Joshua 2:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

"Promise me by the Lord that just as I have shown kindness to you, you will also show kindness to my father's household and provide me with a tangible sign. The men replied to her, 'When the Lord delivers the land into our hands, we will act with grace and integrity.' The spies instructed Rahab, 'It will be as you have said; once you are aware of our arrival, gather all your family within your home, and they will be spared, but those who remain outside will face destruction.' They then instructed her to hang a crimson cord from her window, symbolizing that all who placed their faith and trust in God would receive salvation through the blood of Christ. Observe, dear ones, that this woman exhibited not only faith but also prophetic insight."

The spies assured Raab the harlot of life and salvation. The men declared to her, "Our lives are forfeit in exchange for yours, provided you disclose our presence." During wartime, at the siege of enemy cities, Moses instructed that all adversaries be executed: "If they will not make peace with you but seek war against you, then you shall besiege it: and when the Lord your God delivers it into your hands, you shall strike every male with the edge of the sword" (Deuteronomy 20:12-13). Those who opposed the true faith that honored God, preserved solely within the Israelite nation, and those who disregarded the divine worship of God's chosen people, were to be put to death without exception, as commanded by God Himself.