The Spies Promise to Protect Rahab
December 19, 2019
Commentary
Joshua was a keen army general who sent two men on a secret intelligence gathering mission to spy out the Promised Land. The part about Rahab is an example of how God uses a sinner to accomplish His purpose and in whose heart He works a change. Rahab was a “harlot,” or prostitute, in the city of Jericho. As a prostitute she lived on the edge of society, one stop short of rejection. Her house, built right into the city wall, provided both lodging and favors to travelers. It was a natural place for the Israelite spies to stay, as they would be mistaken for Rahab’s customers.
Stories about the Israelites had been circulating for some time that the Israelites were about to invade. Rahab shared the general mood of fear with the rest of Jericho’s population, but she recognized something that many of the Israelites did not. Many would assume that Rahab, a heathen, Canaanite, and prostitute would never be interested in God. Yet she was willing to risk everything she had for a God she barely knew (vv. 8-13). Rahab had been a sinful woman, but when she heard of the true and living God, she believed in Him and chose to go His way. Her household was going to be saved by having the scarlet thread in the window which had also saved the spies. The spies said, “Whosoever shall be with thee … in the house … shall be safe."
Application
If at times I feel like a failure I need to remember that Rahab rose above her situation through her faith in God. I can do the same! I must not gauge a person’s interest in God by his or her background, lifestyle, or appearance. I should never let anything get in the way of my telling people about Christ.
Joshua 2:12– 24 (NET)
12 So now, promise me this with an oath sworn in the Lord’s name. Because I have shown allegiance to you, show allegiance to my family. Give me a solemn pledge 13 that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and will rescue us from death.” 14 The men said to her, “If you die, may we die too! If you do not report what we’ve been up to, then we will show unswerving allegiance to you when the Lord hands the land over to us.”
15 Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window. (Her house was built as part of the city wall; she lived in the wall.) 16 She told them, “Head to the hill country, so the ones chasing you don’t find you. Hide from them there for three days, long enough for those chasing you to return. Then you can be on your way.” 17 The men said to her, “We are not bound by this oath you made us swear unless the following conditions are met: 18 When we invade the land, tie this red rope in the window through which you let us down, and gather together in your house your father, mother, brothers, and all who live in your father’s house. 19 Anyone who leaves your house will be responsible for his own death—we are innocent in that case! But if anyone with you in the house is harmed, we will be responsible. 20 If you should report what we’ve been up to, we are not bound by this oath you made us swear.” 21 She said, “I agree to these conditions.” She sent them on their way and then tied the red rope in the window. 22 They went to the hill country and stayed there for three days, long enough for those chasing them to return. Their pursuers looked all along the way but did not find them. 23 Then the two men returned—they came down from the hills, crossed the river, came to Joshua son of Nun, and reported to him all they had discovered. 24 They told Joshua, “Surely the Lord is handing over all the land to us! All who live in the land are cringing before us!”