Joshua 2:12
Joshua 2:12 in Multiple Translations
Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign
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:
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by Jehovah, since I have dealt kindly with you, that ye also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true token;
So now, will you give me your oath by the Lord, that, because I have been kind to you, you will be kind to my father's house,
So now promise me in the name of the Lord that because I have acted in good faith to you, then you will do the same for my family. Give me some sign that I can trust you,
Now therefore, I pray you, sweare vnto me by the Lord; that as I haue shewed you mercie, ye will also shewe mercie vnto my fathers house, and giue me a true token,
'And now, swear ye, I pray you, to me by Jehovah — because I have done with you kindness — that ye have done, even ye, kindness with the house of my father, and have given to me a true token,
Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true sign;
Now therefore, I pray you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness, that ye will also show kindness to my father's house, and give me a true token:
Now therefore swear ye to me by the Lord, that as I have shewn mercy to you, so you also will shew mercy to my father’s house: and give me a true token,
So now I want you to solemnly promise me, and ask Yahweh to punish you if you do not do what you promise. Solemnly promise me that you will act kindly to me and my family, because I have acted kindly to you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 2:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
הִשָּֽׁבְעוּ
נָ֥א
לִ/י֙
בַּֽ/יהוָ֔ה
כִּי
עָשִׂ֥יתִי
עִמָּ/כֶ֖ם
חָ֑סֶד
וַ/עֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם
גַּם
אַתֶּ֜ם
עִם
בֵּ֤ית
אָבִ/י֙
חֶ֔סֶד
וּ/נְתַתֶּ֥ם
לִ֖/י
א֥וֹת
אֱמֶֽת
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
הִשָּֽׁבְעוּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
בַּֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עָשִׂ֥יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
עִמָּ/כֶ֖ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
חָ֑סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms
וַ/עֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אַתֶּ֜ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
בֵּ֤ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
חֶ֔סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms
וּ/נְתַתֶּ֥ם
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
א֥וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
sign
N-cs
אֱמֶֽת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 2:12
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
הִשָּֽׁבְעוּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
בַּֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עָשִׂ֥יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
עִמָּ/כֶ֖ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
חָ֑סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וַ/עֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אַתֶּ֜ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
בֵּ֤ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
חֶ֔סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וּ/נְתַתֶּ֥ם
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
א֥וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
"sign"
N-cs
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
אֱמֶֽת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
Study Notes — Joshua 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 2:12
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:12
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:12
- Sermons on Joshua 2:12
Context — The Promise to Rahab
10For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction.
11When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.
12Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign
13that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.” 14“Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 2:18 | unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house. |
| 2 | Joshua 9:18–20 | But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders. All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them. This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.” |
| 3 | 2 Timothy 1:16–18 | May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains. Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me. May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus. |
| 4 | Exodus 12:13 | The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. |
| 5 | Joshua 9:15 | And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 20:14–17 | And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 36:13 | He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 30:15 | “Will you lead me to these raiders?” David asked. And the man replied, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hand of my master, and I will lead you to them.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 24:21–22 | So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.” So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. |
| 10 | Mark 14:44 | Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” |
Joshua 2:12 Summary
In Joshua 2:12, Rahab asks the Israelite spies to promise to show kindness to her family because she showed kindness to them. This shows that Rahab had faith in the God of the Israelites and believed He would reward her kindness, as seen in Matthew 5:7, where Jesus teaches that the merciful will be shown mercy. Rahab's request also demonstrates her understanding of the importance of keeping promises, as emphasized in Psalm 15:4 and Numbers 30:2. By trusting in God's power and promises, Rahab was able to find protection and salvation for herself and her family, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14 and Psalm 34:17-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Rahab to ask for kindness to be shown to her family?
Rahab asked for kindness to be shown to her family because she had shown kindness to the Israelite spies, demonstrating her faith in the God of Israel, as seen in Joshua 2:12 and supported by the principle in Proverbs 11:25 that kindness begets kindness.
Why did Rahab ask for a sure sign from the spies?
Rahab asked for a sure sign to ensure the spies would keep their promise to spare her family, indicating her desire for a guarantee of their safety, similar to the signs given by God in Isaiah 7:11 and Exodus 3:12 to confirm His promises.
What does this verse reveal about Rahab's understanding of God?
This verse shows that Rahab recognized the LORD as the God of the Israelites and believed in His power, as stated in Joshua 2:11, where she acknowledges the LORD as God in the heavens above and on the earth below, similar to the declaration in Psalm 57:2 that God is a God who fulfills His purposes.
How does Rahab's request relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
Rahab's request for the spies to swear by the LORD to show kindness to her family is related to the concept of covenant, where two parties make a promise to each other, as seen in Genesis 21:27 and 31:53, where men make covenants with each other, and in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God makes a covenant with His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness to others, just as Rahab showed kindness to the Israelite spies, and how can I trust God to bless those efforts?
- How can I, like Rahab, recognize the power and authority of God in my life and respond with faith and obedience, as encouraged in Romans 1:20 and Psalm 19:1?
- What are some 'sure signs' in my life that demonstrate God's faithfulness and love, and how can I use those signs to encourage others, as seen in Psalm 77:11-12 and Isaiah 46:9-10?
- In what ways can I, like Rahab, take risks to trust in God's promises and plans, even when the outcome is uncertain, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:12
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord,.... Which being a religious action, and done by men that feared the Lord, she knew it would be binding upon them: the Targum is, "swear to me by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:12
And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:12
By the Lord; by your God, who is the only true God: so she shows her conversion to God, and owns his worship, one eminent act whereof is swearing by his name. My father’ s house; my near kindred, which she particularly names, . Husband and children it seems she had none. And for herself; it was needless to speak, it being a plain and undeniable duty to save their preserver. A true token; either an assurance that you will preserve me and mine from the common ruin; or a token which I may produce as a witness of this-agreement, and a mean of my security.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:12
Joshua 2:12 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:Ver. 12. And give me a true token.] Sυσσημον, as Mark 14:44. Signum consignans, de composito datum. As for the familiar conference that here passed betwixt these spies and Rahab, we need not question how they could so easily understand one another, being of two several nations. For, first, the language of the Canaanites, Phoenicians, Philistines, differed not much from the Hebrew, which Jerome rightly calleth Omnium linguarum matricem, the mother tongue. See Plautus in "Paenulo," act v. And then, it is not unlikely that these spies had learned the language of Canaan, by conversing with those conquered Amorites on this side Jordan. In cap. iii. Sophoniae.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 2:12
Verse 12. Swear unto me by the Lord] This is a farther proof that this woman had received considerable instruction in the Jewish faith; she acknowledged the true God by his essential character Jehovah; and knew that an oath in his name was the deepest and most solemn obligation under which a Jew could possibly come. Does not this also refer to the command of God, Thou shalt fear the Lord, and shalt swear by his name? See Clarke on Deuteronomy 6:13.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:12
12. a true token] “a verrey tokne,” Wyclif; i.e. a token of truth, a sign; comp. Exodus 3:12, “And this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee;” 1 Samuel 2:34; Isaiah 7:11; Luke 2:12.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 2:12
A true token - literally, “a sign” or “pledge of truth; “something to bind them to keep their promise faithfully. The “token” was the oath which the spies take Joshua 2:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:12
12. Swear unto me — She gives still stronger proof of her confidence in the success of the Israelites by wishing to enter into covenant with the spies for the salvation of herself and her father’s family.
Sermons on Joshua 2:12
| Sermon | Description | |
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Christ, God Manifest in the Flesh, Died for Sinners by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, Dr. Gordon shares a story about a little boy he encounters while walking in Boston. The boy has a cage with scared little birds inside, unable to fly out. Dr. Gordo |
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Rahab the Harlot by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Rahab and how her faith saved her and her family. He emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's promises and the assuran |
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Rahab - Example of Faith by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of faith and action in the context of biblical stories. He emphasizes the importance of not just hearing and believing the me |
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Rahab: Holy or Hypocrite - Hebrews 11:31 by Jon Courson | Jon Courson delves into Hebrews 11, known as God's Hall of Faith, highlighting the surprising inclusions and exclusions. He focuses on Rahab, the only woman in the Hall of Faith be |
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She Bound the Scarlet Line in the Window by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the faith and obedience of Rahab, who tied a scarlet line in her window as a sign of her trust in the spies and, ultimately, in God. This seemingly trivial |
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(Costa Rica) the Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of refreshment and how it can come in times of rejection and despair. He uses the example of David, who was feeling rejected and h |
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2 Timothy - Part 2 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the spiritual lesson found in the progression of music notes from F sharp to F natural to F flat. He emphasizes the importance of truth in th |