Two Spies Set Out
After Moses died, Joshua led the people of Israel in their journey to the Promised Land. Joshua sent two spies to explore the city of Jericho and learn what they could. The two spies entered the city and stayed at a public inn. This inn was run by a woman named Rahab, who was not a very good woman. The the spies’ visit, however, changed her life.
The king of Jericho found out about the spies. However, when he ordered Rahab not to house them she hid the two men on the roof and told the king that they had already left.
Rahab’s Faith
Rahab told the men that she knew God had given the Israelites the land of Jericho. She talked about the great deeds God had worked for the Israelites and asked that her family be spared when the Israelites conquered the city. The two men agreed to her request because of the assistance she gave them.
At night, the two spies escaped from Jericho. Rahab told them to go into the hills and hide for three days and then to go back to the Israelite camp. They told her to tie a red cord in her window so that when they conquered the city, they would see the red cord and spare her family.
Promises Fulfilled
After the Israelites conquered Jericho, the two spies brought Rahab and her family outside of the city before it was destroyed because she kept her promise to the spies and helped them escape. Because of this the two men also kept their promise and spared her family.
The red cord in the window saved Rahab’s family from destruction. This can represent the Blood of Christ that saves us from our sins.
Everlasting Mercy
Rahab is remembered for her faith, courage, and kindness to the two spies. In Hebrews 11:31 it is written,
“By faith Rahab…did not perish with the disobedient, for she received the spies in peace.”
And again, in James 2: 25,
“…was not Rahab…also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route?”
James emphasizes that “faith without works is dead.” We must put our faith into action no matter what the price may be. The story of Rahab should teach us that no person is ever too bad for God’s Mercy. When we think of this story, let us remember the shepherd of all souls – Jesus – who searches for the lost in order to make known to them the gift of His Everlasting Mercy.
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” J.R.R. Tolkien
