Joshua 6:17
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.
Joshua 6:17 (KJV)
Context
This verse stands at the climax of the battle of Jericho. The Israelites have marched around the city for seven days, and now Joshua speaks before the walls fall. The command to devote the city to the Lord came beforehand, so the people knew what to do with the spoil and the inhabitants. The city was the firstfruits of the conquest, set apart entirely for God.
Meaning
The word “accursed” translates the Hebrew term cherem, meaning something set apart for the Lord, either for destruction or for sacred use. Jericho, as the firstfruits of the conquest, was wholly dedicated to God. Its destruction was an act of judgment on the city’s wickedness and a safeguard against Israel adopting its idolatry and immorality. Nothing was to be taken for personal gain; all belonged to the Lord and was dedicated to sacred purposes. This severe judgment shows God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin.
In the midst of this severe judgment, mercy appears. Rahab the harlot and all in her house are spared because she hid the messengers. Her deliverance is not based on her background or nationality but on her faith, which she showed by protecting the spies. She had acknowledged the Lord and acted on that belief. God’s grace reaches into the condemned city and rescues those who trust Him, even a Gentile and former prostitute.
Biblical connections
Rahab’s story continues beyond this moment. She becomes an ancestor of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 1:5. Her inclusion in the Messiah’s line shows that God’s salvation extends to Gentiles and to those with a past like hers. The next verse warns Israel to keep from the accursed thing, showing how seriously God treats obedience. This warning underscores the principle of devotion: what is set apart for God must not be treated lightly.
Application
This verse calls readers to take God’s holiness seriously. Sin and rebellion bring judgment, and nothing devoted to God should be treated lightly. At the same time, it offers hope: no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy when they turn to Him in faith. Rahab’s example encourages believers to act on their trust in God, even at personal risk. Her faith was not merely spoken but shown in action, and God honored that.
Reflection
God’s justice and mercy meet in this verse. The destruction of Jericho reveals His righteousness, while Rahab’s rescue reveals His grace. Both truths stand together. Believers can rest in the knowledge that God sees the heart and responds to genuine faith, regardless of a person’s past or circumstances. This verse invites us to consider our own devotion to God and to trust that His mercy is available to all who believe.
