Berean Study Bible Rahab Welcomes the SpiesJoshua, whose name means “The LORD is salvation,” succeeded Moses as Israel’s leader and prepared the nation to enter the land God had promised. From the tribe of Ephraim, he had previously explored Canaan and remained confident that God would give Israel victory. Num 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun,… secretly sent two spies from Shittim, Shittim was Israel’s final camp east of the Jordan. Joshua limited the mission to two men and sent them discreetly, seeking reliable information without repeating the public fear and division caused by the earlier reconnaissance. Jos 3:1 Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim… saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” Jericho stood near the Jordan crossing and guarded an important route into the central hill country. Its strong defenses made it the first major Canaanite stronghold Israel would face. Num 13:17-20 When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan… So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab Rahab lived in Jericho and apparently received travelers in her home, making it a natural place for the spies to seek shelter. Though she was a Canaanite woman with a sinful past, God used her decisive actions to preserve the spies and later her household. Heb 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed… and stayed there. Their arrival placed Rahab at the center of events leading to Jericho’s fall and demonstrated that God’s mercy extended to those who turned from the Canaanite gods and trusted Him. Gen 19:2-3 and said, “My lords, please turn aside…”… And it was reported to the king of Jericho: Jericho was a fortified Canaanite city near the Jordan River and a key gateway into the land of Canaan. News of the Israelites’ arrival quickly reached its ruler, showing that the city was alert to the threat posed by Israel’s approaching army. Exo 14:5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled,… “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight Joshua had sent two spies to examine Jericho and the surrounding land. Their arrival under cover of darkness reflects the danger of their assignment and the urgency surrounding Israel’s preparations to cross the Jordan. 1Sa 26:7-8 That night David and Abishai came to the troops,… to spy out the land.” The king correctly recognized their purpose. Israel was preparing to take possession of the land God had promised them, and Jericho stood directly in the path of that advance. Num 13:17-20 When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan… So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab Jericho’s ruler acted quickly when he learned that Israelite men had entered the city. As a fortified city near the Jordan River, Jericho stood at a strategic entrance into Canaan and would be a primary target for Israel’s advance. 2Sa 11:3-4 So David sent and inquired about the woman,… and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, Rahab’s house was known to the city authorities, and the king expected her cooperation. His demand placed her in immediate danger and forced her to choose between loyalty to Jericho and trust in the God of Israel. Gen 19:4-5 Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city… for they have come to spy out the whole land.” The king understood that the men were gathering information for Israel’s coming invasion. Jericho’s fear showed that the inhabitants recognized the threat posed by the nation God was bringing into the land. Num 13:1-2 And the LORD said to Moses,… But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. Rahab had already concealed the Israelite spies, likely among the flax laid out on her roof. By doing so, she placed herself in danger from Jericho’s king and identified herself with Israel’s God rather than her own city. Jas 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute… So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, When the king’s officers questioned her, Rahab admitted enough to make her account believable while protecting the men she had received. Gen 19:1-3 Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening,… but I did not know where they had come from. Her misleading answer diverted the search and gave the spies time to escape. Though a Canaanite woman living in a condemned city, Rahab acted on the knowledge she had received about the Lord’s power and chose to help His people. Jhn 9:29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not… At dusk, As daylight faded, Jericho prepared for the night, when travel became more difficult and the city’s defenses were tightened. 2Ki 7:5 So they arose at twilight and went to the camp… when the gate was about to close, The approaching closure created urgency, since the city gate would be barred against intruders after dark. Neh 13:19 When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates… the men went out, Rahab told the king’s messengers that the Israelite spies had already left the city. Jos 8:3-4 So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai.… and I do not know which way they went. Though she had hidden them on her roof, she concealed their location to protect them. 2Ki 6:19-20 And Elisha told them, “This is not the way,… Pursue them quickly, She urged the pursuers to leave at once, directing their attention away from her house and toward the roads outside the city. 2Sa 17:1-3 Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom,… and you may catch them!” Her convincing report delayed the search and preserved the spies, whose mission would prepare Israel for the conquest of Jericho. 1Sa 30:8 David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders?”… (But Rahab had taken them up to the roof Houses in Jericho commonly had flat roofs, which served as work and storage areas. Rahab acted quickly to move the Israelite spies beyond the reach of the king’s messengers. 2Sa 11:2 One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around… and hidden them among the stalks of flax Flax was spread out to dry before being processed into linen. The stalks provided an effective concealment, and Rahab used what was already present in her household to protect the men she believed served the true God. Exo 9:31-32 Now the flax and barley were destroyed… that she had laid out there.) Her preparations for ordinary household work became the means by which the spies escaped detection. Rahab’s decisive actions revealed her allegiance to the God of Israel despite the danger of defying Jericho’s authorities. Jas 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute… So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies Jericho’s king acted quickly after learning that Israelite spies had entered the city. Their presence confirmed the growing threat from Israel, whose camp lay across the Jordan. As a fortified border city, Jericho had reason to guard against reconnaissance that could reveal its defenses and weaknesses. Exo 14:8-9 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt… along the road to the fords of the Jordan, The king’s men assumed the spies would return by the most direct route to the river crossings. The fords provided accessible places to cross the Jordan and were strategically important for movement between Jericho and the Israelite camp. Jdg 12:5-6 The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan… and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. Jericho’s gate was closed to prevent the spies from escaping and to secure the city against further danger. Though its defenses appeared strong, the city could not withstand the judgment God would bring through Israel. Jos 6:1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites.…
The Promise to RahabRahab acted while the men were still awake and before the city’s search intensified. The spies had entered Jericho on Joshua’s command to assess its defenses and condition before Israel crossed the Jordan. Their presence in the city placed them in immediate danger. Gen 19:4-5 Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city… Rahab went up on the roof Rahab went up on the roof, where she had hidden the spies beneath stalks of flax. From this private setting, she openly acknowledged Jericho’s fear of Israel and declared her conviction that the Lord had given the land to His people. Though a Canaanite woman with a sinful past, Rahab chose to identify with the God of Israel and to protect His servants. Act 10:9-11 The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were… and said to them, Rahab, a Canaanite woman living in Jericho, speaks openly to the Israelite spies. Though she belongs to a people marked for judgment, she recognizes the God of Israel and acts in faith. Num 14:9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid… “I know that the LORD has given you this land She understands that Israel’s coming conquest is not merely a military threat but the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Canaan to His people. Jos 21:43-45 Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn… and that the fear of you has fallen on us, News of the LORD’s power had reached Jericho, and the people feared the God who had delivered Israel from Egypt and defeated its enemies. Deu 2:25 This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear… so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. The inhabitants of Canaan had lost courage before Israel arrived, showing that the LORD had already prepared the way for His people to take the land. Exo 15:15-16 Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed;… For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, Israel’s escape from Egypt was widely known among the nations of Canaan. The Lord’s division of the Red Sea ended Pharaoh’s pursuit and demonstrated that He alone had delivered Israel from slavery. The miracle established Israel’s identity as a people redeemed and protected by their God. Exo 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea,… and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, Israel had already defeated Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan east of the Jordan. Both kings ruled strong territories and opposed Israel’s passage, yet the Lord gave their lands to Israel. Their defeat showed that the conquest of Canaan would not depend on Israel’s military strength. Deu 2:31-35 Then the LORD said to me, “See, I have begun… whom you devoted to destruction. Sihon and Og, their armies, and their cities were devoted to destruction (herem, meaning to completely destroy or consecrate something to God) under God’s judgment as He commanded. Their removal secured the land east of the Jordan for Israel and warned the peoples of Canaan that the Lord was acting on behalf of His people. Deu 20:16-18 However, in the cities of the nations that the LORD your God… When we heard this, Rahab refers to Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea and the defeat of Sihon and Og. News of these events had reached Jericho and revealed that Israel’s advance was directed by the God who had delivered them. Jos 5:1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan… our hearts melted Fear had shattered the confidence of Jericho’s people. Israel’s victories convinced them that resistance would be futile. Jos 7:5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them,… and everyone’s courage failed because of you, The entire population had lost the will to oppose Israel, not because of Israel’s numbers alone, but because God’s power was evident in their history. Deu 11:25 No man will be able to stand against you;… for the LORD your God Rahab identifies Israel’s covenant God by name and acknowledges Him above the gods worshiped in Canaan. Exo 20:2 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out… is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. Her confession recognizes the LORD’s rule over all creation. Though a Canaanite woman, Rahab trusted the God of Israel and was received among His people. Deu 4:39 Know therefore this day and take to heart… Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD Rahab appeals to the God of Israel, recognizing His authority above the gods of Jericho. She seeks a solemn oath that will bind the spies to their promise. Gen 24:3 I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven… that you will indeed show kindness to my family, Rahab asks for protection not only for herself but for her father’s household. As judgment approached Jericho, she desired deliverance for those closest to her. 2Sa 9:1-7 Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house… because I showed kindness to you. By hiding the spies and helping them escape, Rahab had risked her own safety. Her actions showed that she had chosen to side with Israel and its God. 2Sa 10:2 And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash,… Give me a sure sign Rahab requests a clear pledge that the agreement will be honored when Israel takes the city. The scarlet cord later provided would identify her home and preserve her household. Jdg 6:17 Gideon answered, “If I have found favor in Your sight,… that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, Rahab sought protection for her closest family members as Jericho faced certain judgment. Her concern shows both the danger facing the city and her confidence that Israel’s God could preserve those who trusted in His mercy. Gen 19:15-17 At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying,… my brothers and sisters, She extended her appeal beyond her parents to include her siblings, reflecting the close obligations of an ancient household. Gen 45:5-8 And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves… and all who belong to them, Rahab desired safety for the entire family circle, including dependents gathered under their care. Act 16:31-34 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus”… and that you will deliver us from death.” Her request rested on the promise of the spies and on her decision to identify herself with the God of Israel rather than with doomed Jericho. Psa 68:20 Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer… “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. The spies bound themselves to protect Rahab and her family, accepting their own death if they failed to keep their pledge. Their commitment recognized the risk she had taken by hiding them from Jericho’s authorities. 1Ki 20:39 As the king passed by, he cried out to the king:… “If you do not report our mission, Rahab’s silence was essential until Israel entered the land. Revealing the spies’ presence or Israel’s plans could have endangered the coming attack and violated the trust established between them. Jos 6:25 And Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute,… we will show you kindness and faithfulness The men promised loyal protection in return for Rahab’s loyalty. Though she was a Canaanite living in Jericho, her actions separated her from the city’s resistance to the God of Israel and aligned her with His people. 2Sa 2:6 Now may the LORD show you loving devotion… when the LORD gives us the land.” The spies spoke with confidence that Jericho and the land would fall because the LORD had promised it to Israel. Their assurance rested not on Israel’s military strength but on God’s faithfulness to fulfill His word. Jos 1:11 Go through the camp and tell the people,… Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window, Rahab acted decisively to protect the Israelite spies after recognizing that the Lord had given Israel the land. Lowering them from her window allowed them to leave the city unnoticed and showed her willingness to risk her life for the God of Israel and His people. 1Sa 19:12-13 So Michal lowered David from the window,… since the house where she lived was built into the wall of the city. Her home’s position on Jericho’s wall gave direct access beyond the city defenses, making escape possible. Though she lived within a condemned city, Rahab chose to separate herself from its rebellion and cast her future with Israel. Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had… “Go to the hill country,” West of Jericho, the rugged highlands offered caves, ravines, and cover beyond the reach of the city’s guards and chariots. Gen 19:17 As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said,… she said, Rahab acted decisively, using her knowledge of the area to protect the Israelite spies at great personal risk. Heb 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed… “so that your pursuers will not find you. The king’s men had been sent to capture them, but Rahab directed the spies away from the road to the Jordan. 1Sa 23:14 And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds… Hide yourselves there for three days The delay gave the search party time to complete its efforts and return to Jericho. 1Sa 20:19 When you have stayed three days, hurry down… until they have returned; Rahab understood the urgency of the situation and provided a practical plan for their escape. 1Sa 23:28 So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet… then go on your way.” Once the danger had passed, the spies could return to Israel with their report concerning Jericho and the land God had promised them. Gen 18:5 And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh… The men said to her, Joshua’s two spies answered Rahab after she had hidden them from the king of Jericho’s men. Her actions placed her and her family in danger, and she sought their assurance before sending them safely away. Jos 6:22-23 Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the… “We will not be bound by this oath The spies agreed to spare Rahab’s household, but they made clear that the promise depended on her obedience to the terms they gave her. Their oath was a binding commitment, not an unconditional guarantee. Gen 24:8 And if the woman is unwilling to follow you,… you made us swear Rahab had required the spies to promise protection for her father’s household when Israel took Jericho. Her request showed that she believed the Lord had given the land to Israel and acted on that conviction by aiding His servants. Gen 24:3-9 I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven… unless, when we enter the land, Rahab’s protection would take effect when Israel entered Canaan under Joshua’s leadership to take the land God had promised to Abraham’s descendants. Deu 11:29 When the LORD your God brings you into the land… you have tied this scarlet cord in the window The scarlet cord would mark Rahab’s house as the place where the spies had been sheltered and would identify her household for preservation during Jericho’s fall. Jos 6:22-25 Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the… through which you let us down, Rahab had lowered the spies from her window in the city wall, risking her life to help them escape. Her actions showed that she had chosen to trust the God of Israel over the rulers of Jericho. 1Sa 19:12 So Michal lowered David from the window,… and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house. Rahab’s relatives had to remain inside her house to share in the protection promised by the spies. Her deliverance extended to her household because of the oath made in response to her aid. Jos 6:17 Now the city and everything in it must be devoted… If anyone goes out the door of your house into the street, Rahab’s house was the appointed place of safety when Israel entered Jericho. Those who left it would abandon the protection secured by the spies’ oath. Exo 12:22-23 Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin… his blood will be on his own head, Any resulting death would rest on the person who disregarded the terms of the agreement. 1Ki 2:37 On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley,… and we will be innocent. The spies would not be held responsible for one who chose to leave. Act 20:26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent… But if a hand is laid on anyone with you in the house, Rahab’s family and all who remained under her roof were included in the protection promised to her. Exo 12:13 The blood on the houses where you are staying… his blood will be on our heads. The spies accepted responsibility before God for their safety, binding themselves to preserve those who remained within the house. Ezk 33:8 If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’… And if you report our mission, The spies had entered Jericho to gather information before Israel’s attack. Rahab’s silence was necessary for their safety and for the success of the mission. Her protection depended on keeping their presence and purpose hidden. Pro 11:13 A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person… we will be released from the oath If Rahab revealed their mission, she would violate the agreement and the spies would no longer be obligated to spare her household. The oath was binding, but it required faithfulness from both sides. Gen 24:8 And if the woman is unwilling to follow you,… you made us swear.” Rahab had insisted on a solemn promise that she and her family would be spared when Jericho fell. The spies confirmed that their pledge would stand only if she followed the conditions they had given her. 1Sa 20:17 And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him… “Let it be as you say,” she replied, Rahab accepted the spies’ terms and placed her household’s future in the hands of Israel’s God. Her decision marked a clear break with Jericho and a public alignment with the people the Lord had sent against the city. Luk 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.… and she sent them away. Having hidden and protected them, she released them to return to Joshua with their report. Jas 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute… And when they had gone, Rahab acted without delay, knowing that the coming attack on Jericho was certain. 1Sa 20:42 And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace.… she tied the scarlet cord in the window. The cord identified her house for preservation when Israel entered the city. It stood as the visible sign of the agreement and of Rahab’s confidence that the Lord would deliver her and her family. Jos 6:22-23 Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the… So the spies went out into the hill country West of Jericho, the rugged highlands offered caves, ravines, and natural cover where the men could remain concealed from the city’s searchers. Deu 1:24 They left and went up into the hill country,… and stayed there three days, Their delay gave the immediate search time to subside and kept them from returning to the Jordan while Jericho’s forces were watching the roads and crossings. 2Ki 2:17-18 But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment… until their pursuers had returned The king’s men abandoned the search after following Rahab’s false report toward the Jordan, unaware that the spies were hidden in the hills. 1Sa 23:27-28 Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly… without finding them, Rahab’s protection and the concealment of the hill country preserved the spies for their return to Joshua with their report. Gen 31:33-35 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent… having searched all along the road. Jericho’s forces concentrated on the expected routes of escape, but the spies avoided those paths and remained beyond their reach. 1Sa 9:4-5 So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim… Then the two men started back, Having completed their mission in Jericho and escaped pursuit, the two spies left Rahab’s home and returned to Israel’s camp. Their successful return stood in contrast to the fearful report brought by most of the earlier spies sent into Canaan. Num 13:25-26 After forty days the men returned from spying out the land,… came down from the hill country, They had hidden for three days in the hills west of Jericho, as Rahab instructed, until the searchers had stopped looking for them. From there they descended toward the Jordan Valley. Mat 17:9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them,… and crossed the river. The spies crossed the Jordan and returned to the eastern side, where Israel was camped opposite Jericho. Their crossing anticipated the nation’s soon-coming passage into Canaan under God’s direction. Jos 3:14-17 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan,… So they came to Joshua son of Nun Joshua received them as Israel’s appointed leader, whose name, Yeshua, means “The Lord is salvation,” and prepared to act on the information they had gathered. Num 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun,… and reported all that had happened to them. They told Joshua of their encounter with Rahab, the king’s search for them, and the fear that had fallen on Jericho. Their report confirmed that the people of the land knew of the Lord’s power and that the time had come for Israel to advance. Act 14:27 When they arrived, they gathered the church together… “The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands,” The spies returned from Jericho convinced that God had already secured the land He promised Israel. Rahab’s report of widespread fear confirmed that the Canaanites had heard of the LORD’s mighty acts and recognized His power over their land. Jos 6:2 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered… they said to Joshua. Their report strengthened Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel across the Jordan. Having succeeded Moses by God’s command, Joshua was responsible to lead the nation in obedience as the conquest began. Jos 9:6-11 They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said… “Indeed, all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of us.” The inhabitants’ fear fulfilled God’s warning that He would go before Israel and bring terror upon the nations of Canaan. Their courage had failed because they understood that Israel’s advance was not merely a military threat but the work of the LORD. Jos 5:1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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