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In Joshua 2, Rahab hides two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout Jericho. The king of Jericho learns of the spies and orders Rahab to bring them out, but she conceals them on her roof. Rahab expresses her belief that the Israelite God is the one and only true and living God, acknowledging the terror He has caused in the land due to their victories. She recounts the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of the Amorite kings as evidence of God’s power.
Rahab requests that the spies spare her family in return for her help. The spies agree, instructing her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign to spare her household. After hiding the spies for three days, Rahab sends them away, and they return to report to Joshua that the LORD has given them victory over Jericho. The people of the land are filled with fear because of the Israelites’ power.
The ancient city of Jericho holds a lot of history. It is known as the city of palms. Archeologists maintain that Jericho is one of the oldest cities in the world today with 20 different successive settlements discovered beneath the earth! New digs continue to find remarkable artifacts that confirm the Biblical accounts of this famous city.
Referenced 59 times in Scripture, it appears in the story of Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore-fig tree to see Jesus and is also featured in the parable of the Good Samaritan who is nearly beaten to death on his way to Jericho. But the most legendary story of Jericho is found right here in Joshua where Israel is on the brink of finally claiming their Promised Land.
This was a piecemeal process for Israel. What’s the definition of piecemeal? “In an unsystematic way, partial measures taken over a period of time.” I want to focus on that last part – partial measures taken over a period of time. God has promised the land, but the process of receiving it will require Israel to go back to God at every turn.
Why did these spies go into the home of a prostitute? There are a lot of theories on this. She may have been an innkeeper as well, but ultimately, I believe the Holy Spirit led them there. Just as He always is, the Spirit was at work in the most unpredictable way. It’s important to note that this home was on the back wall of the city. So, if they needed a quick escape, it was there. Though the writer does not commend Rahab’s lifestyle and past choices, she is favored because of her faith in God. Rahab makes an unbelievable statement of faith for a Gentile.
“and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you. [10] For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan.”
Joshua 2:9-10 CSB
But the reason why Rahab is elevated high in Scripture isn’t just because of what she says. She backs up her words with actions. The scarlet cord she ties to her window places Rahab in the midst of God’s grace. She had faith in the Passover story of Exodus and now, by faith, she has the opportunity to experience much of the same. She will trust that God will now pass over her house when His people raid the land.
“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”
Hebrews 11:31 ESV
Rahab’s story also reminds us of the story of Tamar in Genesis 38 when she had a scarlet thread tied to the wrist of her first son.
“and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse,”
Matthew 1:5 ESV
Through this non-Israelite woman’s faith, her and her family were saved. It doesn’t stop there, in Hebrews, it is declared that because she welcomed the spies by faith, her and her family were “passed over.” They were all saved by God. By faith, Rahab seized the moment in front of her and put it all on the line. Her neighbors didn’t recognize it. Her friends didn’t recognize it.
By her occupation and social status alone she was considered automatically outside of God’s nature and presence. She was a prostitute, a woman, and a Gentile. But God’s ultimate goal was to reclaim the nations. And now, we even have her in Matthew – the genealogy to Jesus. God can mend and mold anyone who has faith in Him.
Some might read this story and become offended or confused as to why a prostitute is the focal point. God has never taken an interest in the works of humans as a means to Salvation. Status, popularity, titles, and works do not justify us in the sight of God. The significance of this story is not who Rahab is, but who God is. God saw Rahab. He knew her shame. He heard her cries for help. He saw her little faith. God came and rescued Rahab from her own pit of destruction, and He did the same for us. We cannot miss this!
Rahab had to step out and trust a God she had only heard of in stories! She literally risked her life by choosing to trust God. The lesson we can learn here is that God sometimes chooses the most unlikely and unqualified to accomplish His purpose. He is always working.