Book of Joshua - Chapter 2 - Verse 17
Meaning
When the men in the Book of Joshua declared to Rahab, "We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear," they were indicating their commitment to keep their promise to her. Rahab, a harlot, had helped the men by hiding them from the king of Jericho's men, who sought to kill them. In return for her assistance, the men agreed to spare her and her family when they conquered Jericho. By stating that they would be blameless of the oath she had made them swear, the men were essentially pledging to fulfill their end of the bargain without any reservations or excuses. This verse highlights the importance of keeping one's word and honoring promises, even in challenging or dangerous situations. It also demonstrates the value of loyalty and gratitude, as the men chose to repay Rahab's kindness by ensuring her safety. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of integrity and faithfulness in relationships, even between unlikely allies.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Joshua 2:17, when the men of Israel assured Rahab that they would be blameless of the oath she requested of them, it reflects a theological interpretation of the importance of keeping one's word and honoring commitments. The word "blameless" here carries a weighty theological significance, indicating that the Israelites were willing to uphold their promise regardless of the consequences. This shows their commitment to integrity and their understanding of the seriousness of making an oath. The act of swearing an oath was considered a sacred act in biblical times, and breaking an oath was seen as a violation of trust not only between individuals but also between the people and God. Therefore, the men's declaration to be blameless of the oath emphasizes their dedication to fulfilling their promise to Rahab, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and honesty in biblical teachings.