Joshua 6 Footnotes
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The sins of the Canaanites are catalogued in Lv 18:1–20:27, and Dt 9:1-6 gives the theological rationale for their extermination. The Canaanites were arrogant and proud because of their strength, and the Lord had determined to bring about their destruction, driving them out ahead of Israel (Dt 9:2-5). The concept of cherem demonstrates the utter seriousness of sin and its consequences—and points to the ultimate need for a Savior to rescue the human race.
6:22-25 Rahab and her family were spared from the cherem in keeping with the promise Joshua’s spies made to her. Her faith saved her and her family from certain death. The statement at the end of v. 25, “and she still lives in Israel today,” refers to the continuation of her family line. Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute, is included in the genealogy of the Savior, Jesus Christ (Mt 1:5), thereby participating in the Lord’s ultimate triumph of grace.
6:26-27 Joshua pronounced a curse upon anyone who would undertake to rebuild the city of Jericho. Jericho was cherem to the Lord and would be rebuilt at great cost to the builder. (see 1Kg 16:34 for the fulfillment of this prophecy). News of the defeat and destruction of Jericho spread throughout the Near East, and Joshua became famous.