What does Joshua 2:20 mean?
"And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear." - Joshua 2:20
Joshua 2:20 (KJV) states, "And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear." This verse comes from the Book of Joshua in the Old Testament, a book that chronicles the Israelites' conquest and division of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. The specific context of this verse is the story of the spies that Joshua sent to Jericho in the land of Canaan.
The verse alludes to the interaction between Rahab, a prostitute, and the two Israelite spies that Joshua had sent to survey the land of Jericho in preparation for battle. Rahab, who lived in the city walls, had heard of the powerful God of Israel and decided to protect the spies by hiding them from the king's men who were searching for them. In exchange for her loyalty, the spies made an oath to protect Rahab and her family when they conquered the city, as long as she kept their mission a secret and followed their instructions.
The verse carries several themes that are prominent throughout the Bible, including loyalty, trust, and the consequences of breaking an oath. The theme of loyalty is evident in Rahab's actions. Despite living among the enemies of the Israelites, she chose to trust in the God of Israel and help the spies, putting her own life at risk. This act of loyalty and faith in God ultimately leads to her salvation and the preservation of her family.
The verse also serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping one's word. The spies made an oath to Rahab, promising to protect her and her family if she kept their mission a secret. In return, they expected her to honor her end of the agreement. This highlights the significance of integrity and the serious consequences of breaking an oath, as it is a violation of trust and undermines the very foundation of relationships and covenants.
Furthermore, the verse also demonstrates the contrast between the character of Rahab and the king's men who were seeking the spies. In her loyalty to the Israelite spies, Rahab stands in stark contrast to the treacherous actions of the king's men, who were willing to betray their own people for personal gain. The verse thus serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing righteousness and loyalty in the face of temptation and danger.
Symbolism is also present in the verse, as it symbolizes the transformative power of God's grace. Rahab, a prostitute living in a pagan city, is ultimately redeemed and becomes part of the lineage of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the New Testament. Her actions and faith in God's power led to her salvation and the preservation of her family. This serves as a powerful symbol of God's ability to transform lives and use unlikely individuals for His purpose.
In summary, Joshua 2:20 encompasses important themes of loyalty, trust, and the significance of keeping one's word. The verse also serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's grace and the redemptive potential of individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through the story of Rahab and the Israelite spies, we are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith, uphold our commitments, and trust in God's faithfulness.
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Joshua 2:20 - "And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear."
"And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear." - Joshua 2:20
Joshua 20:1 - "The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,"
Joshua 20:2 - "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:"
Joshua 6:20
Joshua 6:20
Joshua 4:20 - "And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal."
Joshua 19:20 - "And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,"
"The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying," - Joshua 20:1
Joshua 7:20 - "And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:"
Joshua 13:20 - "And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,"
Joshua 15:20 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families."
Joshua 12:20 - "The king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;"
"And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez," - Joshua 19:20
Joshua 10:20 - "And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities."
"And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal." - Joshua 4:20
Joshua 9:2 - "That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord."
Joshua 18:20 - "And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families."
Joshua 6:20 – "When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed."
"Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:" - Joshua 20:2
Joshua 20:7 - "¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah."
"This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families." - Joshua 15:20
"And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth," - Joshua 13:20
Joshua 20:3 - "That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood."
Joshua 2:9
Joshua 21:20 - "¶ And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim."
"The king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;" - Joshua 12:20
Joshua 5:2 - "¶ At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time."
Joshua 6:2 - "And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour."
Joshua 23:2 - "And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:"