Joshua 6:17

Joshua 6:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

And the city shall be devoted, even it and all that is therein, to Jehovah: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the town will be put to the curse, and everything in it will be given to the Lord: only Rahab, the loose woman, and all who are in the house with her, will be kept safe, because she kept secret the men we sent.

Free Bible Version FBV

The city and everything in it is to be set apart for the Lord and destroyed. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the citie shalbe an execrable thing, both it, and all that are therein, vnto the Lord: onely Rahab the harlot shall liue, shee, and all that are with her in the house: for shee hid the messengers that we sent.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the city hath been devoted, it and all that [is] in it, to Jehovah; only Rahab the harlot doth live, she and all who [are] with her in the house, for she hid the messengers whom we sent;

World English Bible WEB

The city shall be devoted, even it and all that is in it, to the LORD. Only Rahab the prostitute shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are in it, 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And let this city be an anathema, and all things that are in it, to the Lord. Let only Rahab the harlot live, with all that are with her in the house: for she hid the messengers whom we sent.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh has declared that you must destroy [IDM] the city and everything in it to show that it belongs to him. You must spare only Rahab the prostitute and the others who are in her house, because she hid the spies whom we sent there.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 6:17

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 6:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הָיְתָ֨ה הָ/עִ֥יר חֵ֛רֶם הִ֥יא וְ/כָל אֲשֶׁר בָּ֖/הּ לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה רַק֩ רָחָ֨ב הַ/זּוֹנָ֜ה תִּֽחְיֶ֗ה הִ֚יא וְ/כָל אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתָּ֣/הּ בַּ/בַּ֔יִת כִּ֣י הֶחְבְּאַ֔תָה אֶת הַ/מַּלְאָכִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁלָֽחְנוּ

וְ/הָיְתָ֨ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3fs

הָ/עִ֥יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

חֵ֛רֶם chêrem H2764 devoted thing N-ms

הִ֥יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בָּ֖/הּ Prep | Suff

לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

רַק֩ raq H7535 except DirObjM

רָחָ֨ב Râchâb H7343 Rahab N-proper

הַ/זּוֹנָ֜ה zânâh H2181 to fornicate Art | V-Qal

תִּֽחְיֶ֗ה châyâh H2421 to live V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

הִ֚יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אִתָּ֣/הּ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

בַּ/בַּ֔יִת bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

הֶחְבְּאַ֔תָה châbâʼ H2244 to hide V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/מַּלְאָכִ֖ים mălʼâk H4397 messenger Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

שָׁלָֽחְנוּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-1cp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 6:17

וְ/הָיְתָ֨ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

הָ/עִ֥יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

חֵ֛רֶם chêrem H2764 "devoted thing" N-ms

A net or doomed object, like the cursed things the Israelites were warned against in Joshua 6:18.

Definition: 1) a thing devoted, thing dedicated, ban, devotion 2) have been utterly destroyed, (appointed to) utter destruction

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: (ac-) curse(-d, -d thing), dedicated thing, things which should have been utterly destroyed, (appointed to) utter destruction, devoted (thing), net. See also: Leviticus 27:21; 1 Kings 20:42; Isaiah 34:5.

הִ֥יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

בָּ֖/הּ "" Prep | Suff

לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

רַק֩ raq H7535 "except" DirObjM

This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.

Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.

רָחָ֨ב Râchâb H7343 "Rahab" N-proper

Rahab was a Canaanite woman who helped the Israelite spies escape from Jericho. She was a harlot, but showed faith and was saved from destruction. She married Salmon and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus.

Definition: A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.2.1; mother of: Boaz (H1162)(?) § Rahab = "wide" a harlot of Jericho who aided the spies to escape; saved from the destruction of Jericho; married Salmon, an ancestor of David and of Christ; commended for her faith in the book of James

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Rahab. See also: Joshua 2:1; Joshua 6:17; Joshua 6:25.

הַ/זּוֹנָ֜ה zânâh H2181 "to fornicate" Art | V-Qal

To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.

Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication

Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.

תִּֽחְיֶ֗ה châyâh H2421 "to live" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.

Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.

הִ֚יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

אִתָּ֣/הּ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

בַּ/בַּ֔יִת bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

הֶחְבְּאַ֔תָה châbâʼ H2244 "to hide" V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs

To hide means to secrete or withdraw, often for safety or protection. In the Bible, this word is used to describe hiding oneself or being forced into hiding. It appears in various forms, including to hide oneself or to be hidden by someone else.

Definition: 1) to withdraw, hide 1a) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1b) (Pual) to be forced into hiding 1c) (Hiphil) to hide 1d) (Hophal) to be hidden 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to hide oneself, draw back 1e2) to draw together, thicken, harden

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly. See also: Genesis 3:8; 1 Kings 18:4; Isaiah 42:22.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/מַּלְאָכִ֖ים mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" Art | N-mp

A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.

Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel

Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

שָׁלָֽחְנוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

Study Notes — Joshua 6:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Joshua 6:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 6:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 6:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 6:17
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 6:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 6:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 6:17
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 6:17
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 6:17
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 6:17
Sermons on Joshua 6:17

Context — The Walls of Jericho

15Then on the seventh day, they got up at dawn and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. That was the only day they circled the city seven times. 16After the seventh time around, the priests blew the horns, and Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!

17Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent.

18But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster upon it. 19For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 20:17	For you must devote them to complete destruction —the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you,
2	James 2:25	In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route?
3	Micah 4:13	Rise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron and hooves of bronze to break to pieces many peoples. Then you will devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth.
4	Galatians 3:12	The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.”
5	Hebrews 6:10	For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
6	Galatians 3:10	All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
7	Genesis 12:3	I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you. ”
8	Hebrews 11:31	By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.
9	Matthew 25:40	And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
10	1 Corinthians 2:7	No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

Joshua 6:17 Summary

This verse is talking about the city of Jericho being destroyed because of its sin and rebellion against God. But even in the midst of judgment, God shows mercy to those who put their trust in Him, like Rahab the prostitute. She was spared because she hid the Israelite spies and believed in God's power (as seen in Joshua 2:1-24 and Hebrews 11:31). This reminds us that God is a God of both justice and mercy, and that He desires for us to put our trust in Him, just like Rahab did (see Psalm 37:3-7 for more on trusting in God).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the city of Jericho devoted to the LORD for destruction?

The city was devoted to the LORD for destruction because of its wickedness and rebellion against God, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:16-18, where God commands the Israelites to destroy the cities of the nations that do not surrender to them.

Who was Rahab and why was she spared?

Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho and hid the Israelite spies sent by Joshua, as mentioned in Joshua 2:1-24, and she was spared because of her faith and obedience to God, as seen in Hebrews 11:31.

What does it mean for something to be 'devoted to the LORD for destruction'?

To be devoted to the LORD for destruction means that something is set apart for God's judgment and destruction, as seen in Leviticus 27:28-29, where it says that anything devoted to the LORD cannot be sold or redeemed.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment and mercy?

This verse shows that God is a God of both judgment and mercy, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, where God describes Himself as a God of mercy and justice, and in Romans 11:22, where Paul talks about the kindness and severity of God.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse teach me about God's character and His relationship with humanity?
How can I apply the concept of devotion to the LORD in my own life, and what does that look like in practical terms?
What role does faith and obedience play in receiving God's mercy and salvation, as seen in Rahab's story?
How can I balance the idea of God's judgment with His mercy and love, and what does that mean for my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 6:17

And the city shall be accursed,.... Or, be a "cherem", devoted to the Lord, as it follows: [even] it and all that [are] therein, to the Lord; the city and the inhabitants of it should be devoted to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 6:17

Accursed, i.e. devoted to utter destruction, ,29 Deuteronomy 12. This he spake by instinct or direction from God, as is evident from . To the Lord; partly, because the first-fruits were appropriated to God; partly, lest the soldiers being glutted with the spoil of this rich city, should grow sensual and sluggish in their work; and partly, to strike the greater terror into the rest of their enemies.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 6:17

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.Ver. 17. And the city shall be accursed.] Anathematised, proscribed, devoted to destruction, offered up to God as a holocaust, whose pleasure it was that this people should be thus hanged up in gibbets, as it were, for a terror to the rest, who might hereby see what to trust to if they stubbornly stood out. The whole land was filled with the filthiness of the people from one end to another; and might not God begin to punish where he pleased

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 6:17

(17) The city shall be accursed.—Heb., shall be chêrem, “a devoted or accursed thing”; and so Joshua 6:18, “from the accursed thing.” (See Note on Deuteronomy 7:26.) The combination of the two ideas of devotion to God and utter destruction may be seen in the sin offering (Leviticus 6:25), which is called “holy of holies,” or most holy, and yet, when offered for the priest or congregation, must be utterly consumed.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 6:17

Verse 17. The city shall be accursed] That is, it shall be devoted to destruction; ye shall take no spoils, and put all that resist to the sword. Though this may be the meaning of the word חרם cherem in some places, See Clarke on Leviticus 27:29, yet here it seems to imply the total destruction of all the inhabitants, see Joshua 6:21; but it is likely that peace was offered to this city, and that the extermination of the inhabitants was in consequence of the rejection of this offer.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 6:17

17. the city shall be accursed] “be this cyte cursid” (Wyclif), or, as in margin, devoted. The verb from which the word comes denotes (i) to cut off, (ii) to devote, to withdraw from common use and consecrate to God = sacrare. (i) The word itself, used actively, means the devotement of anything by Jehovah, His putting it under a ban, the result of which is destruction; comp. 1 Kings 20:42, “Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction;” Isaiah 34:5, “Behold, it (my sword) shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment;” Zechariah 14:11, “there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.” (ii) And passively, the word denotes the thing devoted, doomed, laid under the ban, i.e. devoted to Jehovah without the possibility of being redeemed; comp. Leviticus 27:21, “But the field, when it goeth out in the jubilee, shall be holy unto the Lord, as a field devoted;” Leviticus 27:29, “None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed.” The word is used here in the latter sense, and in Joshua 6:17-18, with which compare Joshua 7:1, “Achan … took of the accursed thing,” and 1 Samuel 15:3-9. The Greek word with the same meaning, Anathema, frequently occurs in St Paul’s writings, comp. Romans 9:3, “I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren;” 1 Corinthians 16:22, “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema;” comp. also 1 Corinthians 12:3; Galatians 1:9. We find similar instances of devotion to utter destruction amongst other nations; comp. (a) the Ver sacrum of the Romans, so frequently alluded to in Livy, as 22:9-10; 34:44; (b) Cζsar’s testimony concerning the Gauls, Bell. Gall. vi. 17, “Huic (Marti), cum prζlio dimicare constituerunt, ea quζ bello ceperint, plerumque devovent; cum superaverunt, animalia capta immolant;” (c) Tacitus (Ann. 13:57) tells us of the Hermunduri that they were successful in a war against the Catti, “quia victores diversam aciem Marti ac Mercurio sacravere, quo voto equi, viri, cuncta victa occidioni dantur;” (d) Livy 3:55 mentions a law passed under the consuls L. Valerius and M. Horatius, “ut qui tribunis plebis, ζdilibus, judicibus, decemviris nocuisset, ejus caput Jovi sacrum esset; familia ad ζdem Cereris Liberi Liberζque venum iret.” only Rahab the harlot] See above, Joshua 2:1; Joshua 2:18-19.

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 6:17

Accursed - Better as in margin, (“devoted” (Leviticus 27:28 note). In other cases the inhabitants only of the towns were slain; their cattle and property became the booty of the victors.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 6:17

17. The city shall be accursed — The city, with all its immense wealth, was now put under the ban, and devoted to destruction. To many of the besieging host this was the severest test of their faith and obedience.

Sermons on Joshua 6:17

	Sermon	Description
	Faith and Works - Part 2 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into the essence of sin as the refusal to depend on God, highlighting the root problem of humanity's self-reliance and reluctance to trust in God. It emphasizes
	Faith: True or False? by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James chapter two, specifically verse 14, which addresses the contrast between true faith and false faith. The preacher emphasizes that true
	The Angels by Lewis Sperry Chafer	Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the intricate details of angels as depicted in the Scriptures, emphasizing their distinct order of creation, heavenly position above man, and the va
	The Rewards of Hospitality by Clement of Rome	Clement of Rome highlights the story of Rahab the harlot, emphasizing her faith, hospitality, and role in the salvation of the spies sent by Joshua to Jericho. Rahab's courageous a
	The Adamic Covenant by A.W. Pink	A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the Adamic Covenant, explaining that Adam served as the federal head and representative of all humanity. His actions in Eden, particularly
	Stand Your Ground! by Miles J. Stanford	Miles J. Stanford preaches about the contrast between the law and grace, emphasizing how the law can break a person while grace can make them whole. He discusses the complexity of
	The Nature of Justification, and the Nature and Concern of Faith in It by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the nature of justification and the concern of faith in it, emphasizing the importance of the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel as the only s