Definition: And the city shall be accursed, [even] it, and all that [are] therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that [are] with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 6:17. It’s a really important and complex passage in the Bible, and it speaks about a serious consequence for a woman who was present during a terrible event. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: The Siege: The verse comes after the Israelites have been defeated by the Amalekites. They’ve captured the city of Jericho, which is heavily fortified. A Woman is Present: There’s a woman named Rahab present in the city – she’s described as a “harlot” and a “woman who hides messengers.” What Happened? The Messengers Were Sent: The Israelites sent messengers to demand the surrender of the city. A Disaster Strikes: During the chaos, a large portion of the city's population – including Rahab – were killed or captured. Rahab’s Role: Rahab secretly hid the messengers that the Israelites had sent. This was crucial to preventing them from getting information about the city’s weakness and potential for a revolt. The Verse’s Meaning - It's About Protection & Consequences: “Accursed” is Key: The verse says the city will be “accursed.” This means it will be filled with evil, suffering, and destruction. “All That Are There” – A Large Group: It specifically states that all those present in the city – including Rahab – are cursed. This includes the people who were killed or captured. “Only Rahab…” - The Focus: The verse emphasizes that only Rahab is spared. This isn’t a reward or a blessing; it's a consequence for her actions. In simpler terms, the verse says that because Rahab hid the messengers, she and everyone with her are doomed to suffer in the city. It's a very harsh punishment for a single act of deception. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of deceit and betrayal. It highlights the importance of trust and the consequences of hiding secrets. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail, perhaps focusing on its symbolism? Discuss what the verse might be teaching us about human behavior or leadership?