Joshua 2:15

15 The house Rahab lived in was built on the city wall, so she used a rope to let the men down through a window.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 Epigram. l. 3. Ep. 62.

Joshua 2:15 In-Context

13 Allow my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all of their families to live. Save us from death."

14 The men agreed and said, "It will be our lives for your lives if you don't tell anyone what we are doing. When the Lord gives us the land, we will be kind and true to you."

15 The house Rahab lived in was built on the city wall, so she used a rope to let the men down through a window.

16 She said to them, "Go into the hills so the king's men will not find you. Hide there for three days. After the king's men return, you may go on your way."

17 The men said to her, "You must do as we say. If not, we cannot be responsible for keeping this oath you have made us swear.