"THE BOOK OF JOSHUA ~ a Type & Shadow" (07-28-21) Joshua
“THE BOOK OF JOSHUA ~ a Type & Shadow” (07-28-21) Joshua 2:14-18
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Joshua 2:19 (New English Translation ~ NET) says, “Anyone who leaves your house {when the attack takes place} will be responsible for his own death—we are innocent in that case!” But if anyone with you in the house is harmed, we will be responsible.”
● And as stated, one the siege of Jericho is in progress by Joshua and the children of Israel, do not go out from the location where we agreed to your safety. Then a Hebrew translators note from the NET Bible says, “But anyone who is with you in the house, his blood is on our head if a hand should be on him.” So, if Rahab or one of her family members leave that place of safety, it is that persons fault and no fault or blame falls on the two-spies.
● But also it seems that this contract included the terms of if someone is mistakenly harmed or killed in this battle who is in the house or place of safety, then their blood is on the head of the spies. Remember the seriousness of this word-of-mouth contract in that if Rahab or her family was harmed, then the spies also would offer their life in exchange.
● Joshua 2:20 (NET) says, “If you should report what we’ve been up to, we are not bound by this oath you made us swear.”
● From a Hebrew translator's note, it says “and if you report this matter of ours,” or tell anyone else, then the deal of off. Keep in mind that these spies had gathered a lot of information on how the best way to conquer the city of Jericho since Jericho was one of the strongest and most heavily fortified cities of Canaan. This was far more important than a good battle plan, yet there was another purpose at work by sending the two spies, which was to save Rahab.
● We see that in this context, we see the extent that God will go to in bringing one woman and her father’s house to salvation, of which the Hebrew word for “salvation” is yᵊšûʿâ {yĕh–shŏŏ–ăwe} meaning something saved, deliverance, victory, prosperity, health, welfare, and in essence, this implies to rescue. Actually, the word save means to rescue, and the word rescue means to save.
● Joshua 2:21 (NET) says, “She said, “I agree to these conditions.” She sent them on their way and then tied the red rope in the window.”
● First of all, these words were spoken as “so be it,” or even “I agree to these conditions.” In 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) it says, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us,” of which the word “Amen” also means “so be it,” and is from a Hebrew origin, also meaning “so be it.” The Hebrew translators note as referenced in the NET Bible, says, “According to your words, so it [will be].”
● Joshua 2:22 (NET) says, “They went to the hill country and stayed there for three days, long enough for those chasing them {or, the pursuers} to return. Their pursuers looked all along the way but did not find them.”
● When this says, “for those chasing them,” a translator's note from the NET Bible says, this had been rendered as “their pursuers” in the translation to avoid redundancy with the preceding clause. Now, a translator's note also says, “The pursuers looked in all the way and did not find [them],” which in that case, would be another Old Testament view of God’s grace in action.
● Joshua 2:23 (NET) says, “Then the two men returned—they came down from the hills, crossed the river, came to Joshua son of Nun, and reported to him all they had discovered.”
● The two spies literally shared all that they had experienced there in both Jericho, and Rahab’s household.
● Joshua 2:24 (NET) says, “They told Joshua, “Surely the LORD is handing over all the land to us! All who live in the land are cringing before us!”
● This is an Old Testament picture of proof showing mankind that our Father has always been faithful, in spite of where we are on our human-form experience. That which seems to be standing against us or standing in our way may at first seem impossible to conquer, but since Father imparted to you His mind, His character, and His dominion over all things, never give up hope.
● To sum up chapter 2, for me it would be able the establishing of relationships for the sake of the testimony of God’s goodness. When you are faced with an insurmountable challenge in life, just remember the testimonies of your past and of other saints of God who have seen first-hand the goodness of God in action.
● Remember, your Father is faithful in all situations and is able to protect you, provide for you, and connect you with the right people, at the right time, and at the right place. I hope you were enlightened and inspired to “dig deep into the well of Father’s mind within” as you watch this video lesson!