Joshua 6:25

KJV

And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel [even] unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} saved {H2421} Rahab {H7343} the harlot {H2181} alive {H2421}, and her father's {H1} household {H1004}, and all that she had; and she dwelleth {H3427} in {H7130} Israel {H3478} even unto this day {H3117}; because she hid {H2244} the messengers {H4397}, which Joshua {H3091} sent {H7971} to spy out {H7270} Jericho {H3405}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Y'hoshua spared Rachav the prostitute, her father's household and everything she had; and she has continued living with Isra'el from then until now; because she hid the messengers Y'hoshua had sent to reconnoiter Yericho.

Berean Standard Bible

And Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her father’s household and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. So she has lived among the Israelites to this day.

American Standard Version

But Rahab the harlot, and her father’s household, and all that she had, did Joshua save alive; and she dwelt in the midst of Israel unto this day, because she hid the messengers, whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:25 stands as a powerful testament to divine mercy and the transformative power of faith, chronicling the remarkable fulfillment of God's promise to Rahab, a Canaanite woman of Jericho. This verse confirms her salvation, the preservation of her entire household, and her permanent integration into the Israelite community, a direct consequence of her courageous act of faith in hiding the Israelite spies. Her story serves as an enduring witness to God's inclusive grace, extending salvation beyond ethnic and social boundaries to all who believe and act upon that belief.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:25 serves as the climactic epilogue to the dramatic account of Jericho's fall, representing the first major victory in Israel's conquest of Canaan. The preceding verses detail the divinely orchestrated siege strategy, culminating in the miraculous collapse of the city walls and the subsequent destruction of its inhabitants, adhering to the *herem* (devotion to destruction) principle. This verse specifically highlights the singular exception to Jericho's complete annihilation, fulfilling the oath sworn by the Israelite spies to Rahab in [Joshua 2](/joshua/2 "Joshua 2 - The Spies and Rahab"). Joshua's meticulous adherence to this promise underscores the sanctity of oaths made in the Lord's name and emphasizes God's particular grace amidst widespread judgment. It contrasts Rahab's salvation with the city's destruction, positioning her story as a key narrative element demonstrating God's justice tempered with mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho, an ancient and heavily fortified city, held strategic importance as a gateway into central Canaan. Its destruction, as commanded by God, was a judgment against the profound wickedness and idolatry of the Canaanite inhabitants, whose practices were an abomination to the Lord (cf. [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Israel's Righteousness and Canaanite Wickedness")). Rahab, identified as a "harlot" (Hebrew: _zonah_), occupied a marginalized social position within Canaanite society. Her decision to harbor Israelite spies was an act of profound disloyalty to her own people, a radical act of faith that risked her life and livelihood. In a culture where family and tribal loyalties were paramount, her choice to align with the God of Israel, based on her recognition of His power and sovereignty, speaks volumes about her burgeoning faith. Her subsequent integration into Israel was culturally extraordinary, signifying a divinely orchestrated crossing of ethnic and religious boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 6:25 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Keeping**, as God ensures the promise made to Rahab is honored through Joshua's actions, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to those who turn to Him. Secondly, it highlights **Redemption and Inclusion**, showcasing God's willingness to extend salvation and full integration into His people, even to those from outside the covenant community and with a morally compromised past. Rahab's story serves as a compelling counterpoint to the judgment on Jericho, emphasizing that salvation is available to all who respond in faith. Thirdly, it underscores **Faith Expressed Through Action**, as Rahab's salvation is directly attributed to her active faith in hiding the spies, a crucial theme echoed in the New Testament, particularly in [Hebrews 11:31](/hebrews/11-31 "Hebrews 11:31 - Rahab's Faith") and [James 2:25](/james/2-25 "James 2:25 - Rahab's Faith and Works").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** From H2181, this term consistently describes Rahab, acknowledging her profession without judgment from the biblical narrator. Its repeated use emphasizes that God's redemptive power transcends social stigma and past sin, choosing to work through and transform those whom society might deem outcast. It underscores the radical inclusivity of God's salvation, highlighting that her past did not disqualify her from His grace.
* **Saved (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, this verb means "to live, to be alive, to revive." In this context, it signifies not merely physical survival amidst the destruction of Jericho but also a spiritual and communal preservation, leading to a new life within the covenant community. It contrasts sharply with the widespread death that befell Jericho, emphasizing the specific, deliberate act of divine preservation extended to Rahab and her family.
* **Dwelleth (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this verb means "to sit, to dwell, to inhabit, to remain." Its use here indicates a permanent, settled residence and full integration into the Israelite community, not just a temporary refuge. This signifies a complete change of identity and belonging for Rahab, moving from a Canaanite outsider to a full member of God's people, a status confirmed by the phrase "unto this day," implying a long-standing, recognized presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive":** This clause directly attributes the act of salvation to Joshua, who, as Israel's leader, faithfully executes the promise made by the spies. The explicit mention of "Rahab the harlot" immediately highlights the unexpected nature of her salvation, emphasizing God's grace extended to one typically outside the covenant and socially marginalized. This sets the stage for a story of radical redemption.
* **"and her father's household, and all that she had":** The scope of salvation is expanded beyond Rahab herself to include her entire immediate family and possessions. This demonstrates the corporate nature of salvation in the Old Testament, where the faith of one individual could bring blessing and protection to their entire household, provided they remained within the specified boundary (the house marked by the scarlet cord). It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's preservation.
* **"and she dwelleth in Israel [even] unto this day":** This phrase provides a historical attestation to Rahab's full and permanent integration into the Israelite community. The expression "unto this day" (עד היום הזה, _‘ad hayyôm hazzeh_) is a common Deuteronomistic phrase affirming the lasting impact and verifiable truth of the event for the original readers, indicating that Rahab's descendants continued to live among Israel, a testament to her enduring legacy.
* **"because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for Rahab's salvation. Her act of hiding the spies, though seemingly a simple deed, was a profound demonstration of faith and allegiance to the God of Israel. It was a courageous choice that risked her life and betrayed her own people, motivated by a divine conviction gleaned from the reports of God's mighty deeds. It was this active, courageous faith that God honored and rewarded.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:25 effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. There is a powerful sense of **Irony** in the narrative: the "harlot" of Jericho, a city condemned for its pervasive wickedness, is the one who demonstrates true faith and is spared, while the city's seemingly righteous inhabitants are destroyed. This highlights God's unexpected ways and His ability to use the marginalized for His sovereign purposes. The phrase "unto this day" functions as a **Historical Marker** or **Testimony**, lending credibility and enduring significance to Rahab's story for the original Israelite audience, affirming her permanent integration. Her salvation also serves as a potent **Foreshadowing** of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people, a theme that becomes central in the New Testament. Finally, the verse presents a stark **Contrast** between the universal judgment on Jericho and the particular, merciful salvation extended to Rahab and her family, emphasizing God's discernment and justice tempered with boundless grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:25 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereign grace and His redemptive plan that transcends human categories. It reveals that salvation is not limited by ethnicity, social status, or past sins, but is freely offered to all who respond in faith and obedience. Rahab, a Canaanite and a harlot, becomes a living testament to God's boundless mercy, demonstrating that genuine faith, which inevitably leads to courageous action, is the singular criterion for salvation. Her integration into Israel's community foreshadows the New Testament revelation of a new humanity in Christ, where distinctions of Jew and Gentile are overcome. This narrative powerfully illustrates that God's kingdom is open to unlikely candidates, transforming and integrating them into His family, showcasing His radical inclusivity.

* [Hebrews 11:31](/hebrews/11-31 "Hebrews 11:31 - Rahab's Faith in the Hall of Faith")
* [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 the Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rahab's story in Joshua 6:25 offers enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's grace is truly inclusive and profoundly transformative. Her past profession did not disqualify her from God's redemptive plan; instead, her story highlights that no one is beyond the reach of divine mercy. This calls us to embrace a radical understanding of grace, extending compassion and welcome to those marginalized by society, just as God did for Rahab. Furthermore, Rahab's faith was not passive intellectual assent but active obedience, leading her to risk her life for God's messengers. This challenges us to consider whether our own faith is merely theoretical or if it manifests in tangible acts of courage, compassion, and obedience, even when it demands personal sacrifice or goes against prevailing societal norms. Her full integration into Israel, and ultimately into the lineage of Christ, underscores God's power to redeem and repurpose even the most broken lives for His glorious purposes, offering profound hope that our past does not dictate our future in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does Rahab's story challenge our preconceived notions about who is worthy of God's grace and salvation?**
* **How does Rahab's active faith, demonstrated by her hiding the spies, inspire or challenge your own understanding of what it means to live by faith today?**
* **Considering Rahab's full integration into Israel, how can we, as the church, better embody a welcoming and redemptive community for those from marginalized or challenging backgrounds?**
* **What "scarlet cord" (a sign of salvation or allegiance to God) might God be calling you to display in your life today, even if it requires risk or goes against societal norms?**

### FAQ

**Why is Rahab consistently referred to as a "harlot" in the biblical narrative, even after her redemption?**

Answer: The consistent use of the term "harlot" (Hebrew: _zonah_) is not meant to condemn Rahab or dwell on her past, but rather to highlight the extraordinary nature of God's grace and redemptive power. By explicitly stating her former profession, the biblical text emphasizes that God's salvation is available to *anyone*, regardless of their social standing, moral history, or ethnic background. It underscores that God looks beyond human labels and chooses to work through and transform those whom society might deem unworthy. This emphasis magnifies His mercy and the radical inclusivity of His covenant, making her story a powerful testament to His ability to redeem and repurpose any life. Furthermore, her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus (see [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy")) further underscores this theme of God's unexpected grace.

**What is the significance of the phrase "she dwelleth in Israel [even] unto this day"?**

Answer: This phrase serves multiple significant purposes. Firstly, it provides a historical attestation to the permanence of Rahab's integration into the Israelite community, indicating that her descendants were still living among them when the book of Joshua was written or compiled. This confirms that her salvation was not merely a temporary reprieve but a complete and lasting change of identity and belonging. Secondly, it highlights the fulfillment of God's promise and the faithfulness of Joshua and Israel in honoring their oath. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of inclusion and redemption, showing that a Gentile woman could become a full member of God's people, a status that would later be profoundly significant in the Messianic line (see [Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy")).

**How does Rahab's story relate to the broader narrative of the conquest of Canaan and the *herem* (devotion to destruction)?**

Answer: Rahab's story is a crucial counterpoint to the *herem* command, which dictated the complete destruction of the Canaanite cities and their inhabitants due to their extreme wickedness and idolatry (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7 - Warnings Against Idolatry")). While Jericho was indeed devoted to destruction, Rahab and her household were spared. This demonstrates that God's judgment is precise and just, but also that His mercy is available to those who turn to Him in faith. Rahab's salvation illustrates that the *herem* was not an indiscriminate act of genocide, but a righteous judgment with exceptions for those who, like Rahab, chose to align themselves with the God of Israel. Her story thus highlights God's sovereignty, His justice, and His boundless grace, showing that even amidst judgment, there is always a path to redemption for those who believe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 6:25, in its account of Rahab's salvation and integration, powerfully foreshadows the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Rahab, a Gentile and a "harlot," is saved by faith and brought into the covenant community, ultimately finding her place in the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in the Genealogy of Jesus"). This remarkable inclusion prefigures the New Covenant reality where salvation is extended to all nations, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile (cf. [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Gentiles and Jews Reconciled in Christ")). Her salvation, secured by the scarlet cord, serves as a vivid type of the saving power of Christ's blood, which covers sin and grants new life to all who believe (cf. [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness") and [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). Just as Rahab's active faith in hiding the spies led to her deliverance, so too are believers called to respond to Christ with a living faith that results in obedience and transformation (cf. [James 2:26](/james/2-26 "James 2:26 - Faith Without Works is Dead")). Rahab's story is a beautiful testament to the truth that in Christ, there is no condemnation for those who believe, and that God's grace is sufficient to redeem, restore, and fully integrate anyone, regardless of their past, into His eternal family (cf. [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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.

James 2:25

Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way?

Joshua 2:6

But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.

Judges 1:24

And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.

Judges 1:25

And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let go the man and all his family.

Matthew 1:5

And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.