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Rahab and the Spies

Funke Otiwhor Ajigboye
Mar 17
4 min read

Joshua 2:1-24

And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. Joshua 2:1

After Moses passed away, God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan. God spoke directly to Joshua, urging him to rise up and cross the Jordan River to claim the land He had promised them (see Joshua 1:1-2). Joshua listened to God and began preparing the people to cross the river.

In his wisdom, Joshua sent two spies to Jericho to scout out the land. The spies entered the city and found refuge in the home of a woman named Rahab, who was known as a harlot. However, word got back to the King of Jericho about their arrival, and he sent men to Rahab's house to capture the spies.

Rahab acted quickly. She hid the spies among the stalks of flax on her roof and told the king’s men that the spies had already left the city under the cover of darkness. She cleverly misdirected them, sending them on a wild goose chase outside the city gates.

Then, Rahab made a bold move. She approached the spies and asked them to spare her family in exchange for her kindness. She wanted her father, mother, brothers, sisters, and everyone in her household to be saved from destruction. The spies agreed, but they had specific instructions for her. When it was time for them to leave, she helped them escape through a window, as her house was built into the city wall. She told them to hide in the mountains for three days until it was safe to leave.

The spies instructed her to tie a scarlet cord in the window through which they had escaped. They made it clear that her family needed to stay inside her house for protection. Anyone who stepped outside would be responsible for their own fate. They also warned her not to tell anyone about their agreement.

18 When we come into the land, you must tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down. Bring your father, mother, brothers, and all your family into your home.

19 And if anyone goes out of your house into the street, their blood will be on their own head; we will be innocent. But if anyone is in the house with you, their blood will be on our heads if a hand is laid on them.

The spies then escaped, and followed her instructions, hiding in the mountain for three days. When they returned safely, they reported back to Joshua about everything that had happened.

Later, when the Israelites conquered Jericho (see Joshua 6:16-17), they destroyed everything in the city, except for Rahab and those who were with her in her house. The spies' promise to her was fulfilled.

17 The city and everything in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who are with her in her house, because she hid the messengers we sent.

23 The young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, mother, brothers, and all her relatives; they brought them out and placed them outside the camp of Israel.

25 But Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father's household, and all that she had; she lives among the Israelites to this day because she hid the messengers Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho.

What Inspired Rahab to Risk It All?

Rahab’s decision to protect the spies stemmed from her faith in the God of Israel. She had heard about the incredible things God had done for His people, and she believed that He had given the land to the Israelites. The fear of the Israelites had gripped the people of Jericho, and Rahab recognized that God was with them.

Her faith is highlighted in Hebrews 11:31, where it says that her actions not only saved her but also her entire family from destruction.

31 By faith, the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she received the spies with peace.

thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by. Joshua 2: 18

Rahab later became part of the lineage of Jesus. She married a man named Salmon, who many believe was one of the spies she helped. They had a son named Boaz, who married Ruth, and their family line continued to King David.

Here are five lessons we can learn from Rahab's story:

Faith Can Come from Unexpected Places: Rahab was a Gentile and a known sinner, yet her faith in God was strong. She believed in His power before even meeting the spies.
Faith Requires Courage: Rahab bravely hid the spies and misled the king’s men, risking her life for what she believed was right.
The Power of the Blood: The scarlet cord she hung in her window symbolizes the protective power of Jesus' blood, which saves all who trust in Him.
Seize Opportunities: Rahab took the chance to negotiate for her family’s safety, demonstrating that kindness can lead to great blessings.
Wisdom in Discretion: Rahab kept the spies' secret, showing that sometimes, discretion is essential for protecting what matters.

Rahab's faith not only saved her family but also played a crucial role in the fall of Jericho, fulfilling God's promise to His people. As believers, we must consider how our faith can contribute to the greater purpose of God's kingdom.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I ask for Your grace to strengthen my faith and empower me to take bold steps for Your kingdom. Help me to walk in obedience to Your will every day. In Jesus' name, Amen.