September 27th, 2026: Rahab Welcomes Spies | Joshua 2: 8-13, 6:16-17

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. (James 5:8-9).

It was called the City of Palm trees.   And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar. (Deuteronomy 34:3). The destruction of Jericho  was Israel's  first battle after crossing into the Promised Land.  

Unlike Moses had done 40 years prior, Joshua sent two spies to view the new land.  The spies went in secret.  As they came to Jericho they entered an establishment of ill repute.  Yes, more specifically the house of a prostitute. What better place to hide than in full sight.  It would not be unusual for men or strangers to gather in such a place. Hardly anyone would notice. This house was built upon the great wall of the city. What a perfect escape route if they were required to leave quickly.  Scripture does not tell us exactly why they went but it is obvious by the outcome that God was directing their steps. 

Archeologists have long debated finds from the ruins of Jericho. An event dated around 1400 BC matches perfectly to the biblical conquest of Jericho. It is estimated that the walls of Jericho were between 25-30 ft tall, sturdy enough for chariots to drive across and houses to be built upon. These walls were impenetrable in human destruction.  The residents of Jericho will soon find out; however, there has never been a wall built able to withstand the purposes or the wrath of God.  

Joshua 2:8-13

And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

The two spies entered Jericho and went to stay at the prostitute’s house.  Much debate surrounds the life and actions of Rahab.  Many chose to picture her as a hotel owner and astute  business woman instead of a prostitute.  As we have seen with other persons of scripture, God through the Holy Spirit, refuses to hide the true nature of humanity.  Scripture says she is a harlot. That is another word for prostitute.  She is a pagan.  She lives in a city wholly given to idols and false worship. She misdirects (lies) to the King’s men while hiding the spies on her roof under stalks of flax.What she says next, surprises everyone. 

Rahab announces, we have heard about you!  We know about your Yahweh.  Notice that scripture says she uses the word for Yahweh!  She has heard about the Red Sea deliverance from 40 years ago.  She knows about those that tried to kill and harm them on their way to Jericho.  She and the fellow residents of Jericho understand that the God of Israel  is a God who fights for his people, protects and delivers them. 

The city is afraid. She confesses openly that the God of Israel is the God of Heaven and earth.There is a reason that these spies have been directed to Rahab.  Her knowledge is limited but her heart believes in the true God.

Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.

Because of her belief she chose to provide safety for the men of Israel.  In return she asks that her actions be rewarded.  They agree.  She is cautioned not to tell the plan and to identify her location using a scarlet thread.  Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him. (Joshua 2:18-19). 

 This sounds a little familiar doesn’t it?  Passover was red blood on the house lintels and doors. All those that stayed within the house under the scarlet blood were safe.  Now Rahab is asked to do the same with a scarlet chord. We shall see that her and her household will be spared by obedience to a promise signified by a scarlet chord in her window.  

 It is the same for us today. We are not able to protect ourselves.  We have sinned; we have failed.  We have been prostitutes with the world, our wealth, our time, our desires. We have nothing of ourselves that will stand as a defensible wall between us and our Creator, that is until Jesus.  He is the mediator between God and man. He is our advocate for a right relationship with God the Father.   It is by accepting Him, His word, His sacrifice, His redemption, that we have hope.   All those who stay under the scarlet blood of the Son of God, Jesus, are safe.  His blood is our only defense against the wrath of a Holy and Righteous God.  

Joshua 6: 16-17

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city. And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

God heard the heart and intent of a prostitute. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. (Hebrews 11:31) In fact, Rahab is a picture of each of us.  Grafted in to the chosen family of Israel.     Rahab will go on to marry Salmon  into the tribe of Judah, her past no longer relevant.  Her son Boaz will also bring another converted pagan and into the family. Both women will be listed in Matthew in the lineage of Jesus.

What was the price of entry - faith in Yahweh.  Grace through faith results in action. Do you have a scarlet covering?  Who are you bringing under its protection?  There is a true and righteous judgement coming.  Are you ready?  

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!