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.

JOSHUA 6:22KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 6:22 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:22 mean?

Joshua 6:22 describes Joshua instructing the two men who had previously spied out Jericho to go into the house of Rahab, the prostitute, and bring her and all she owned out safely, just as they had promised her. This verse shows Joshua making sure the promise to Rahab is kept during the conquest of Jericho.

Joshua, the leader of Israel, is speaking to the two spies he had sent earlier to scout Jericho. The situation is right after the walls of Jericho have fallen, and the city is being taken. Joshua’s command highlights the importance of keeping their oath to Rahab, who had sheltered the spies and helped them escape, ensuring her safety and that of her family as agreed.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:22

  • "said" (אָמַר, ’amar): This word is often used for giving a command or instruction, emphasizing Joshua’s authority as leader.
  • "harlot's" (זוֹנָה, zonah): The word specifically refers to Rahab’s occupation, which is significant because it highlights her outsider status and the unusual nature of her rescue.
  • "sware" (נִשְׁבַּע, nishba): This word means to swear or make an oath. Its use here underlines that the promise to Rahab was a solemn, binding agreement, not just a casual assurance.

Why Joshua 6:22 matters

  • Joshua 6:22 clarifies that Rahab’s rescue was not a last-minute decision but a fulfillment of a specific promise made by the spies, showing the Israelites’ commitment to their word.
  • The verse emphasizes that even in the midst of destruction, mercy and faithfulness to promises are upheld, setting Rahab apart from the rest of Jericho.
  • This moment connects to the broader story by showing how Rahab’s earlier actions (hiding the spies) directly lead to her deliverance, highlighting the theme of reward for faith and loyalty.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H7270 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 42:9 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
  • Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
  • Judges 18:14 Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.

“harlot's” Hebrew H2181 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
  • 1 Chronicles 5:25 And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.
  • Ezekiel 16:31 In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;