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.
The city will be completely destroyed as an offering to the LORD, the city and everything in it. Only Rahab the prostitute will be allowed to live, along with everyone in her house, because she protected the spies we sent.
Joshua declares that Jericho will be completely destroyed except for Rahab and her family, who will be spared because she helped Israel's spies.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context, Joshua led the Israelites in conquering the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt, with Jericho being the first fortified city they encountered as part of God's command to take possession of Canaan. The city was placed under a divine ban, meaning everything in it was to be destroyed as an offering to the Lord, reflecting the ancient practice of holy war to eliminate idolatry and secure the land for Israel. However, Rahab and her family were spared because she had shown faith by hiding the Israelite spies, demonstrating God's mercy toward those who aligned with His people.
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