What scriptural connections exist between Joshua 2:10 and God's deliverance in Exodus? Joshua 2:10—The Testimony Heard in Jericho “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan.” Echoes of Exodus in Rahab’s Words • Rahab’s first reference is to “the LORD” (YHWH), linking directly to the covenant name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. • She recounts the Red Sea miracle, the foundational deliverance event of Israel (Exodus 14:21-31). • By repeating this story, Rahab demonstrates that God’s acts in Exodus were not private; surrounding nations had heard, trembled, and recognized His power (compare Exodus 15:14-16). Shared Themes of Deliverance 1. Divine initiative – Exodus: “The LORD fought for Israel” (Exodus 14:25). – Joshua 2:10: Rahab declares the same LORD dried up the sea. 2. Dry ground passage – Exodus 14:22: “The Israelites went through the sea on dry ground.” – Joshua 2:10 recalls that identical phrase, preparing for another dry-ground crossing at the Jordan (Joshua 3:17). 3. Judgment on oppressors – Pharaoh’s army swallowed by the sea (Exodus 14:27-28). – Sihon and Og “completely destroyed” (Numbers 21:21-35; reiterated in Joshua 2:10). 4. Fear among the nations – Exodus 15:14: “The peoples have heard; they tremble.” – Joshua 2:11: “When we heard this, our hearts melted.” 5. Covenant purpose – Exodus 9:16: God acts “so that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” – Joshua 2:11: Rahab confesses, “the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.” Progression of Redemption • Exodus deliverance birthed a nation; the news of it now opens Canaan’s door. • The Exodus miracle becomes the template by which God’s later works are interpreted (cf. Psalm 106:8-11; Joshua 4:23). • Rahab’s faith response foreshadows Gentile inclusion, showing that God’s deliverance extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who believe (Hebrews 11:31). Why the Link Matters • It authenticates a continuous, unbroken narrative of God’s saving activity. • It proves the reliability of past acts as grounds for present faith. • It underscores God’s supremacy over both natural forces (sea, river) and hostile kings, assuring believers today of His power to save and to judge. |
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