Joshua 6:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 6:17
17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.
Chapter Context
Joshua 6 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, prayer. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 6:17
17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.
Analysis
The herem (devoted to destruction) command—'And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live'—required total destruction except Rahab's family. The term 'accursed' (Hebrew herem) means devoted exclusively to God, requiring either consecration or destruction. Jericho's wealth went to God's treasury, not Israel's pockets. This demonstrates that holy war served divine judgment, not human profit. Rahab's exception shows mercy within judgment—grace rescues believers from deserved wrath.
Historical Context
The herem command appears throughout conquest narratives, requiring complete destruction of certain cities. This served multiple purposes: divine judgment on Canaanite sin (Deuteronomy 9:5), preventing idolatrous influence (Deuteronomy 7:1-5), and demonstrating that conquest served God's purposes, not mere land-grabbing. Modern readers struggle with these accounts, but understanding them as God's holy judgment on sinful nations (similar to Noah's flood) helps. Rahab's salvation demonstrates that even under judgment, God saves those who believe.
Reflection
- How do you reconcile God's judgment on Canaanites with His character of love and mercy?
- What does Rahab's salvation amid judgment teach about grace reaching even the most unlikely?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 20:17, Micah 4:13
- Curse: Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:10
- Parallel theme: Matthew 25:40, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Galatians 3:12, Hebrews 6:10, 11:31, James 2:25