Joshua 6:22

KJV

But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Joshua {H3091} had said {H559} unto the two {H8147} men {H582} that had spied out {H7270} the country {H776}, Go {H935} into the harlot's {H2181} house {H1004}, and bring out {H3318} thence the woman {H802}, and all that she hath, as ye sware {H7650} unto her.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua said to the two men who had reconnoitered the land, "Go into the prostitute's house and bring the woman out with all that she has, as you swore to her."

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out the woman and all who are with her, just as you promised her.”

American Standard Version

And Joshua said unto the two men that had spied out the land, Go into the harlot’s house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:22 records Joshua's directive to the two spies to rescue Rahab and her household from Jericho, fulfilling the oath they had made to her. This command, issued immediately after the miraculous collapse of the city walls and prior to the city's complete destruction, stands as a powerful testament to the sanctity of an oath made in the Lord's name, demonstrating both divine justice in judgment upon Jericho and profound mercy extended to an unexpected recipient. It highlights God's faithfulness and His redemptive plan that transcends social and ethnic boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of the Jericho narrative. It immediately follows the detailed account of Jericho's miraculous fall, where the walls collapsed after seven days of marching and the shout of the Israelites [Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Fall of Jericho"). The preceding verse, [Joshua 6:21](/joshua/6-21 "Joshua 6:21 - Jericho Devoted to Destruction"), describes the complete destruction of the city and its inhabitants, in accordance with the *herem* or "devoted thing" principle, where everything was consecrated to the Lord, often through destruction. Joshua's command in [Joshua 6:22](/joshua/6-22 "Joshua 6:22 - Rahab's Rescue") serves as the singular exception to this total annihilation, directly fulfilling the oath made by the spies to Rahab in [Joshua 2](/joshua/2 "Joshua 2 - The Spies and Rahab"). It underscores the meticulous adherence to promises, even amidst the most severe acts of divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking their entry into the Promised Land. The practice of *herem* (devotion to destruction) was a unique command from God, intended to prevent Israel from being corrupted by the idolatrous and immoral practices of the Canaanites. In the ancient Near East, oaths were considered extremely binding, often invoked in the name of a deity, making their violation a grave offense with spiritual consequences. Rahab's profession as a "harlot" (Hebrew: *zonah*) placed her on the fringes of society, yet her act of faith in sheltering the Israelite spies [Joshua 2:4-6](/joshua/2-4 "Joshua 2:4-6 - Rahab Hides the Spies") and her declaration of faith in Yahweh [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Faith") were extraordinary. Her rescue, therefore, was not merely an act of human integrity but a demonstration of God's expansive grace, reaching beyond conventional boundaries and social standing.
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 6:22](/joshua/6-22 "Joshua 6:22 - Rahab's Rescue") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **faithfulness to covenants and oaths**, demonstrating that Israel, as God's covenant people, must reflect God's own unwavering integrity in keeping promises, even to outsiders. Secondly, it showcases **divine mercy and grace**, revealing that God's salvation is not limited by ethnicity or social status, but is extended to those who respond in faith, as Rahab did. Her inclusion foreshadows the broader scope of God's redemptive plan to include Gentiles. Thirdly, the narrative emphasizes **Rahab's redemption and integration** into the community of Israel, paving the way for her significant role in salvation history, as later acknowledged in the New Testament as an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy"). This single act of rescue encapsulates the interplay of divine judgment and sovereign grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harlot (Hebrew, זֹנָה, _zonah_):** This term explicitly identifies Rahab's profession. The Bible does not shy away from her background, which makes her inclusion in the lineage of Christ and her commendation for faith all the more striking. The use of this specific term underscores the depth of God's grace, demonstrating that His redemptive power can reach and transform anyone, regardless of their past or social standing. It highlights that salvation is based on faith in God, not on human merit or social purity.
* **Sware (Hebrew, שָׁבַע, _shava'_):** This verb signifies the act of taking an oath or making a solemn promise, often involving an appeal to a divine being to witness and enforce the vow. The spies had "sworn by the Lord" [Joshua 2:12](/joshua/2-12 "Joshua 2:12 - The Spies' Oath to Rahab") to spare Rahab and her household. Joshua's command to fulfill this oath emphasizes the sacredness and binding nature of such vows in ancient Israelite culture, particularly when made in the name of Yahweh. It reflects God's own character as a covenant-keeping God, whose promises are unfailing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country,"**: This opening clause immediately connects the present action to the earlier mission described in [Joshua 2](/joshua/2 "Joshua 2 - The Spies and Rahab"). It establishes the authority of Joshua's command and the specific individuals tasked with this critical mission, emphasizing the continuity of the narrative and the fulfillment of a prior agreement.
* **"Go into the harlot's house,"**: This is a direct, imperative command, specifying the precise location for the rescue operation. The mention of "the harlot's house" not only identifies Rahab but also highlights the extraordinary nature of this exemption from the general destruction. It is a targeted act of mercy amidst widespread judgment.
* **"and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath,"**: This phrase defines the scope of the rescue. "The woman" refers to Rahab herself, and "all that she hath" is understood to include her entire family and possessions that were gathered within her house, as stipulated in the original oath [Joshua 2:13](/joshua/2-13 "Joshua 2:13 - Rahab's Request for Her Family"). This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the promised salvation for her household.
* **"as ye sware unto her."**: This concluding clause provides the rationale and justification for Joshua's command. The rescue is not an arbitrary act but a direct fulfillment of a solemn oath. It underscores the integrity of Israel's leaders and, by extension, the faithfulness of God, who honors and expects His people to honor their word.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Rahab's rescue in [Joshua 6:22](/joshua/6-22 "Joshua 6:22 - Rahab's Rescue") employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Rahab, a Gentile and a harlot—a marginalized figure in both Canaanite and Israelite society—becomes an instrument of God's plan and receives salvation, while the powerful city of Jericho falls. Her unlikely faith and subsequent deliverance stand in stark contrast to the widespread destruction, highlighting God's unconventional methods and inclusive grace. The story also functions as **foreshadowing**, particularly regarding the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant community. Rahab's integration into Israel and her place in the messianic lineage [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy") prefigure the New Testament truth that salvation is offered to all, regardless of ethnic background. Furthermore, the meticulous fulfillment of the oath by Joshua and the spies underscores the theme of **divine faithfulness**, as Israel's integrity in keeping their word reflects the unchanging, covenant-keeping character of God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:22 is rich with theological significance, serving as a powerful illustration of God's character and redemptive purposes. It demonstrates that while God is a God of justice who executes judgment upon sin, He is also abundantly merciful and faithful to His promises. Rahab's salvation, based on her faith and the oath sworn to her, underscores that God's grace extends beyond the boundaries of Israelite ethnicity or social standing, reaching those who turn to Him in belief. Her story is a testament to the truth that true faith, even from an unexpected source, is recognized and honored by God, leading to redemption and integration into His people. This act of rescue, therefore, is not merely a historical detail but a profound theological statement about the nature of God's salvation, which is both sovereign and responsive to genuine faith.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Rahab's rescue in [Joshua 6:22](/joshua/6-22 "Joshua 6:22 - Rahab's Rescue") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Firstly, it underscores the paramount importance of integrity and faithfulness in keeping our word, especially when promises are made in the presence of God or in His name. Just as Israel meticulously honored their oath to Rahab amidst the chaos of conquest, we are called to be people of unwavering truthfulness, reflecting the unchanging character of God Himself. Secondly, Rahab's story is a beacon of hope, illustrating God's boundless grace that transcends social stigmas, past failures, and perceived unworthiness. Her salvation reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive love, and that faith, regardless of one's background, is the pathway to salvation and inclusion into God's family. It challenges us to extend similar grace and acceptance to others, recognizing that God's kingdom is open to all who believe. Finally, Rahab's active faith—demonstrated by her hiding the spies and trusting in their God—serves as a powerful reminder that genuine faith is not passive but leads to tangible actions of obedience and trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you challenged to demonstrate greater integrity and faithfulness in keeping your promises, even when it is difficult or inconvenient?**
* **How does Rahab's story challenge your perceptions of who God's grace can reach, and how might this impact your interactions with those considered "outsiders" or "unworthy" by society?**
* **What are some practical ways your faith has led or should lead to tangible actions of obedience and trust in God's promises?**

### FAQ

**Why was Rahab, a harlot from Jericho, spared when the rest of the city was destroyed?**

Answer: Rahab was spared not because of her profession, but because of her extraordinary faith in the God of Israel and her subsequent actions. When the Israelite spies came to Jericho, she believed in Yahweh's power and His intention to give Israel the land [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Faith"). She demonstrated this faith by hiding the spies from the king of Jericho and helping them escape. In return for her protection, the spies swore an oath to spare her and her household. Her salvation is a powerful testament to God's grace, which extends to all who turn to Him in faith, regardless of their past or social standing.

**What is the significance of Israel keeping their oath to Rahab, especially amidst the complete destruction of Jericho?**

Answer: Israel's meticulous adherence to the oath made to Rahab, even in the midst of carrying out God's judgment on Jericho, highlights the profound importance of integrity and the sacredness of vows in the biblical narrative. In ancient cultures, oaths were extremely binding, often invoked in the name of a deity. By honoring their promise, Joshua and the Israelites demonstrated their faithfulness to God, who is Himself a covenant-keeping God. This act underscored that God's people must reflect His character, maintaining their word even when it seems counter-intuitive to the broader command of *herem* (devotion to destruction). It also showcases God's sovereign control, allowing for an exception to His judgment based on faith and a sworn covenant.

**Did Rahab's profession as a "harlot" affect her ability to be saved or integrated into Israelite society?**

Answer: While Rahab's profession as a "harlot" (Hebrew: *zonah*) is explicitly stated in the text, it did not prevent her salvation or her full integration into the community of Israel. Her past was not ignored, but it was overshadowed by her faith and God's redemptive grace. The Bible consistently teaches that God's salvation is offered to those who believe and turn to Him, regardless of their previous sins or social status. Rahab's story powerfully illustrates that God's grace is transformative and inclusive. She not only survived the destruction of Jericho but became an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy"), demonstrating that God's redemptive plan can encompass and elevate anyone who places their faith in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The salvation of Rahab, a Gentile harlot, in [Joshua 6:22](/joshua/6-22 "Joshua 6:22 - Rahab's Rescue") serves as a profound foreshadowing of the expansive grace and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan, fully realized in Jesus Christ. Rahab's rescue from the judgment upon Jericho, based on her faith and the oath made to her, prefigures the ultimate salvation offered through Christ to all who believe, regardless of their background or past sins. Just as Rahab, an outsider, was brought into the covenant community of Israel and even into the lineage of the Messiah [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy"), so too does Christ extend His saving grace to Gentiles and those marginalized by society. Jesus Himself frequently associated with and offered salvation to those considered outcasts and sinners, such as the Samaritan woman [John 4:7-30](/john/4-7 "John 4:7-30 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman") or the tax collector Zacchaeus [Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus"). Rahab's story is a beautiful testament to the truth that salvation is by grace through faith [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"), not by works of the law or social standing. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, bringing a salvation far greater than physical deliverance from a city, offering eternal life and full integration into God's spiritual family for all who trust in Him.

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

Hebrews 11:31

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Joshua 6:17

¶ And the city shall be accursed, [even] it, and all that [are] therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that [are] with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

Ezekiel 17:18

Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these [things], he shall not escape.

Ezekiel 17:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

Ezekiel 17:13

And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

Ezekiel 17:16

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place [where] the king [dwelleth] that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, [even] with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.

Psalms 15:4

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.