For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

JOSHUA 2:10KJV
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Joshua 2:10 (KJV)

What does Joshua 2:10 mean?

Joshua 2:10 records Rahab explaining to the Israelite spies that the people of Jericho have heard about how the LORD dried up the Red Sea for Israel when they left Egypt, and how Israel defeated the two Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, on the other side of the Jordan River. This verse shows that news of Israel’s God and their victories has spread, causing fear among the people of Jericho.

Rahab, a resident of Jericho, is speaking to two Israelite spies who have come to scout out the city. She tells them that the people of Jericho know about the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and the defeat of powerful kings by Israel. This sets the scene for why the people of Jericho are afraid and why Rahab chooses to help the spies, recognizing the power of Israel’s God.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 2:10

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the acts Rahab mentions are credited specifically to Israel’s covenant God, not just a generic deity.
  • Red (סוּף, suph) and Sea (יָם, yam): Together, these words refer to the "Red Sea," highlighting the specific miracle of God drying up the waters, a foundational event in Israel’s history.
  • Destroyed (חָרַם, charam): This word means to devote to destruction or completely destroy. Rahab uses it to describe what Israel did to Sihon and Og, stressing the totality of their defeat and why Jericho’s people are so fearful.

Why Joshua 2:10 matters

  • Joshua 2:10 shows that God’s actions for Israel have become widely known, shaping the attitudes and fears of other nations even before Israel arrives.
  • The verse explains why Rahab and her people are so afraid, providing context for her decision to hide the spies and seek protection.
  • This verse connects Israel’s past deliverance (the Exodus) and victories to their present situation, showing how God’s reputation goes before them and influences the unfolding story.