Joshua 2:10 - For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed.
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What does "Joshua 2:10" mean?
Joshua 2:10, spoken by Rahab, a Canaanite woman in Jericho, to the Israelite spies, is a significant statement of faith and fear. Let's break down what it means:
"For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt..."
This refers to the Exodus event, a foundational story for the Israelites. The miraculous parting of the Red Sea (or the Sea of Reeds) allowed the Israelites to escape slavery in Egypt.
Rahab acknowledges that the Canaanites have heard about this powerful act of Yahweh (the Israelite God). The sheer scale and miraculous nature of this event have clearly made a deep impression. The word "heard" emphasizes that the impact is one of stories and reputation, demonstrating the growing fear of the Israelites that spreads by word of mouth.
"...and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed."
After wandering in the desert for forty years, the Israelites encountered and defeated two powerful Amorite kings: Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan. These victories were crucial for securing territory east of the Jordan River, and they served as proof of Yahweh's power and support for Israel.
The phrase "utterly destroyed" (Hebrew: herem) is significant. It implies a complete and divinely sanctioned destruction, where everything was devoted to Yahweh – often including the killing of all people and animals. This shows that the Israelite campaigns were not merely military conquests, but acts of divine judgment.
The Amorites were known to be strong and mighty kings and therefore the fact that the Isrealites were able to destroy them further strengthened the fear and awe of Yahweh among the Canaanites.
In essence, this verse means:
Recognition of Yahweh's Power: Rahab and the people of Jericho recognize Yahweh as a powerful God who is able to perform incredible miracles and decisively defeat formidable enemies.
Fear and Foreboding: The Canaanites are afraid of the Israelites because they know what Yahweh has done for them in the past. They realize the Israelites are not just a wandering tribe, but a people backed by a powerful God.
Motivation for Rahab's Actions: This fear and respect for Yahweh is the primary reason why Rahab decides to help the Israelite spies. She believes that Yahweh will give the land to Israel and that resisting them is futile. By helping the spies, she hopes to save herself and her family from destruction.
Key Significance:
This verse is a testament to the impact of the Exodus and subsequent victories on the surrounding nations.
It highlights the role of reputation and fear in the success of the Israelite conquest.
It demonstrates that even among those who were considered enemies of Israel, there was a recognition of Yahweh's power and sovereignty.
It sets the stage for Rahab's act of faith and her subsequent inclusion in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
In short, Joshua 2:10 is a powerful statement about the impact of God's actions on the world and the recognition of His power by both believers and those who fear Him. It explains Rahab's motivation for betraying her own people, rooted in a belief that Yahweh is the ultimate power.
Joshua 2:10 - For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed.
What does "Joshua 2:10" mean?
Joshua 2:10, spoken by Rahab, a Canaanite woman in Jericho, to the Israelite spies, is a significant statement of faith and fear. Let's break down what it means:
"For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt..."
This refers to the Exodus event, a foundational story for the Israelites. The miraculous parting of the Red Sea (or the Sea of Reeds) allowed the Israelites to escape slavery in Egypt.
Rahab acknowledges that the Canaanites have heard about this powerful act of Yahweh (the Israelite God). The sheer scale and miraculous nature of this event have clearly made a deep impression. The word "heard" emphasizes that the impact is one of stories and reputation, demonstrating the growing fear of the Israelites that spreads by word of mouth.
"...and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed."
After wandering in the desert for forty years, the Israelites encountered and defeated two powerful Amorite kings: Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan. These victories were crucial for securing territory east of the Jordan River, and they served as proof of Yahweh's power and support for Israel.
The phrase "utterly destroyed" (Hebrew: herem) is significant. It implies a complete and divinely sanctioned destruction, where everything was devoted to Yahweh – often including the killing of all people and animals. This shows that the Israelite campaigns were not merely military conquests, but acts of divine judgment.
The Amorites were known to be strong and mighty kings and therefore the fact that the Isrealites were able to destroy them further strengthened the fear and awe of Yahweh among the Canaanites.
In essence, this verse means:
Recognition of Yahweh's Power: Rahab and the people of Jericho recognize Yahweh as a powerful God who is able to perform incredible miracles and decisively defeat formidable enemies.
Fear and Foreboding: The Canaanites are afraid of the Israelites because they know what Yahweh has done for them in the past. They realize the Israelites are not just a wandering tribe, but a people backed by a powerful God.
Motivation for Rahab's Actions: This fear and respect for Yahweh is the primary reason why Rahab decides to help the Israelite spies. She believes that Yahweh will give the land to Israel and that resisting them is futile. By helping the spies, she hopes to save herself and her family from destruction.
Key Significance:
This verse is a testament to the impact of the Exodus and subsequent victories on the surrounding nations.
It highlights the role of reputation and fear in the success of the Israelite conquest.
It demonstrates that even among those who were considered enemies of Israel, there was a recognition of Yahweh's power and sovereignty.
It sets the stage for Rahab's act of faith and her subsequent inclusion in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
In short, Joshua 2:10 is a powerful statement about the impact of God's actions on the world and the recognition of His power by both believers and those who fear Him. It explains Rahab's motivation for betraying her own people, rooted in a belief that Yahweh is the ultimate power.