Seeking His Heart
Spies have been sent into Jericho to check out the city. (See “Joshua – Spies in the Land“)
The spies have found safe haven with Rahab, a prostitute of all things! She also gives them insight on the view of the Jericho mindset.
“I know that the Lord has given this land to you and that a great fear has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” Joshua 2:9
Obviously, this is music to the spies’ ears, a valuable piece of news to share with Joshua and the leaders.
Rahab then makes a pact with the spies.
“Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my family.” Joshua 2:12-13
The two spies agree to protect her and her family.
“Our lives for your lives! If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.” Joshua 2:14
They give two conditions on the agreement—she must tie a scarlet cord in her window (to identify her house)and have all her family gathered together in her house when the Israelites enter the land.
Rahab devises a plan to help the spies return safely. She lets them down with a rope through her window so they won’t have to go through the city gate and advises them to go to the hills so the pursuers will not find them. They should hide there for three days before they attempt to go back to their people.
Then she hangs a scarlet cord in her window in readiness, as they requested.
Joshua gladly welcomes the spies back, hears their story, and gives thanks for their findings.
“The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.” Joshua 2:24
God has opened their eyes and encouraged their hearts for the task ahead.
What task does he have ahead for you?
At our old house, I had a neighbor who became a close friend. I had casual friendship with a couple more. Otherwise, I hardly knew any of my neighbors. If I had met some of them out in public, I wouldn’t even know them!
I determined to get to know the neighbors here in our new neighborhood. As people move into the new houses, we take a plate of home-made cookies. I plan to arrange get-togethers soon. You never know when you might meet a “Rahab” who is just waiting to know more about God.
What is he calling you to do?
~ Joyce ~
Excellent post. I had remembered the story of Rahab, but had never thought about God calling me to do something as Rahab did.
One additional thought about this story . . . . Rahab took a big risk to follow God’s leading. Usually, we are not asked to do that, but if so, we should remember her example.
Good point. You’re absolutely right. Either she was very shrewd in seeing the handwriting on the wall and wanting to save her life and her family or she really did want to know more about this God of the Israelites. We’ll find later that she married one of the spies and was in the lineage that led to David.