Joshua 2:12 - Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true sign;
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Joshua 2:12" mean?
This verse is a crucial part of the story of Rahab and the Israelite spies in Joshua 2. It's Rahab, a Canaanite woman living in Jericho, speaking to the Israelite spies she is hiding. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh...": Rahab recognizes that Yahweh, the God of the Israelites, is powerful and trustworthy. She is asking the spies to make a solemn oath, invoking God's name as a witness to their promise. This emphasizes the seriousness of her request.
"...since I have dealt kindly with you...": Rahab is referencing her act of sheltering and protecting the spies, risking her own life and the lives of her family. She is reminding them that she has already shown them kindness and loyalty.
"...that you also will deal kindly with my father's house...": This is the core of her request. She is asking for assurance that when the Israelites conquer Jericho, she and her entire family (her father's household) will be spared.
"...and give me a true sign;": Rahab wants tangible proof that the spies are serious about their promise and that her family will be protected. She needs a "true sign" (Hebrew: ʼō·ṯ, which can mean a sign, signal, or token) that she can show to the approaching Israelite army to identify her house. This sign will assure the Israelites that this house is under their protection and should not be harmed.
In essence, Rahab is making a deal:
She has shown kindness to the Israelite spies by hiding them.
In return, she wants them to swear by their God to show kindness to her family.
She wants a clear, identifiable sign to guarantee her family's safety during the conquest of Jericho.
Significance:
Rahab's Faith: This verse highlights Rahab's belief in Yahweh. Although she is a Canaanite, she acknowledges Yahweh's power and ability to deliver on promises.
Reciprocity and Covenant: It demonstrates the principle of reciprocity – Rahab's kindness is met with a promise of kindness in return. It also hints at a covenant relationship, where promises are made and kept.
Salvation: Rahab's story is a testament to the possibility of salvation even for those outside the Israelite nation, if they show faith and loyalty to God. This is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Testament.
Strategic Importance: Rahab's request is strategically important. By being spared, Rahab and her descendants have the potential to align themselves with the Israelites and potentially contribute to their cause, and perhaps even more importantly, she doesn't have to fight against them.
In conclusion, Joshua 2:12 is a pivotal verse that reveals Rahab's faith, establishes a covenant, and highlights the possibility of salvation for those who choose to align themselves with God. It sets the stage for Rahab's eventual incorporation into the lineage of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 1:5).
Joshua 2:12 - Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true sign;
What does "Joshua 2:12" mean?
This verse is a crucial part of the story of Rahab and the Israelite spies in Joshua 2. It's Rahab, a Canaanite woman living in Jericho, speaking to the Israelite spies she is hiding. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh...": Rahab recognizes that Yahweh, the God of the Israelites, is powerful and trustworthy. She is asking the spies to make a solemn oath, invoking God's name as a witness to their promise. This emphasizes the seriousness of her request.
"...since I have dealt kindly with you...": Rahab is referencing her act of sheltering and protecting the spies, risking her own life and the lives of her family. She is reminding them that she has already shown them kindness and loyalty.
"...that you also will deal kindly with my father's house...": This is the core of her request. She is asking for assurance that when the Israelites conquer Jericho, she and her entire family (her father's household) will be spared.
"...and give me a true sign;": Rahab wants tangible proof that the spies are serious about their promise and that her family will be protected. She needs a "true sign" (Hebrew: ʼō·ṯ, which can mean a sign, signal, or token) that she can show to the approaching Israelite army to identify her house. This sign will assure the Israelites that this house is under their protection and should not be harmed.
In essence, Rahab is making a deal:
She has shown kindness to the Israelite spies by hiding them.
In return, she wants them to swear by their God to show kindness to her family.
She wants a clear, identifiable sign to guarantee her family's safety during the conquest of Jericho.
Significance:
Rahab's Faith: This verse highlights Rahab's belief in Yahweh. Although she is a Canaanite, she acknowledges Yahweh's power and ability to deliver on promises.
Reciprocity and Covenant: It demonstrates the principle of reciprocity – Rahab's kindness is met with a promise of kindness in return. It also hints at a covenant relationship, where promises are made and kept.
Salvation: Rahab's story is a testament to the possibility of salvation even for those outside the Israelite nation, if they show faith and loyalty to God. This is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Testament.
Strategic Importance: Rahab's request is strategically important. By being spared, Rahab and her descendants have the potential to align themselves with the Israelites and potentially contribute to their cause, and perhaps even more importantly, she doesn't have to fight against them.
In conclusion, Joshua 2:12 is a pivotal verse that reveals Rahab's faith, establishes a covenant, and highlights the possibility of salvation for those who choose to align themselves with God. It sets the stage for Rahab's eventual incorporation into the lineage of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 1:5).