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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/2-5.htm" title="Joshua 2:5">◄</a> Joshua 2:6 <a href="/joshua/2-7.htm" title="Joshua 2:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/joshua/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/joshua/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />(But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />(Actually, she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them beneath bundles of flax she had laid out.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof and hid them with the stalks of flax that she had laid in order on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />(But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />(But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them in the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them in the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them in the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof and concealed them in the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But [in fact] she had brought the scouts up to the roof and had hidden them under the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof [to dry].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had arranged on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had arranged on the roof. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />(She had taken them up to the roof and covered them with the flax which she had laid up there.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But she had taken them up to the roof and had hidden them among stalks of flax that she had laid out in order on the roof. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />(But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />(Now she had taken them up to the roof and had hidden them in the stalks of flax she had spread out on the roof.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof, and hidden them under the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and she has caused them to go up on the roof, and hides them with the flax wood, which is arranged for her on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and she hath caused them to go up on the roof, and hideth them with the flax wood, which is arranged for her on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And she brought them up to the roof, and she will hide them in woody flax arranged by her upon the roof.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But she made the men go up to the top of her house, and covered them with the stalks of flax, which was there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But she caused the men to ascend to the roof of her house, and she covered them with the stalks of flax that were there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now, she had led them to the roof, and hidden them among her stalks of flax spread out there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />She had, however, brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax that she had laid out on the roof.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them beneath the stalks of flax which she had piled up on the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And she brought them up to the roof and she hid them between stalks of flax that were laid on the roof.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had spread out upon the roof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But she <i>had</i> brought them up upon the house, and hid them in the flax-stalks that were spread by her on the house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/2-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=253" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/2.htm">Rahab Welcomes the Spies</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hî (Conj-w:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">(But Rahab</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: he·‘ĕ·lā·ṯam (V-Hifil-Perf-3fs:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">had taken them up</a> <a href="/hebrew/1406.htm" title="1406: hag·gā·ḡāh (Art:: N-ms:: 3fs) -- A roof, a top. Probably by reduplication from ga'ah; a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar.">to the roof</a> <a href="/hebrew/2934.htm" title="2934: wat·tiṭ·mə·nêm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs:: 3mp) -- To hide, conceal. A primitive root; to hide.">and hidden them</a> <a href="/hebrew/6086.htm" title="6086: hā·‘êṣ (Art:: N-ms) -- Tree, trees, wood. From atsah; a tree; hence, wood.">among the stalks</a> <a href="/hebrew/6593.htm" title="6593: bə·p̄iš·tê (Prep-b:: N-fpc) -- Flax, linen. From the same as pash as in the sense of comminuting; linen.">of flax</a> <a href="/hebrew/6186.htm" title="6186: hā·‘ă·ru·ḵō·wṯ (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fp) -- To set in a, row, arrange, put in order. A primitive root; to set in a row, i.e. Arrange, put in order.">that she had laid out</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1406.htm" title="1406: hag·gāḡ (Art:: N-ms) -- A roof, a top. Probably by reduplication from ga'ah; a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar.">there.)</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Hebrews 11:31</a></span><br />By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-25.htm">James 2:25</a></span><br />In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17-21</a></span><br />The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. / So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” / The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-19.htm">1 Kings 17:19-24</a></span><br />But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. / Then he cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on this widow who has opened her home to me, by causing her son to die?” / Then he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this boy’s life return to him!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-33.htm">2 Kings 4:33-37</a></span><br />So he went in, closed the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD. / Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm. / Elisha turned away and paced back and forth across the room. Then he got on the bed and stretched himself out over the boy again, and the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-5.htm">Matthew 1:5</a></span><br />Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-25.htm">Acts 9:25</a></span><br />One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-33.htm">2 Corinthians 11:33</a></span><br />But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/4-17.htm">Judges 4:17-22</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Sisera had fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. / Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. / Sisera said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-12.htm">1 Samuel 19:12</a></span><br />So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-19.htm">2 Samuel 17:19-20</a></span><br />Then the man’s wife took a covering, spread it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain over it so nobody would know a thing. / When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-4.htm">Genesis 18:4-8</a></span><br />Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. / And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” / So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/19-2.htm">Genesis 19:2-3</a></span><br />and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">1 Kings 18:4</a></span><br />for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-13.htm">1 Kings 18:13</a></span><br />Was it not reported to my lord what I did when Jezebel slaughtered the prophets of the LORD? I hid a hundred prophets of the LORD, fifty men per cave, and I provided them with food and water.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.</p><p class="hdg">to the roof</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/2-8.htm">Joshua 2:8</a></b></br> And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/1-15.htm">Exodus 1:15-21</a></b></br> And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one <i>was</i> Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/22-8.htm">Deuteronomy 22:8</a></b></br> When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.</p><p class="hdg">hid them</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/2-2.htm">Exodus 2:2</a></b></br> And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he <i>was a</i> goodly <i>child</i>, she hid him three months.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/17-19.htm">2 Samuel 17:19</a></b></br> And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">1 Kings 18:4,13</a></b></br> For it was <i>so</i>, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-4.htm">Arranged</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-4.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-12.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/joshua/2-4.htm">Hid</a> <a href="/joshua/2-4.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/joshua/2-4.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/joshua/2-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-9.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Order</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-8.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/songs/7-8.htm">Stalks</a> <a href="/exodus/5-18.htm">Stems</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-17.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/20-22.htm">Arranged</a> <a href="/joshua/2-17.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/judges/3-24.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/joshua/6-17.htm">Hid</a> <a href="/joshua/2-16.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-23.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/joshua/2-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/joshua/2-8.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/joshua/8-10.htm">Order</a> <a href="/joshua/2-8.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/joshua/6-27.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/ruth/2-16.htm">Stalks</a> <a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Stems</a> <a href="/joshua/9-21.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/2-1.htm">Rahab receives and conceals the two spies sent from Shittim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/2-8.htm">The covenant between her and them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/2-23.htm">Their return and description of events</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But Rahab had taken them up to the roof</b><br>In ancient Jericho, houses often had flat roofs used for various purposes, including drying produce. Rahab's decision to take the spies to the roof indicates her quick thinking and resourcefulness. This action also reflects the cultural practice of utilizing rooftops for storage and concealment. Rahab's actions demonstrate her faith and courage, aligning her with other biblical figures who acted decisively in faith, such as Moses' mother hiding him (<a href="/exodus/2-2.htm">Exodus 2:2-3</a>).<p><b>and hidden them among the stalks of flax</b><br>Flax was a common crop in the ancient Near East, used for making linen. The presence of flax on the roof suggests it was harvest time, likely spring, which aligns with the timing of the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River. The use of flax for hiding the spies is significant, as it symbolizes Rahab's integration into the local economy and culture, yet she chooses to align herself with God's people. This act of hiding the spies foreshadows the protective covering of Christ's righteousness for believers (<a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a>).<p><b>that she had laid out there</b><br>The process of laying out flax involved drying it to prepare for processing into linen. This detail highlights Rahab's industrious nature and her role in her household's economy. It also underscores the providential timing of the spies' visit, as the flax provided a natural hiding place. Rahab's actions can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where ordinary elements are used for extraordinary purposes, reflecting God's sovereignty and provision.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/rahab.htm">Rahab</a></b><br>A Canaanite woman living in Jericho, known for her occupation as a prostitute. She plays a crucial role in the account by hiding the Israelite spies and later becomes part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_spies.htm">The Spies</a></b><br>Two Israelite men sent by Joshua to scout the city of Jericho. Their mission is to gather intelligence on the city's defenses and the morale of its inhabitants.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_roof.htm">The Roof</a></b><br>In ancient Near Eastern architecture, roofs were flat and often used for various domestic activities, such as drying flax. Rahab uses this space to conceal the spies.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/flax.htm">Flax</a></b><br>A plant cultivated for its fibers, which were used to make linen. The stalks of flax were laid out on the roof to dry, providing a perfect hiding place for the spies.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jericho.htm">Jericho</a></b><br>A fortified city in Canaan, significant for its strategic location and formidable walls. It is the first city the Israelites encounter in their conquest of the Promised Land.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Rahab's decision to hide the spies was a demonstration of her faith in the God of Israel. True faith often requires taking risks and making difficult choices that align with God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_grace.htm">God's Sovereignty and Grace</a></b><br>Rahab's inclusion in the lineage of Christ shows that God's grace extends beyond cultural and moral boundaries. He can use anyone, regardless of their past, for His divine purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_and_obedience.htm">Courage and Obedience</a></b><br>Rahab's actions required courage and a willingness to defy her own people. Believers are called to obey God even when it is countercultural or risky.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Women in God's Plan</a></b><br>Rahab's account highlights the significant role women can play in God's redemptive history. Her faith and actions were pivotal in the success of the Israelite mission.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_rahab_aid_israelite_spies.htm">How did Rahab help the Israelite spies in Jericho?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_spies_visit_rahab_in_jericho.htm">Why did spies visit Rahab in Jericho?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_jericho's_archaeology_match_the_bible.htm">Why does Jericho’s archaeology not match the biblical account of its destruction by Joshua?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_bathsheba's_bath_historical_or_narrative.htm">In 2 Samuel 11:2–5, is Bathsheba’s rooftop bathing a plausible historical scenario or a narrative device? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">The stalks of flax.</span>--It is remarked that flax and barley are both early crops (<a href="/exodus/9-31.htm" title="And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom.">Exodus 9:31</a>), and that the first month (see <a href="/joshua/4-19.htm" title="And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.">Joshua 4:19</a>) was the time of barley harvest. (Comp. <a href="/2_samuel/21-9.htm" title="And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.">2Samuel 21:9</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But she had brought them up.</span> Literally, <span class="accented">and she caused them to ascend</span>; but our version has very properly (see ver. 4) given the preterite the pluperfect sense here. "Two strangers, Israelites, spies, have a safe harbour provided them, even amongst their enemies, against the proclamation of a king." "Where cannot the God of heaven either find or raise up friends to His own causes and servants?" (Bp. Hall.) <span class="cmt_word">To the roof of the house.</span> The flat roofs of Oriental, and even of Greek and Italian houses, are used for all kinds of purposes, especially for drying corn and other things for domestic use (see <a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">1 Samuel 9:25, 26</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">2 Samuel 16:22</a>; <a href="/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12</a>. Also <a href="/acts/10-9.htm">Acts 10:9</a>, where the roof is used as a place of retirement and repose). <span class="cmt_word">Stalks of flax.</span> Literally, <span class="accented">flax of the tree.</span> The word translated flax either of the raw material or of the linen made from it. Here it must mean flax as it came cut from the field; that is, as our version translates it, the stalks of flax (<span class="greek">λινοκαλάμη</span>, LXX.), which grows in Egypt to a height of three feet, and may be presumed to have attained a height not much less at Jericho. The word <span class="hebrew">עָרַד</span> which signifies <span class="accented">to lay in a row</span>, and is used of the wood on the altar in <a href="/genesis/22-9.htm">Genesis 22:9</a>, and of the shew bread in <a href="/leviticus/24-6.htm">Leviticus 24:6</a>, confirms this view. It is obvious that this would have formed a most sufficient hiding place for the fugitives. "Either faith or friendship are not tried but in extremities. To show countenance to the messengers of God while the publique face of the State smiles upon them, is but a courtesie of course; but to hide our own lives in theirs when they are persecuted is an act which looks for a reward" (Bp. Hall). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/2-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">(But [Rahab]</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִ֖יא</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had taken them up</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶעֱלָ֣תַם</span> <span class="translit">(he·‘ĕ·lā·ṯam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the roof</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגָּ֑גָה</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gā·ḡāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1406.htm">Strong's 1406: </a> </span><span class="str2">A roof, the top of an altar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and hidden them</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽתִּטְמְנֵם֙</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiṭ·mə·nêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2934.htm">Strong's 2934: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hide, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among the stalks</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵ֔ץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘êṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6086.htm">Strong's 6086: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tree, trees, wood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of flax</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפִשְׁתֵּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄iš·tê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6593.htm">Strong's 6593: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flax, linen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that she had laid out</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֲרֻכ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ă·ru·ḵō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6186.htm">Strong's 6186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To set in a, row, arrange, put in order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[there].)</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגָּֽג׃</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gāḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1406.htm">Strong's 1406: </a> </span><span class="str2">A roof, the top of an altar</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/2-6.htm">Joshua 2:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/2-6.htm">OT History: Joshua 2:6 But she had brought them up (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/2-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 2:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 2:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/2-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 2:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 2:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>