Rahab was a harlot or, in other words, a prostitute. She grew up in a pagan Canaanite culture of Jericho. This culture worshipped Baal and other idols. Joshua was the new leader when we first hear about Rahab. How and why did the spies meet Rahab?
Read Joshua 2:2-7. What do we learn from this passage? The king of Jericho learned that spies of Israel were there. He sent word to Rahab to turn them in. Rahab misled the representatives to the king by saying that they had left. She hid the spies in the stalks of flax drying on her roof. Now the soldiers were heading to the Jordan River where the Israelites were camping at. Was Rahab wrong to lie to the soldiers to protect the spies?
Read Joshua 2:8-24. What evidence do you see in verse 9? What had she learned about the God of Israel? What was her response? What request did she make in return for hiding the spies? What were the conditions of the agreement between the spies and Rahab? What did Rahab do? What did the spies do after leaving Rahab? Did Rahab have faith? And if so, what happened because of her faith?
For a lady living in a pagan culture, she had faith in God. The one and only true God. The spies listen to her advice and they campout on a hillside for three days and then returned to Joshua. They realized that God’s hand was in everything. When we use our faith, it will impact those around us. God will use our faith.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your great ways. I pray that we will have faith like Rahab. I pray that we will do your will and obey you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
