Joshua 2:8-14
8 Now before the spies lay down, she came up to them on the roof,
9 and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have despaired because of you.
10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.
11 When we heard these reports, our hearts melted and no courage remained in anyone any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth below.
12 Now then, please swear to me by the Lord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth,
13 and spare my father and my mother, and my brothers and my sisters, and all who belong to them, and save our lives from death.”
14 So the men said to her, “Our life for yours if you do not tell this business of ours; and it shall come about when the Lord gives us the land that we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”
Rahab’s Faith
Rahab’s confession
Rahab risked her own life to hide the two spies. Though her action was that of betrayal against her people, she believed that the Lord (YHWH) had given Israel the land of Canaan and chose to share her fate with them. Let us look into Rahab’s confession. (1) She knew God’s covenant name, YHWH, and said it four times. (2) She referenced the events of when the Lord (YHWH) led the Israelites across the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea) and of when He utterly destroyed the two kings of Amorites, Sihon and Og, in land the east of Jordan River. Now, these were the first and the final events that occurred during Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness, which means that she and the Canaanites were well aware of the things that took place in the 40 years. (3) She then revealed that the Canaanites were in fear. (4) Finally, she declared that not only the Lord (YHWH) is the God of Israel, but He is the God above heaven and earth.
Rahab’s wish
At this point, Rahab knew that she and her family will be destroyed along with the city. So, she pressed the spies to promise that her family will be spared. “Now therefore, please swear to me by the Lord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth.” (1) The Hebrew word for kindly is “hesed.” This is a significant word that means God’s faithfulness in His covenant. Rahab surely was purposeful in using this word while suggesting the spies make a covenant with her. (2) The content of the covenant was that of her family’s deliverance. (3) She then asked for a pledge of truth. (4) To this request, the spies answered that they too will deal kindly and be faithful. The only condition was that she does not tell anyone that the two men came to Jericho as spies. What can we learn from Rahab’s faith? Having a clear view of history, the right understanding of the Lord’s sovereignty and everlasting covenant, and being persistent in seeking blessings grants you the Lord’s mercy. Let us also pray we harbor such qualities.
Today's prayer
Our Creator, allow me to abide in the shadow of Your wings today. May we engage truthfully with the truth You have shared with us. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.