Joshua 2:19

“And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.”

Context: Joshua 2:19 is part of the story of Rahab, a Canaanite woman who lived in the city of Jericho. In this verse, Rahab is speaking to the two Israelite spies she had hidden in her house. The spies had promised to protect her and her family when the Israelites conquered Jericho.

Protection under the covenant: Rahab is assured by the spies that she and her family will be safe if they remain in her house. This statement reflects the principle of divine protection under the covenant that God made with the Israelites. Rahab’s act of faith in protecting the spies demonstrated her trust in God and resulted in her salvation.

Blood responsibility: The phrase “his blood shall be upon his head” is a metaphorical expression that refers to personal responsibility and accountability. It suggests that if anyone left Rahab’s house and was harmed, the responsibility would be on their own head. The spies make it clear that they would not be held accountable for any harm that came to someone who left the confines of Rahab’s house.

Mutual commitment: The second part of the verse states that if anyone in Rahab’s house was harmed, the responsibility would rest on the spies’ heads. This demonstrates the commitment and mutual agreement made between Rahab and the spies. Both parties acknowledged their shared responsibility for each other’s safety.

Application: Joshua 2:19 teaches us several valuable lessons. First, it highlights the importance of faith and trust in God’s promises. Rahab’s faith in God’s ability to deliver the Israelites enabled her to take risks and protect the spies, leading to her own deliverance. Second, it emphasizes the significance of honoring commitments and taking responsibility for our actions. The spies made a promise to Rahab, and they were willing to accept the consequences if they failed to keep it.

Symbolism: The story of Rahab, including this verse, holds symbolic significance. Rahab, a Gentile woman and a former prostitute, is an unlikely hero in the biblical narrative. Her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) underscores the inclusive nature of God’s grace and salvation. Rahab’s scarlet cord, which she tied in her window as a sign to the Israelites, prefigures the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus Christ shed for the salvation of all people.

In conclusion, Joshua 2:19 portrays the trust, commitment, and responsibility demonstrated by Rahab and the Israelite spies. It teaches us about the faithfulness of God in protecting those who trust in Him and the importance of honoring our commitments. Moreover, it points to the broader theme of God’s redemptive plan for all humanity.