Old Testament
Joshua 2:12
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So now, please swear to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you will also show kindness to my father's house and give me a reliable sign.
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Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
What Joshua 2:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Rahab, a woman living in Jericho, is speaking to the Israelite spies she has hidden. She asks them to promise, in the name of the LORD, that they will show kindness to her family in return for the kindness she has shown them by protecting them. Rahab is seeking assurance that her family will be spared when the Israelites attack Jericho. This request highlights her faith in the God of Israel and her desire for mercy. By asking for a 'reliable sign,' she is looking for a tangible assurance that her family will be safe. This moment illustrates the importance of loyalty and the hope for salvation, even in dire circumstances. Rahab's actions and her plea for kindness reflect her understanding of the gravity of the situation and her desire to align herself with the people of God, showing that faith can lead to unexpected alliances and protection.
How to apply Joshua 2:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to show kindness to others, especially in difficult situations. It reminds us that our actions can lead to unexpected blessings and that seeking mercy for ourselves and our loved ones is a powerful act of faith. We should also be willing to extend kindness to those who may not seem deserving.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Two Spies and Rahab (Joshua 2:1–24)
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Joshua
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Joshua 2:12
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 2:12 mean?
In Joshua 2:12, Rahab asks the Israelite spies to promise that they will protect her family in return for her kindness in hiding them. This request shows her faith in God and her desire for mercy, highlighting the importance of loyalty and the hope for salvation.
What is the significance of kindness in Joshua 2:12?
Kindness in Joshua 2:12 is significant as it illustrates the reciprocal nature of mercy and protection. Rahab's plea for her family's safety emphasizes how acts of kindness can lead to unexpected blessings and alliances.
What does Rahab ask for in Joshua 2:12?
In Joshua 2:12, Rahab asks the spies to swear by the LORD that they will show kindness to her family and provide her with a reliable sign of their promise. This reflects her desire for assurance and protection for her loved ones.
How does Joshua 2:12 relate to faith?
Joshua 2:12 demonstrates faith through Rahab's request for a promise from the spies, showing her belief in the God of Israel. Her actions and plea for kindness reveal her understanding of the situation and her hope for salvation.
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