June 13, 2021
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Reading along with us in Joshua? Here’s today’s reading:
Joshua 2 (NIV)
Rahab and the Spies
1Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there........Continue Reading
The faith Rahab, a prostitute, showed here is amazing. She had heard of the way God had been protecting and helping the Israelites and she believed in God! She believed God would provide a way to protect her and her family because she was faithful and helped the spies.
Interesting genealogy Rahab is the mother of Boaz (who married Ruth) and is in the line of Jesus. This is also an early (if not the first) example of a gentile coming to faith.
Joshua 2: Rehab’s faith in God kept the spies that Joshua had sent into Jericho safe and in exchange they would protect her family when they would come back with the Israelites.
Rahab clearly declares her belief.
“I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. 11 And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”
As we have worked through the book of Joshua, the COMPLETE destruction of the Canaanites is commanded and for the most part obeyed. It is interesting to see God’s plan and purpose in preserving Rahab, she is in the lineage of Jesus. (Matthew 1:5)
It is interesting that Rahab affirms the fear of the Jews that has spread throughout the land. God had promised that very thing would happen if the Jews were obedient to Him. God’s reputation precedes Him and the victories He has brought are well known. And yet it is impressive that Rahab embraces this faith and does the very things consistent with it: she protects the spies and trusts that they will be able to save her and her family. Reminded me of James 2….faith without works is dead…..
24They said to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”