Joshua Chapter 2
It is ironic to learn that there was a growing fear of the Israelite people amongst the inhabitants of the promised land. Just 40 years prior, the Israelites had let fear overcome them when they heard about giants in the promised land. Word had spread like wildfire that the Israelites were headed their way and that there was a very large number of them. According to the testimony of Rahab they had also heard about how God had opened the Red Sea when they left Egypt and how the two kingdoms of Sihon and Og and been annihilated. Rahab said that when they heard about these things their hearts melted, they were afraid. God had already been preparing the way for the Israelites to conquer and have victory, and He had already been preparing the heart of Rahab.
The Bible is clear that Rahab was a prostitute, and she told a lie to protect the two spies. Yet from her testimony we can tell that God had been working on her heart. She had heard the news accounts about the Israelites and dared to believe that there was one true God who was supernaturally working on behalf of the Israelites. Rahab was ready to trust in the God who was calling her heart and would save her and her family when the Israelites entered the land. Rahab said to the two spies, “I know that the LORD (Yahweh) has given you the land.” And we see that God knew her heart as she was mentioned in the book of Hebrews in the New Testament.
Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
Let's Reflect
1. We see in the first verse that Joshua sent in these two spies to Jericho. This time it was going to be a bit different when sending spies into the land. The spies were more like scouts so that Joshua could plan how to lead the people effectively. What word in this verse tells us that Joshua did not announce to the people that he was sending spies?
2. It may trouble some when they read that the spies spent the night in the home of a prostitute. While the situation is arguably not ideal, we need to think strategically. As the two discussed where they could rest before heading back to the camp of the Israelites, they needed someplace to rest, and they didn’t know anyone who lived there. A prostitute was the least likely person to turn on them and report them to authorities or to kill them while they slept. Secondly, we read that her house was in a very strategic location for a quick escape if necessary. Her house was near the city gate, and we also learn what about her house? See verse 15.
3. The Bible does not mention anything about the two men having sexual relations with her. What does the Bible say in verse 1 say about this?
4. Somehow people had found out that the two Israelites were staying in Rahab’s house and reported it to their king. What did the king do?
5. Rahab hid the men on her roof, protecting them from the king’s men. According to verse 8-11 she had a conversation with them on the roof, and she told of her faith in God. What in particular did she say in verse 11 that showed her faith?
6. She helped the men escape and asked for something in return. What did she ask for?
7. When Joshua heard the story that these two spies told him upon their return, Joshua had a wonderful reaction. What did Joshua say about what had happened to the spies?
