your life or community to accomplish His purposes, and how can you support or participate in that work?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rahab go to the roof immediately after the king's men left?**

Answer: Rahab's immediate action was driven by a clear sense of urgency and purpose. The departure of the king's search party created a critical window of opportunity. She knew that this was the moment to secure a covenant with the spies for the safety of her household, and any delay could jeopardize their lives or the success of her plan. Her promptness demonstrates her shrewdness, courage, and determination to act on her burgeoning faith in the God of Israel, as she would soon articulate in [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession").

**What does "before they were laid down" mean in this verse?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the swiftness of Rahab's action. It means that the Israelite spies had not yet settled down for the night, or even for a moment of rest, after the intense and dangerous encounter with the king's men. Rahab approached them almost instantaneously, highlighting her immediate concern and the critical nature of the conversation she intended to have. It underscores that she wasted no time in moving from crisis management to strategic negotiation.

**What is the significance of the "roof" in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern homes, flat roofs were multi-functional and commonly used for various purposes, including storage (as seen with the flax in [Joshua 2:6](/joshua/2-6 "Joshua 2:6 - Rahab Hides the Spies")), sleeping, and private gatherings. For Rahab, the roof served as an ideal, secluded location for a clandestine and highly sensitive conversation with the spies. It offered privacy and security, away from potential eavesdroppers within her household or from the street below, allowing for the crucial negotiation of the covenant that would save her and her family.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Rahab's story, initiated by her decisive action in Joshua 2:8, profoundly foreshadows the expansive grace and redemptive plan of God culminating in Jesus Christ. Her salvation, secured through faith expressed in works (hiding the spies and the subsequent scarlet cord), serves as a powerful type for salvation through Christ's atoning blood. Just as Rahab, a Gentile and a harlot, was brought into the covenant family of Israel and ultimately into the Messianic lineage ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy")), so too does Christ's sacrifice extend salvation to all, regardless of their past or ethnicity, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). Her faith, commended in [Hebrews 11:31](/hebrews/11-31 "Hebrews 11:31 - Rahab's Faith Commended") and demonstrated by her works in [James 2:25](/james/2-25 "James 2:25 - Rahab's Faith and Works"), prefigures the New Testament understanding that true faith in Jesus is never barren but always results in a transformed life that bears fruit. Rahab's inclusion in God's plan underscores the radical inclusivity of the gospel, where God uses the unexpected and the marginalized to accomplish His glorious purposes, inviting all who believe into His eternal kingdom through the ultimate Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.