2:1 Before entry into the land, Joshua sends two men to go ahead of the group. Joshua himself served as a spy for Moses in the previous book. The intention is for the men to bring back information about the layout.
The men enter the land and find haven in a women's house. The woman's name is Rahab and she is described to be a "harlot." Although Rahab's lifestyle is not ideal, we will learn from this chapter that her faith is strong. Even though she is not an Israelite, she trusts God and his fellow workers. In fact, she becomes a fellow worker by helping these spies: Rahab provides a safe, secret place for the men to stay.
2:2 The king of Jericho receives word that there are spies in his country. Rahab's faith is made clear here: although she could be killed by the king for her actions, she aligns herself with God.
2:3 The rumors are strong enough to pin Rahab to the spies Joshua sent. Soldiers of the king of Jericho tell Rahab to release the men who have now been identified as spies.
2:4 Instead of following the orders of the king of Jericho, Rahab hides the men. She claims that she did not know the men's intentions and that they have already left her house.
2:5 Sending the soldiers on a wild-goose-chase, she pretends that the two men fled the city and are still in range to be caught for the king.
2:6 What actually happened: Rahab hid the men on her roof and covered them with stalks of flax.
2:7 The soldiers follow Rahab's advice and leave to go look for the men.
2:8 Rahab reveals her faith in God: she knows what the two men's intentions are (to bring back information that will help the Israelites take over the land). Our faith is determined by our works, James 2:25: Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
2:9 Yet Rahab also knows what God intents to do to the land through the Israelites: cleanse it of evil. The Israelite's God reputation precedes Him, people know that wherever these people go, their God causes them to triumph.
2:10 Nations outside of the camp of the children of Israel have heard how God performed miracles for the Israelites and rescued them out of slavery.
2:11 Although the Israelite's themselves had a difficult time trusting God, some people outside of their camp did not. They understood by God's actions that He alone was powerful and that all human-kings were weak in comparison.
Rahab explains that believers like her began to place their faith and courage in God. Undoubtedly, God led these two Israelites directly to Rahab for safe haven. God always allows His children, those who believe in Him, to be fellow workers with Him as He accomplishes on the earth.
Rahab's statement of faith: "For the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath." Rahab's circumstance teaches us to never judge. Although Rahab has a societally-dishonorable profession, her heart is committed to God. She has not been presented with the commandments as the children of Israel have. She likely has not had direct communication with Him, but she believes in God. Although she does not fully understand His philosophy, she believes He is God of all things and people. Her faith is firmly planted in Him.
Rahab explains that believers like her began to place their faith and courage in God. Undoubtedly, God led these two Israelites directly to Rahab for safe haven. God always allows His children, those who believe in Him, to be fellow workers with Him as He accomplishes on the earth.
Rahab's statement of faith: "For the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath." Rahab's circumstance teaches us to never judge. Although Rahab has a societally-dishonorable profession, her heart is committed to God. She has not been presented with the commandments as the children of Israel have. She likely has not had direct communication with Him, but she believes in God. Although she does not fully understand His philosophy, she believes He is God of all things and people. Her faith is firmly planted in Him.
2:12-13 Rahab asks for the two men to protect her and her family from the Israelites takeover of the land.
2:14 The men promise to honor Rahab's wish, and tell her that she will be dealt with kindly once the Lord has given them the land. Notice how both Rahab and these two Israelites keep God continually in the conversation. It is prudent for each of us to keep God in the details of our lives. When we do so, we invite Him to be our deliverer, our savior, our Father, our provider.
2:15 Rahab helps the men escape her home to journey back to their camp outside the gates.
2:16 She tells the men to go to the mountain, hide there for three days until the men who went after them return, and then carry on back to their group.
2:17-20 The men tell Rahab to tie a red cord in her window. The red cord will alert the invading Israelites that her home is to remain undisturbed. As long as Rahab keeps up her end of the deal and ties the red cord in her window, she and her family will be safe.
2:21 Rahab agrees to the terms and sends the men away. Immediately she ties the red cord to her window. We should ask ourselves whether we have this figurative red cord tied in our own windows. Do we signify to both God and the world that we are believers, followers and workers of God? Our faith in Him provides protection in every circumstance.
2:22 The men follow Rahab's advice: they travel to the mountain and remain there for three days. The kings soldiers do not find them.
2:23 The men return to Joshua and the group with their information.
2:24 The men explain to Joshua that God has done as He has promised: He has prepped this land for their arrival. Most of the inhabitants are afraid to challenge the children of Israel because they realize how powerful their (our) God is. God always shuts evil down; He sends evil scurrying away, frightened and without power.
