Old Testament
Joshua 2:17
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The men said to her, "We will be free from this oath you made us swear."
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And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
What Joshua 2:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the men who are spies sent by Joshua respond to Rahab, the woman who has hidden them from the authorities in Jericho. They assure her that they will not hold her accountable for the oath she made them swear, which was to protect her and her family when they invade the city. This statement emphasizes the importance of mutual trust and the conditions of their agreement. The spies are making it clear that their promise to protect her is contingent upon her actions, specifically her keeping the scarlet cord in her window as a sign. This moment highlights the themes of faith, loyalty, and the significance of oaths in their culture. It also shows how Rahab's faith in the God of Israel leads her to take a risk that ultimately saves her and her family, illustrating the power of faith and obedience in God's plan.
How to apply Joshua 2:17 to your life
This verse teaches us about the importance of keeping our promises and the trust we place in others. In our relationships, we should strive to be reliable and uphold our commitments, just as the spies did. It also encourages us to act in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain.
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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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 2:17 mean?
In Joshua 2:17, the spies assure Rahab that they will not hold her accountable for the oath she made them swear. This highlights the importance of mutual trust and the conditions of their agreement, emphasizing that their promise to protect her is based on her actions.
What is the significance of the oath in Joshua 2:17?
The oath in Joshua 2:17 signifies a mutual agreement between Rahab and the spies, where trust and loyalty are essential. It shows that the spies' protection of Rahab and her family is contingent upon her keeping the scarlet cord in her window as a sign.
What themes are present in Joshua 2:17?
Joshua 2:17 presents themes of faith, loyalty, trust, and the importance of oaths. It illustrates how Rahab's faith leads her to take risks that ultimately protect her and her family, highlighting the significance of obedience in God's plan.
How does Joshua 2:17 relate to trust in relationships?
Joshua 2:17 teaches about the importance of keeping promises and the trust we place in others. It encourages us to be reliable and uphold our commitments, just as the spies did with Rahab.
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