About the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, the men went out. Where the men went, I don’t know. Pursue them quickly. You may catch up with them.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 5. At the time, not precisely, as otherwise the men who shut the gates must have seen them, but about that time, ( Calmet.) Rahab pretends that the spies had left her house, and had directed their course towards the gate, so that she made no doubt but they might easily overtake them. Bible.—Notwithstanding this officious lie, which is a venial sin, Saint Paul and Saint James testify that she was justified by her faith in God, and by good works towards these men. See Saint Augustine c. Mend. 17. and note on James 2:25. Worthington.—Rahab might suppose that an officious lie was not a sin, ( Menochius.) as many great and learned men seemed to have maintained this doctrine. See Grotius Jur. iii. 1. 9. Orig. c. Cels. iv. p. 171. Saint John Chrysostom hom. 53. Gen. She was so far from intending to do an injury to any one, that she consulted the welfare both of her guests and of her countrymen, who, if they had detected the spies and committed murder, would have thus brought greater destruction upon themselves, as they could not escape the wrath of God. Calmet.