Joshua 2:8

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Joshua 2:8 (KJV) details a critical moment in the story of the two Israelite spies in Jericho, where Rahab, who had hidden them, immediately comes to them after the immediate danger has passed.

Context of Joshua 2:8

This verse follows a tense sequence of events where the king of Jericho's men were actively searching for the Israelite spies sent by Joshua (Joshua 2:1). Rahab, a harlot, had taken a significant risk by sheltering them and concealing them under stalks of flax on her rooftop (Joshua 2:6). The preceding verses describe the king's men searching her house and then leaving, having been convinced by Rahab that the spies had already departed. As soon as the immediate threat subsided, "before they were laid down" (meaning, before the spies could settle in for the night), Rahab wasted no time. She promptly went up to the roof to speak with them, demonstrating her urgency and resolve to secure a covenant for her family's protection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rahab's Decisive Action: Rahab's immediate ascent to the roof underscores her proactive and courageous nature. She did not hesitate but seized the crucial moment to engage with the spies, showing her commitment to the dangerous choice she had made. This swift action is vital for the unfolding narrative.
  • Faith and Trust: While this verse describes an action, it serves as a direct prelude to Rahab's profound declaration of faith in the God of Israel in the subsequent verses (Joshua 2:9-11). Her willingness to protect the spies, even at great personal risk, stemmed from a growing conviction about the power and sovereignty of their God. Her faith is later commended in the New Testament's hall of faith.
  • Divine Providence: The precise timing of Rahab's intervention and the departure of the king's men highlights God's providential hand at work, ensuring the spies' safety and orchestrating events that would lead to the eventual fall of Jericho.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "upon the roof" is significant culturally. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, flat roofs were common and served multiple purposes, including storage and, as seen here, a discreet place for communication. The directness of "she came up unto them" emphasizes the immediacy and determination of Rahab's intent after the royal search party had left.

Practical Application

Joshua 2:8 offers valuable lessons about the importance of acting decisively when opportunities arise, especially when it involves convictions of faith or the protection of others. Rahab's quick thinking and willingness to engage, even in a highly risky situation, ultimately led to the salvation of her and her household from the destruction of Jericho. It reminds us that God can use unexpected individuals and circumstances to accomplish His divine purposes, often honoring courage and faith.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.