Joshua 2:15

15 Then she lowered them by a rope through the window; since her house abutted the city wall, indeed was actually built into it.

Joshua 2:15 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 2:15

Then she let them down by a cord through the window
Which must be large, and the cord strong, as well as she herself a masculine woman, to let down two men by it, unless she employed any of her servants in the affair; though this being so great a secrecy, it is probable she trusted none of her domestics with it as little as possible: in like manner the Apostle Paul was let down by the wall of Damascus in a basket, ( Acts 9:25 ) ; Jarchi supposes it was the same cord and window, by means of and in at which her gallants used to come and go:

for her house [was] upon the town wall;
in a suitable and convenient place to receive her guests and gallants: and it is observed, that harlots have had their houses on or under walls: Martial speaks of harlots whom he calls F12 Summoenianae, whores that plied under the walls and in the suburbs of cities:

and she dwelt upon the wall;
that part of the house in which she particularly dwelt was built on or over the wall, and the rest towards the city was for the entertainment of persons that resorted to her house.


FOOTNOTES:

F12 Epigram. l. 3. Ep. 62.

Joshua 2:15 In-Context

13 that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers and sisters and all who are theirs, so that we won't be killed."
14 The men replied to her, "Our lives are certainly worth yours, provided you don't betray our mission. So when ADONAI gives us the land, we will treat you kindly and in good faith."
15 Then she lowered them by a rope through the window; since her house abutted the city wall, indeed was actually built into it.
16 She told them, "Head for the hills, so that the pursuit party won't get their hands on you; and hide yourselves there for three days, until the pursuers have returned. After that, you can go on your way."
17 The men said to her, "We will not be guilty of violating the oath you made us swear, provided that
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.