1. Joshua 2:12 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Were the spies allowed to make a promise to a Canaanite woman?

Joshua 2:12 (ESV)

12 Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign

Some argue that the oath made by the spies with Rahab should not have been done because God specified that no oaths were to be made with Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1–5; Deuteronomy 20:16–18; cf. Joshua 9:1–27). However, the fact that Rahab confessed her faith in the Lord and demonstrated by her actions her willingness to be associated with the people of Israel, suggests that she should be seen as an Israelite and not a pagan.1 She showed herself to be a true Israelite through her actions (Joshua 6:22–25; Romans 2:28–29).