Message: Rahab Trusts the God of Israel
Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components.
What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 1 - After Moses' death, God calls Joshua to lead Israel across Jordan, to the promised land of Canaan, a gift from God - God will be with him and them - be strong and courageous - be careful to do God's law - prepares Israel to enter Canaan - the people confirm their obedience and following of Jordan.
Now I move into Chapter 2 - Joshua sends spies to view the land, especially Jericho and they lodged with Rahab, the harlot - the king of Jericho speaks to Rahab to have her surrender these men - she states she does not know where they are - she told leaders they had left but actually she brought them to her roof - she knows the Lord has given Israel this land - heard about drying up of Red Sea - and heard about destroying Sihon and Og - God is God to heaven above and on earth beneath - hopes to be dealt kindly and father spared and household - the men promise her safety - but swear her to secrecy - her household only will be spared - provided a sign by tying a cord of scarlet - they remained in the hill country 3 days waiting for pursuers of them to flee and then returned to Joshua telling him that the land is in their hands.
God promises the land to Israel and yet Joshua is still careful, sending spies to check things out. We are to be wise in our action even as God promises. Rahab's home might have been more of a type of private inn. Sort of like the western saloon where people come to get away but also find women waiting to take care of them along their journey.
Rahab does lie to protect these spies from the opposition and in turn there seems to be a justification in this rare sense to the sin of lying. The focus of this chapter though seems to be that Rahab places her faith and trust in God. She knows God is on the throne and wants to be protected, her and her household. She has heard of his great acts. Rahab sought refuge in the Lord. And because she bowed to Him, she would be spared. She knew that Israel was coming and probably thought her area would be pillaged and so she wants to be protected.
Rahab is someone that placed her faith in God.
Summary: Joshua sends spies to Jericho and Rahab hides them, protects them and states her faith and belief in God and wants to be protected in the future from any wrath coming.
Promise: I am to run to God in faith, like Rahab did, daily turn from sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, I am to be a person like Rahab that puts my faith and trust in You. I hear of stories of how you have worked and those stories encourage me. I am encouraged by the work that you have done in others lives and this strengthens my faith. Protect me from the wrath that is to come. Wrath is a real thing and sin is serious. What matters is you protect your called ones. Thank you God for being in control and being over all. Thank you for theses words and helping me understand them.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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