John Calvin Commentary Joshua 6:22

"And Joshua said unto the two men that had spied out the land, Go into the harlot`s house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her." — Joshua 6:22 (ASV)

But Joshua had said to the two men, etc. The good faith of Joshua in keeping promises, and his general integrity, are apparent in the conscientious care shown here. But as the whole city had been devoted to destruction, a question might be raised about this exception for one family. No mortal man was permitted to make any change to God's decision. Still, since it was only by the Spirit's prompting that Rahab had bargained for her exemption from punishment, I conclude that Joshua, in preserving her, did only what was considerate and prudent.

We may add that the messengers were not yet under any obligation to the contrary, as the complete destruction of the city had not yet been declared. It is true, they had heard in general that all those nations were to be destroyed, but they were still free to make an agreement with a single woman who had voluntarily abandoned her own people.

But we will later find a far easier solution: namely, that while the Israelites, by divine command, urged all whom they attacked to surrender by offering them the hope of pardon, the blinded nations obstinately refused the peace offered to them, because God had decreed to destroy all of them.

However, while all in general were hardened for their destruction, it follows that Rahab was exempted by special privilege and could escape safely while the others perished. Joshua, therefore, judged wisely that a woman who had voluntarily gone over to the Church was rescued so early, not without the special grace of God.

The case of her father and the whole family is indeed different; but since they all spontaneously renounced their former state, they confirmed the stipulation Rahab had made for their safety by the promptness of their obedience.

Moreover, let us learn from Joshua's example that we do not sufficiently demonstrate our integrity by refraining from violating our promise intentionally and deliberately, unless we also diligently strive to ensure it is carried out. He not only allows Rahab to be delivered by her guests but is also careful to guard against her suffering any harm in the initial chaos. And to make the messengers more diligent in carrying out their duty, he reminds them that they had promised under oath.