Joshua 2:16 – “She said to them, ‘Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Rahab provides the spies with specific instructions for escaping the city and avoiding capture. She advises them to flee to the hills and hide there for three days until the men searching for them give up and return to Jericho. Rahab’s advice is practical and shows her concern for the spies’ safety. By directing them to the hills, she helps the spies avoid the roads where their pursuers would be looking. Her guidance reflects her wisdom and quick thinking, and it highlights her continued involvement in ensuring the spies’ safe return to their people.
Historical Context
Rahab’s instructions reflect the terrain around Jericho. The hills she mentioned were likely part of the rugged landscape near the Jordan River, full of caves and rocky terrain, making it an ideal hiding spot. Jericho’s position made it a key city on the approach to Canaan, heavily guarded and alert to potential threats. The Israelites were seen as a direct danger to the city, and the search for the spies was intense. Rahab’s strategy of hiding in the hills for three days shows her deep understanding of her surroundings and the behavior of her own people. The three-day period was likely long enough for the search party to assume the spies had fled far beyond their reach.
Theological Implications
Rahab’s actions in this verse further illustrate the theme of God’s provision and guidance through unlikely means. God often uses people and circumstances in unexpected ways to accomplish His purposes, and Rahab’s involvement in protecting the spies is a clear example of this. Her instruction to hide for three days can also be seen as a symbolic time frame, echoing other significant “three days” moments in Scripture that point to a period of waiting, protection, or transformation. This instance reminds us that God’s guidance often comes through practical advice and wisdom that aligns with His plan.
Literary Analysis
This verse is filled with tension and urgency. Rahab’s quick and detailed instructions reveal her active role in the spies’ escape, moving beyond simply hiding them to strategically planning their safe exit from the city. The mention of “three days” adds a layer of suspense, emphasizing the narrow window of time that was critical for their survival. Rahab’s direct speech, “Go to the hills,” captures her assertiveness and the immediacy of the moment, highlighting the high stakes involved.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
The concept of hiding and being protected for a set period is seen throughout Scripture. In Exodus 2:2-3, Moses was hidden for three months before being placed in a basket to escape Pharaoh’s decree. Similarly, Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, experiencing God’s protection and preparation (Jonah 1:17). These stories illustrate the recurring theme of God’s protective care over His people during critical times, much like the spies’ experience in the hills.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Rahab’s instructions to the spies remind us that God often works through practical wisdom and guidance in our everyday lives. Her actions encourage believers to be attentive to God’s leading, even when it comes through unexpected people or circumstances. This verse teaches that trusting in God’s plan includes listening to wise counsel and taking deliberate steps to align with His protection. Rahab’s involvement shows that God’s provision often includes the support of others who are willing to help us in our journey of faith.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving care and His attention to detail in the lives of those who trust Him. Through Rahab, God provided not just a hiding place but a strategy for the spies’ survival. It demonstrates that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, orchestrating events and using others to fulfill His promises. God’s love is evident in the way He guided the spies to safety, ensuring that His plan for Israel would move forward. Rahab’s role in this process showcases God’s compassion and His willingness to work through all kinds of people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Rahab’s instructions to hide for three days can be seen as a subtle foreshadowing of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, where Jesus spent three days in the grave before rising again (Matthew 12:40). Just as the three days were a critical period for the spies’ safety, Jesus’ three days in the tomb were essential for the victory over sin and death. Rahab’s guidance to the spies reflects the protection and hope that are fully realized in Christ, who provides the ultimate way of escape from spiritual danger. Rahab’s story, and her place in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:5), further emphasizes God’s redemptive plan for all who trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Rahab’s practical advice to the spies challenge you to seek and follow wise counsel in your own life?
- What does this verse teach us about God’s ability to provide safety and guidance, even in difficult circumstances?
- How can Rahab’s involvement inspire you to recognize and act on opportunities to help others, even when it requires bold action?
- In what ways does the theme of protection and waiting for three days in this verse remind you of Christ’s death and resurrection?