Na, Na-Na, Na
Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth, Joshua 2:12 NASB
Please – So far everything about Rahab is just a little strange. It’s almost as if the narrator left out all the nitty-gritty details on purpose. Perhaps the storyteller is crafting this episode so that we, the readers, have to enter into the narrative in order to understand it. That seems to be the case with this tiny addition to the Hebrew text – the particle na.
The particle na is often not even translated. It is simply two consonants (Nun-Aleph) attached to a verb, in this case, as a suffix to shava, “to make an oath.” With na attached to the verb, the meaning shifts from a demand to a request, from “Swear an oath” to “Please, swear an oath.” Rather than compelling action, the supplicant invites a response. The reciprocity is left hanging.
Na is sometimes attached to verbs expressing God’s actions. Those rare occasions are quite remarkable. But this isn’t the word used for God’s covenant promises. When God makes a covenant, the verb is karat, “to cut” a covenant. The first time the verb shava appears is in the story of Abimelech and Abraham (Genesis 21:22).[1] The first time we find this verb with God as the subject is Genesis 22:16 where God declares His blessing on Abraham following the attempted sacrifice of Isaac. Twenty-five times God swears an oath concerning the inheritance of the land. None include the particle na. None are conditioned upon the acceptance of the other party.
But that is not the case here. Rahab’s request for a binding agreement can only take effect if the two spies concur. Rahab asks. She does not demand, even though hesed contains the reciprocal expectation. Hidden in Rahab’s use of na is an indication of humility. Na demonstrates Rahab’s character, the same character we find in other women who are outsiders. Hagar demonstrates incredible obedience by returning to the abusive Sarah. Ruth shows her intense loyalty in her statement to Naomi. The Canaanite woman shows her humility in her reply to Yeshua. Rahab is in good company. She doesn’t barter her deliverance even though she might have called on the hesed protocol. Instead, she begs. This woman who is outside the fold, whose moral character may be suspect, who represents the enemy, beseeches the spies for mercy. We should take note that she does not include herself in her request. She begs for others. She is the intercessor for the life of those she loves. We can only stand in awe of her devotion, courage and faithfulness. Perhaps Rahab, the woman of ill-repute, is a good deal closer to God’s heart than we imagined. Perhaps Rahab teaches us what it means to be humble.
Topical Index: Rahab, humility, na, shava, swear, Joshua 2:12
[1] Some sources suggest that God swears an oath after the flood, but careful examination reveals that shava is not used in that instance. The phrase uses amar (God said), not shava.
“Little things mean alot.” Especially to YHWH. He is the G-d of infinite detail. And as it has been said, “Life is in the details.”
One thing I “took away with me” from the Marine Corps was this: “attention to detail.” As we stood inspection our rifles were turned upside down to inspect the screws on the butt end of the stock. They had better be clean. The tall, lanky red-head next to me was “failed” due to “unsightly nose hairs.” What discipline I exhibited to maintain a straight face! The “Irish Penants” (loose threads) on our new shirts were meticulously removed. The buttons on our shirts, the buckle on our belt, the fly on our trousers were all “righteous”- (rightly related or in perfect alignment). The brass drain in our “community” toilet was cleaned and polished to a bright shine. Beds made, shoes polished, we were “squared away.” Interesting to note- in Hebrew thought- the square is a symbol of perfection! lol! Details, details!- The hairs of our heads are all numbered! -So what’s the “big deal?”
Herbert Lockyer is a prolific author who has written the 23 volume set- the “All” series. “All the Miracle of the Bible”, “All the Men of the Bible.” “All the Promises of the Bible”, etc. -I won’t go on for lack of space and time (and maybe interest-lol!) Friends, “every word of G-d is pure!” Amein!
Brother Skip, you got to one of us. You “got to me!” You “nailed” one. Do you ever wonder if all these words and all this effort you put into your writings ever produce “fruit?” Well, behold -“Exhibit A.”
This revelation of the hidden “na”, the hidden “please” rocked my world. This was an “aha” moment of epic proportions to me. Why? Because dear friends G-d did not “command” Abraham, He asked Abraham. “Please.” I know this is so hard to fathom- “unless”- we have a G-d who is humble.
A G-d who humbled Himself and became a man. “Behold”- get a good look at- the life of Christ. Go ahead- I’ll wait…
Look- at the manner of His birth. Look- behold, His life. Where was He born? What was His occupation? What was His education? Who were His teachers? Who were His friends? What about His death? Details, details.- “ALL”- point me to the “humility” of El Elyon. “Mighty in His humility.” G-d said “na.”
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3.20) This now speaks volumes to me. Yeshua is the one who is standing and knocking. Why does He not “come on in?” Because of His humility/courtesy/meekness. He is waiting for our permission to “enter in.” He is waiting for us to say- “Na, come in.” A G-d who “waits” for our permission. Mind-blowing stuff.
I must have “permission” to be your friend. You must want this and so must I. We must “agree” to be friends. Rahab entered into a new relationship (a covenant-agreement) with those who were “on a mission” from G-d. She asked and she received “permission, provision,protection and peace.” But this “story” doesn’t end with her salvation/deliverance does it? Rahab the harlot, is now Rahab the hero. From “zero to hero” isn’t that just like G-d? She humbled herself and asked for salvation/deliverance. Did she receive what she asked for? What is “the rest of the story?”