Overview:

Joshua 2 recounts the story of Rahab, a Canaanite woman living in Jericho, and her role in Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land. As Joshua sends two spies to assess Jericho’s defenses, Rahab hides them, protecting them from the city’s authorities and securing their safe return to Israel. Rahab’s actions stem from her faith in the God of Israel, whom she acknowledges as sovereign over heaven and earth. Her faith and bravery lead to her and her family’s salvation when Jericho falls. This chapter highlights God’s mercy, the role of faith in salvation, and His power to bring even those outside of Israel into His covenant.

Key themes include the sovereignty and mercy of God, the faith and courage of Rahab, and the importance of trusting in God’s redemptive power.

Historical and Literary Context:

Joshua 2 takes place in the early stages of Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. The story of Rahab serves both a strategic purpose, as she aids the spies in their mission, and a theological one, as her faith in Israel’s God contrasts with the fear and opposition of her people. Rahab’s inclusion in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) later reveals God’s inclusive grace, extending His promise beyond Israel to all who seek Him in faith. Her story not only affirms God’s ability to save but also illustrates the transformative power of faith in aligning with God’s purposes.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

God’s Sovereignty and Mercy:

Rahab’s recognition of Israel’s God as supreme over heaven and earth underscores God’s sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. Despite her background, Rahab seeks God’s mercy, acknowledging His power and authority.

For Christians, Rahab’s story is a reminder of God’s merciful sovereignty and His readiness to extend grace to those who seek Him. Romans 9:15-16 affirms that God “will have mercy on whom [He] will have mercy,” demonstrating His power to redeem anyone who turns to Him in faith.

Faith that Leads to Salvation:

Rahab’s faith in God sets her apart from the rest of Jericho. She believes in God’s power to deliver Israel and acts on that belief by risking her life to protect the spies. Her faith is not passive; it is demonstrated through her actions, which ultimately lead to her family’s salvation.

For Christians, Rahab exemplifies faith that actively seeks God and leads to salvation. Hebrews 11:31 includes her among the heroes of faith, noting that her actions were motivated by her belief in God. Her story reflects the New Testament teaching that faith, when genuine, leads to tangible action (James 2:25).

God’s Inclusivity and Redemption:

Rahab’s inclusion in Israel foreshadows God’s desire to extend His covenant to all people. Though a Canaanite and a sinner, Rahab is not only saved but also becomes part of Israel’s story and heritage. This inclusivity points to God’s redemptive plan for all nations through Jesus.

For Christians, Rahab’s story is a powerful testament to God’s inclusive grace, prefiguring the message of salvation in Christ. Galatians 3:28 emphasizes that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile,” reminding believers that God’s love and salvation are available to all who put their faith in Him.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Joshua 2:1:

“Then 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.”

Joshua’s decision to send spies to Jericho mirrors Moses’ earlier mission to spy out the land. This strategic step demonstrates Joshua’s wisdom in assessing Jericho’s defenses. The spies’ arrival at Rahab’s house may have been providential, as her occupation and social status would allow them to blend in without arousing suspicion.

For Christians, this verse highlights the importance of preparation and seeking God’s wisdom in strategic decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to trust in God’s guidance, knowing that He directs their paths.

Joshua 2:2-3:

“The king of Jericho was told, ‘Look, some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.’ So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: ‘Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.’”

Jericho’s king quickly becomes aware of the spies’ presence, underscoring the tension and anticipation surrounding Israel’s arrival. The request for Rahab to surrender the spies places her in a difficult position, where she must choose between loyalty to her people or to Israel’s God.

For Christians, Rahab’s choice reflects the need for courage when faced with decisions that test loyalty to God over cultural expectations. Acts 5:29 teaches, “We must obey God rather than human beings,” reminding believers to prioritize God’s will.

Joshua 2:4-5:

“But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, ‘Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. I don’t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.’”

Rahab hides the spies and misleads the king’s men to protect them. Her actions stem from her faith in Israel’s God, whom she believes will conquer Jericho. Though Rahab’s deception raises moral questions, her faith-driven courage is affirmed in the New Testament as an act of faith (Hebrews 11:31).

For Christians, this passage emphasizes the need for discernment and courage when taking a stand for God. Rahab’s choice demonstrates a faith that risks everything to align with God’s purposes, encouraging believers to act boldly in faith.

Joshua 2:8-11:

“Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, ‘I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 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 Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.’”

Rahab’s confession reveals her belief in Israel’s God as supreme over all. Her acknowledgment of God’s miracles—the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of kings Sihon and Og—indicates her knowledge of Israel’s history and the mighty acts of God. Rahab’s faith stands in stark contrast to the fear of Jericho’s inhabitants, marking her as one who seeks God’s mercy and aligns herself with His purposes.

For Christians, Rahab’s confession is a powerful example of faith in action. Romans 10:9 reminds believers that faith involves confessing Jesus as Lord, affirming God’s sovereignty over every situation.

Joshua 2:12-14:

“‘Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.’ ‘Our lives for your lives!’ the men assured her. ‘If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.’”

Rahab’s request for protection for her family underscores her faith that Jericho will fall. Her boldness in seeking mercy for her family highlights her love for them and her confidence in God’s ability to save. The spies’ pledge to protect her family illustrates God’s willingness to extend mercy to all who turn to Him.

For Christians, this passage emphasizes the power of faith and intercession. Like Rahab, believers are encouraged to intercede for their families and loved ones, trusting in God’s ability to save (1 Timothy 2:1).

Joshua 2:15-16:

“So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. 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.’”

Rahab’s house, located on the city wall, allows her to help the spies escape undetected. She provides them with a plan to evade capture, demonstrating her practical wisdom and further commitment to assisting them.

For Christians, this verse illustrates the role of wisdom and resourcefulness in accomplishing God’s purposes. Matthew 10:16 encourages believers to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves,” reminding them to use discernment in their actions.

Joshua 2:17-21:

“Now the men had said to her, ‘This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in “As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.’ ‘Agreed,’ she replied. ‘Let it be as you say.’ So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.”

The spies set specific conditions for Rahab’s safety, emphasizing the importance of the scarlet cord as a sign of protection. The scarlet cord must be visible in the window, and her family must remain inside her home to be saved. This detail signifies the covenant between Rahab and the spies, symbolizing her faith and their commitment to honor their oath.

For Christians, the scarlet cord can be seen as a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ, whose blood provides protection and salvation. Just as Rahab’s family was safe within her home, those who trust in Jesus find refuge in Him. Hebrews 9:14 speaks of the blood of Christ, which cleanses and saves, emphasizing the significance of faith and obedience to God’s covenant.

Joshua 2:22-24:

“When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. They said to Joshua, ‘The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.’”

The spies follow Rahab’s instructions and safely evade capture, staying hidden for three days before returning to report to Joshua. Their report confirms that God has instilled fear among the people of Jericho, strengthening Israel’s resolve to conquer the land. The spies’ confidence in God’s promise to give Israel the land reflects their faith in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.

For Christians, the spies’ report encourages believers to trust in God’s plans and timing, even in seemingly difficult situations. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls believers to trust in the Lord with all their heart, acknowledging that God’s guidance is always reliable and that His promises are sure.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Joshua 2 highlights God’s sovereignty and mercy in choosing Rahab—a Canaanite and a sinner—as a recipient of His grace and a participant in Israel’s story. Her faith in God and her actions demonstrate that salvation is accessible to all who put their trust in Him, regardless of background. Rahab’s story foreshadows the gospel’s inclusivity, a theme fully realized in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation to all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

The scarlet cord, a sign of Rahab’s faith and the spies’ commitment, prefigures the redemptive power of Christ’s blood. Just as the cord marked Rahab’s house as a place of refuge, the blood of Jesus marks believers as recipients of God’s protection and salvation. 1 Peter 1:18-19 describes believers as redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect,” highlighting the connection between Rahab’s salvation and the ultimate deliverance found in Christ.

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Title: “Faith, Courage, and Redemption: Lessons from Rahab in Joshua 2”

1. Introduction
   • Introduce the themes of God’s sovereignty, mercy, and the courage of Rahab, a woman of faith in a foreign land.
   • Emphasize how Rahab’s faith, despite her background, serves as a testament to God’s inclusive grace and redemptive power.
2. God’s Sovereignty and Mercy (Joshua 2:1-7)
   • Discuss Rahab’s choice to hide the spies, highlighting her faith in the sovereignty and power of Israel’s God.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are encouraged to trust in God’s power and mercy, regardless of their background or past (Romans 9:15-16).
3. Faith That Leads to Salvation (Joshua 2:8-14)
   • Examine Rahab’s confession of faith in God, emphasizing her courage to act on that faith by seeking salvation for her family.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where genuine faith is demonstrated through action and leads to salvation (James 2:25).
4. God’s Inclusivity and Redemption (Joshua 2:15-21)
   • Highlight the significance of the scarlet cord as a symbol of protection and the covenant between Rahab and the spies.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, seeing the scarlet cord as a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work, where His blood provides refuge for all who believe (1 Peter 1:18-19).
5. Conclusion
   • Reaffirm the call to courage, faith, and trust in God’s sovereignty, as illustrated in Rahab’s story.
   • Encourage believers to see God’s inclusive grace at work in their lives, trusting in His protection and redemptive power.

Illustrations and Examples:

• Personal Story: Share an example of someone who found faith and courage despite difficult circumstances, illustrating how God’s grace can reach anyone willing to trust Him.
• Global Example: Many cultures honor acts of courage and hospitality. Relate this to Rahab’s courageous choice to protect the spies and align herself with God’s purposes.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Joshua 2 calls today’s believers to:

• Trust in God’s Sovereign Mercy: Rahab’s story reminds believers that God’s grace extends beyond boundaries and backgrounds. No one is beyond God’s reach, and all who seek Him in faith will find mercy and acceptance.
• Demonstrate Faith through Action: Rahab’s courageous act of hiding the spies shows that true faith involves risk and action. Believers are encouraged to let their faith lead to actions that align with God’s will, even when it requires courage.
• Find Refuge in Christ’s Redemption: The scarlet cord, symbolizing Rahab’s covenant with the spies, foreshadows the protective power of Christ’s blood. Believers are reminded that they find refuge in Jesus, whose sacrifice covers and saves them.

Connection to the Father in Joshua 2:

God the Father’s sovereignty and mercy are evident in Rahab’s story, as He brings salvation to her despite her background. His willingness to extend grace to a Canaanite woman reflects His heart for all people, showing that His love and mercy are available to those who seek Him. Through Rahab’s inclusion in Israel’s story, God demonstrates His desire to reach all who are willing to trust in Him.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Joshua 2:

Rahab’s story foreshadows Jesus’ mission of redemption, as she finds salvation through faith in God and is brought into the covenant community. Jesus, the ultimate Redeemer, offers salvation to all who believe in Him, breaking down barriers of nationality and background. Through Christ, believers receive the protection and forgiveness symbolized by the scarlet cord, finding eternal refuge in His sacrifice (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Joshua 2:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to act with courage and faith, just as Rahab did. Her actions, inspired by a deep conviction of God’s power, reflect the Spirit’s work in guiding believers toward truth and righteousness. The Spirit enables believers to discern God’s purposes, providing strength and wisdom in moments that require bold action.

Connection to God’s Love in Joshua 2:

God’s love is displayed in His willingness to save Rahab and welcome her into His covenant people. Through Rahab, God shows that His love is not limited by past mistakes or cultural barriers. His inclusive love, fully revealed in Jesus Christ, calls all people to come to Him in faith, trusting that His love is strong enough to redeem and restore.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does Rahab’s story of faith and courage inspire you to trust in God’s mercy and sovereignty?
2. In what areas of your life can you demonstrate your faith through courageous actions?
3. How does the symbolism of the scarlet cord help you understand the power of Christ’s redemptive work?
4. What steps can you take to seek God’s protection and refuge in times of uncertainty?
5. How does Rahab’s inclusion in Israel’s story encourage you to view God’s love as inclusive and available to all who seek Him?