Rahab’s Redemption: Finding Salvation in Unexpected Places

Executive Summary ✨

Joshua 2 tells the captivating story of Rahab, a Canaanite woman in Jericho, who risks her life to protect the Israelite spies sent to scout the land. This chapter is more than just a historical narrative; it’s a powerful testament to God’s boundless mercy and His willingness to embrace those from the margins of society. Rahab’s faith, demonstrated through her courageous act of hiding the spies, becomes a pivotal moment in the Israelite conquest of Jericho and earns her a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ. This **Rahab’s Faith** serves as an eternal reminder that salvation is available to all who turn to God in faith and obedience, regardless of their past. Through this commentary, we will explore the theological depths of this chapter, drawing upon Coptic Orthodox tradition, Patristic insights, and practical applications for our lives today. This story is a timeless reminder that redemption can be found in the most unexpected places. This is further expanded upon in the WordPress Hosting services that will make your message accesible.

Introduction: Joshua 2 presents us with a scene of espionage, danger, and ultimately, redemption. It’s a story that challenges our preconceived notions of who is worthy of God’s grace and reminds us of the transformative power of faith. Let us delve into this rich narrative and uncover the spiritual treasures it holds.

Commentary Sections

Joshua 2:1

“And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.” (KJV)

“Then Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there.” (NKJV)

Commentary: Joshua, following God’s command, initiates the reconnaissance of Jericho. The choice of sending spies secretly underscores the need for prudence and wisdom in approaching challenges. The spies’ decision to lodge in Rahab’s house, a seemingly precarious location, highlights God’s providential hand at work. This act, at first glance, might seem questionable, but within the context of the story, it becomes the very instrument of their salvation. The Greek Septuagint (LXX) uses the word “κατάσκοποι” (kataskopoi) for spies, emphasizing their role as observers and gatherers of intelligence. St. Cyril of Alexandria comments on this passage, noting the importance of discernment and careful planning in the pursuit of God’s will (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Joshua*, PG 69:624). Consider the spiritual parallels: we, too, must scout our spiritual landscape, identifying the Jericho’s in our lives – those obstacles that stand between us and the promised land of God’s blessings. Pray for discernment, and ask God to guide your steps in difficult situations.

Joshua 2:2-3

“And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country. And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.” (KJV)

“And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight of the children of Israel to search out the country.” So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.”” (NKJV)

Commentary: News of the spies’ arrival quickly reaches the king of Jericho, demonstrating the watchful eyes of the world and the ever-present threat to those who align themselves with God’s people. The king’s demand for Rahab to betray the spies places her in a difficult position. She must choose between loyalty to her king and the potential salvation offered by the God of Israel. St. Athanasius, in his *Against the Heathen*, emphasizes that choosing God often requires forsaking worldly allegiances (“Ἀλλὰ τῷ Θεῷ μᾶλλον πειθαρχεῖν δεῖ ἢ τοῖς ἀνθρώποις” – “But we must obey God rather than men,” Athanasius, *Against the Heathen*, PG 25:24). Think about the modern day parallels, have there been times when your faith has been tested in the modern world? Have you been asked to compromise your beliefs or your ethics to conform to society? Rahab’s courage to stand against injustice serves as an inspiring example for how to have strength in your faith.

Joshua 2:4-6

“And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.” (KJV)

“Then the woman took the two men and hid them. So she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And it happened, as the gate was being shut when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” (But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.)” (NKJV)

Commentary: Rahab’s decisive action to hide the spies and deceive the king’s messengers demonstrates her burgeoning faith and courage. This act is not merely a clever ruse; it is an act of defiance against the prevailing powers of her society. The detail about the stalks of flax is interesting. Flax was commonly grown in the Jordan Valley, and its presence on Rahab’s roof suggests she was involved in textile production. Rahab uses what’s around her to aid the Israelite spies, acting as a resource even when she doesn’t know the whole story. It’s a reminder that God will use us where we are. St. Basil the Great, in his homilies, often speaks of the “oikonomia” (οἰκονομία) of God, meaning God’s wise and providential arrangement of events for the salvation of humanity (Basil the Great, *Homily on Psalm 45*, PG 29:409). Rahab is acting according to this “oikonomia,” unknowingly participating in God’s plan. We too must become resourceful, using our talents and resources for the service of God and our neighbor.

Joshua 2:8-11

“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.” (KJV)

“Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, and said to the men: “I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you, for 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 the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” (NKJV)

Commentary: Rahab’s declaration of faith is the heart of this passage. She acknowledges the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel, recognizing His hand in the miraculous events of the Exodus and the defeat of the Amorite kings. Her words reveal that her actions are not merely motivated by fear, but by a genuine belief in the one true God. The phrase “our hearts did melt” highlights the psychological impact of God’s power on the Canaanites. This is a physical response to the revelation of God. St. Augustine, in his *Confessions*, speaks of the human heart being restless until it finds rest in God (“Fecisti nos ad te, et inquietum est cor nostrum, donec requiescat in te,” Augustine, *Confessions*, 1.1). Rahab’s heart, initially filled with fear, finds a measure of peace in recognizing the power of God. What can we learn from Rahab’s courage to declare her faith amidst a hostile environment? How can we actively pursue encounters with God that will melt away fear and replace it with the unwavering faith we see in Rahab?

Joshua 2:12-14

“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. And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.” (KJV)

“Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token, and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” So the men answered her, “Our life for yours, if you do not tell this business of ours. And it shall be, when the Lord has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.”” (NKJV)

Commentary: Rahab shrewdly secures a covenant with the spies, ensuring the safety of her family. This is a demonstration of her love and concern for those closest to her. She requests a “true token” (אֹת אֱמֶת – ot emet), signifying a reliable sign of their commitment. Rahab is concerned with not just herself, but for all she loves. This love is extended to include those that have previously been enemies. This reflects what is taught in the Gospels. The spies, in turn, swear an oath to protect her, highlighting the importance of keeping one’s word. The Deuterocanonical book of Sirach emphasizes the value of trustworthiness: “A man that is faithful shall be much praised: and he that is a keeper of other men’s things shall not lack” (Sirach 31:22). How can we cultivate a greater sense of loyalty and trustworthiness in our own lives? What “tokens” can we offer to those we love to assure them of our unwavering commitment?

Joshua 2:15-21

“Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way. And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear. 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 blameless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him. And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear. And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.” (KJV)

“Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall; she dwelt on the wall. And she said to them, “Get to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you. Hide there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward you may go your way.” So the men said to her: “We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear, unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring all your relatives, your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household, home to you. Then it shall be that whoever goes outside the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we will be guiltless. And whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him. And if you tell this business of ours, then we will be free from your oath which you made us swear.” Then she said, “According to your words, so let it be.” And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window.” (NKJV)

Commentary: Rahab’s house being on the city wall provided a unique escape route. The scarlet cord is a powerful symbol of redemption and protection. Many see it as a foreshadowing of the blood of Christ, which offers salvation to all who believe. The instruction to gather her family within her house emphasizes the importance of communal salvation. The mountain the spies hid on was to the East of Jericho, a location that provides natural cover. The hiding for three days likely mimics the length of time for search parties to be sent. St. Gregory of Nyssa, in his *Life of Moses*, uses the image of the scarlet cord to illustrate the Church as a safe haven for believers (Gregory of Nyssa, *Life of Moses*, PG 44:365). What are the “scarlet cords” that God provides for us today? How can we create spaces of safety and belonging for those around us? In what ways can our families and communities find protection and redemption through the teachings of Christ and the love we share?

The Significance of the Scarlet Cord 🧵

The scarlet cord, prominently displayed in Rahab’s window, serves as a potent symbol of salvation and divine protection. It’s more than just a piece of colored fabric; it represents a promise, a covenant, and a tangible sign of hope.

• Symbol of Redemption: The scarlet cord prefigures the blood of Christ, which offers redemption and atonement for sins.
• Covenant Promise: It represents the covenant between Rahab and the Israelite spies, ensuring her safety and the safety of her family.
• Visible Sign of Faith: By displaying the cord, Rahab publicly declares her faith in the God of Israel and her reliance on His promise.
• A Reminder of Hope: The cord serves as a constant reminder to Rahab and her family that they are under God’s protection.
• Universal Application: The symbolism of the scarlet cord transcends time and culture, offering hope to all who seek refuge in God’s grace.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why did the spies go to a prostitute’s house?

A: The choice of Rahab’s house might seem unusual, but it could have been a strategic decision. Such establishments were often frequented by travelers, making it easier for the spies to blend in and gather information without arousing suspicion. God can use any situation, even those considered morally questionable, to accomplish His purposes.

Q: What does Rahab’s inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ signify?

A: Rahab’s inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5) demonstrates God’s boundless grace and His willingness to embrace those from all backgrounds. It challenges societal prejudices and highlights the transformative power of faith. It underscores that salvation is available to all who turn to God in faith, regardless of their past.

Q: What is the spiritual significance of Jericho?

A: Jericho, as the first city conquered by the Israelites in the Promised Land, represents the obstacles and strongholds that stand between us and God’s blessings. Its conquest symbolizes the overcoming of challenges through faith and obedience to God’s commands.

Q: How can we apply Rahab’s story to our lives today?

A: We can learn from Rahab’s courage, faith, and resourcefulness. We can emulate her willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult. We can also remember that God’s grace extends to all, and that He can use us, regardless of our past, to accomplish His purposes. Moreover, we can learn how to seek Him relentlessly for His guidance as Rahab sought refuge in the promise made by the two spies.

Conclusion

The story of **Rahab’s Faith** in Joshua 2 is a timeless narrative of redemption, courage, and divine grace. Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, becomes an unlikely hero, demonstrating that salvation is available to all who turn to God in faith. Her actions in protecting the Israelite spies not only secured her own salvation but also placed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ. This chapter challenges us to reconsider our preconceived notions about who is worthy of God’s love and reminds us of the transformative power of faith. Like Rahab, we too can find redemption in unexpected places, demonstrating courage in the face of adversity, and trusting in the unwavering promise of God’s protection. Let us embrace Rahab’s example and live lives of faith, courage, and compassion, knowing that God can use even the most unlikely among us to accomplish His glorious purposes. This transformative power extends to your outreach with email marketing efforts, amplifying your message.

Tags

Rahab, Jericho, Joshua, spies, faith, redemption, Old Testament, Coptic Orthodox, Patristic, salvation

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Explore **Rahab’s Faith** and redemption in Joshua 2: a Coptic Orthodox commentary on Rahab’s courage, salvation, and inclusion in Jesus’ lineage. Discover profound spiritual lessons.