MPV Commentary

The Covenant between Her and Them.

Rahab's conversation with the spies is full of interest, revealing both the widespread panic among the Canaanites (Jos 24:11; De 2:25) and her own strong convictions, founded on a knowledge of God's promise and the miraculous events that had opened the way for the Israelites to enter the promised land. She was convinced of Jehovah's supremacy and demonstrated the sincerity and strength of her faith through her earnest stipulations for the preservation of her relatives in the face of impending invasion.

The men responded to her, "Our lives for yours, if you do not reveal this business" (Jos 2:14). This was a solemn pledge, a virtual oath, though God's name is not mentioned. The words were added not as a condition of their fidelity but to ensure her safety, which might be endangered if the private agreement was divulged.

Rahab's house was situated on the town wall (Jos 2:15). In many Oriental cities, houses are built on walls with overhanging windows or the town wall forms the back wall of the house. It is likely that Rahab's house had a window opening into the country, and the cord or rope she used to lower the spies was strong enough to bear their weight.

She instructed them, "Get you to the mountain" (Jos 2:16-21). A range of white limestone hills extends northward, known as Quarantania (now Jebel Karantu), rising to a height of over twelve hundred feet. The sides of these hills are perforated with caves, and one peak was familiarly known as "the mountain." Her advice to flee in that direction rather than the ford proved prudent.

After the spies departed, Rahab bound the scarlet line in her window (Jos 2:21). This was not formed into a network or lattice but simply hung down the wall. Its red color made it conspicuous, serving as a sign and pledge of safety to Rahab's house, just like the bloody mark on the lintels of the Israelites' houses in Egypt.