In today’s Daily Devotional on Joshua 2, we encounter the compelling story of Rahab, a prostitute living in Jericho, who plays a pivotal role in aiding two Israeli spies. Her actions, particularly her decision to lie to protect these spies, raise profound ethical and theological questions. Does God use deceit to fulfill His divine purposes? This narrative invites us to reflect deeply on the complex interplay between human actions and divine will. To contemplate God’s plan for your life, read the Daily Devotional on Joshua 1.
Where in the Bible Does It Talk about Rahab in Joshua?
In Joshual 2, we will reflect on Rahab’s bravery and the widespread awareness of God’s intervention in Israel’s history. We will ponder, “Is lying ever acceptable?” We will acknowledge the ongoing challenge of interpreting Rahab’s actions within a framework of faith and morality.
We will also learn about Joshua’s preparation to conquer the Promised Land and Rahab’s crucial role in this divine plan. Her acknowledgment of the God of Israel and her subsequent inclusion in the Hall of Faith highlighted God’s ability to work through unexpected individuals. Rahab’s story, culminating in her inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy, reminds us that God’s purposes can be fulfilled through anyone, regardless of their past. This chapter encourages us to consider our own reputations and how God’s actions in our lives can inspire others.
Joshua 2 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Joshua 2 is the story of Rahab. She lies to save spies. Do you lie? Does God use lying to accomplish His will? Please read or listen to Joshua 2.
In 1995, at forty years old, after reading Joshua 2, I wrote in my personal Bible reading journal, “The story of Rahab, a harlot in Jericho, who protected two Israeli spies.” I quoted the verse, “‘We have heard’ (v. 10). They had heard of God’s divine intervention for Israel. Are people hearing today about God’s marvelous intervention in people’s lives?” I continued, “Rahab lied to save the spies. Is lying ever acceptable?”
In 2004, at forty-nine years old, I read Joshua 1-4 on the same day and shared that journal entry yesterday.
We move on to when I was fifty-eight years old in 2013. After reading Joshua 2, I wrote, “Joshua prepares. He sends spies to check out the land, especially Jericho.” Then I wrote, “Does Rahab lie? Maybe she didn’t know they were from Israel initially. She did when she hid them, and she lied when she told them that they were let out of the gates at dark. Is lying okay in certain situations?”
I continued to write, “Rahab knows about Israel. Our reputation precedes us too. She recognizes, ‘Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath’ (v. 11). Rahab saves the spies, saves her whole household, and ends up in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. Not bad for a prostitute.”
What Is the Lesson of the Story of Rahab?
Let’s look at Joshua 2. In verse 1, Joshua the son of Nun begins to prepare to take the Promised Land. He sends spies into the land, especially Jericho. God delivers the message to these spies through the lips of a prostitute. In verses 9-11, she says, “I know that the Lord has given you the land . . . For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt . . . And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”
The reputation of the Israelites was already known in Jericho. What is known about your reputation? What do people know about God’s activity in your life? Pursuing that line of thought, let’s look at some practical applications from this chapter.
What Is the Summary of Joshua 2?
First, God gave Joshua a mission in chapter 1. Joshua is acting, he is following that mission. He is preparing to do what God asked him to do. But he sends some spies into the land, a logical first step. After chapter 1, did you ask the Lord what He has purposed you to do? Have you taken a first step?
Secondly, let’s look at how God uses people. The spies go in obedience into enemy territory. Chapter 2 does not describe much of what they saw, but it sure describes what they heard from Rahab the prostitute. What they heard from the lips of this prostitute was enough to give them great confidence God was going to deliver the land to Joshua and Israel. Look at the last verse of the chapter, “And they said to Joshua (when they got back), ‘Truly the Lord has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us’” (v. 24).
They were quoting what they heard from Rahab, “And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (v. 11). God used the voice of a prostitute to confirm what the spies went to look for.
Thirdly, let’s consider Rahab. If her occupation was a prostitute, it would be hard to believe she was a spiritual person. Yet, God spoke through her to these spies. So, we need to be careful how we judge people. God can stir the hearts of people we may not think He is working through. And God obviously had a purpose for Rahab.
I mentioned, because of her kindness to the spies, she shows up in Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith. Let’s look at Hebrews 11:31, “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” My footnote on Hebrews 11:31 says, “As a Gentile and a sinner (prostitute), her faith was particularly remarkable” (p. 2381).
What Does Rahab Represent in the Bible?
Amazingly, Rahab ends up in the genealogy of our Savior, Jesus. Look at Matthew 1:5, “and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab”. Our fourth application may be: we never know how God uses every one of us, or any of us, to accomplish His purpose.
What Is the Theme of the Book of Joshua 2?
Lastly, even if we are sinners, as we all are, God can use us to accomplish His purpose. So like in chapter 2, act like a spy. Go do what God has commanded you to do and keep your ears perked for what you will hear, not only what you will see. Or act like Rahab, when confronted with the one true God, she most likely gave up her occupation and followed the Lord. Find a scarlet cord. Tie it around your finger today and remember God saves. Let’s pray.
How Did Rahab Show Faith?
Father, we thank You for the wonderful stories in Your scripture. We thank You for the story of a couple of spies who went in obedience, but You pierced their ears with the truth of what You were going to do. And we thank You for the stories of people like Rahab. A sinner, like every one of us, who showed kindness to the spies. In exchange, she saved herself and her entire household, and ended up in the New Testament in the Hall of Faith and in the genealogy of Jesus, our Savior.
Lord, thank You for using all kinds of people, hopefully, including us, to accomplish Your purposes here on earth. Amen.
