Joshua 2:14

“And the men answered her, etc.] The two spies: our life for yours; or “our souls in your stead to die” f33; that is, we engage for the security of your lives, should they be in danger; we promise to die in your room and stead rather than you should: this they said not as though their lives would be required of them for them, but to assure her of the safety of her and her father’s house, on the following condition: if ye utter not this our business; not their business in searching the land, for the discovery of that would be of little avail after they were gone; for it was known already that there were persons come to search the land; but “this our word” f34, what they were going to say to…”

“the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business--This was a solemn pledge--a virtual oath, though the name of God is not mentioned; and the words were added, not as a condition of their fidelity, but as necessary for her safety, which might be endangered if the private agreement was divulged.”

“Our life for yours - See the margin. This is (see Joshua 2:17) a form of oath, in which God is in effect invoked to punish them with death if they did not perform their promise to save Rahab’s life. Compare the more common form of oath, 1 Samuel 1:26, etc. return to 'Top of Page'”

“For yours - We will venture our lives for the security of yours. Our business - That is, this agreement of ours, and the condition of it, lest others under this pretence, should secure themselves. By which they shew both their piety and prudence in managing their oath with so much circumspection, that neither their own consciences might be ensnared, nor the publick justice obstructed. Joshua 2:15”

“2:14 When Israel attacked Jericho, Joshua and the two spies kept their promise to spare Rahab (6:22).”

“for yours: Heb. instead of you to die, Kg1 20:39 when the Lord: Jos 6:17, Jos 6:25; Gen 24:49; Num 10:29-32; Jdg 1:24, Jdg 1:25; Sa1 20:8; Sa2 9:1; Pro 18:24; Mat 5:7 Joshua 2:15”