What connections exist between Joshua 2:17 and the Passover in Exodus 12? Joshua 2:17 in Context “Then the men said to her, ‘We will be absolved of this oath you have made us swear,’”. (The very next sentence, v. 18, identifies the required sign: a scarlet cord tied in Rahab’s window.) Passover Night Revisited Exodus 12:13 — “The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Exodus 12:22-23 — Israel must apply lamb’s blood to the lintel and two doorposts and stay inside until morning; then the destroyer will not enter. Parallel Signs of Salvation • Both involve a conspicuous crimson sign (scarlet cord; lamb’s blood). • The sign must be displayed before judgment arrives (Jericho’s fall; Egypt’s plague). • Safety is provided only to those who stay under or behind the sign (Rahab’s house; Israelite homes). • Destruction is total outside the marked place (Jericho’s walls; firstborn of Egypt). • Obedience in faith activates the promise—mere knowledge would not save. Who Needed Protection? • Joshua 2:18 — Rahab is to gather “your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household.” • Exodus 12:21 — Every Israelite head of household is to “go at once and select a lamb for your families.” The circle of mercy widens to anyone willing to trust the sign and remain inside. Faith Expressed Through a Simple Act • Tie a cord / brush blood—nothing elaborate, yet vital. • Hebrews 11:28 (Moses) and Hebrews 11:31 (Rahab) highlight this same faith dynamic. • James 2:25 shows Rahab’s cord-displaying faith as living and active. The Crimson Thread of Redemption • Scarlet cord and Passover blood both foreshadow “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Hebrews 9:22 — “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • From Egypt to Jericho to Calvary, God marks His people by blood, shields them from wrath, and brings them safely into promise. Takeaways for Believers Today • God’s rescue is certain, but the appointed sign must be received and displayed. • Deliverance is available to all who come under the shed blood of the true Passover Lamb. • Just as Rahab’s cord could be seen from the street, redemption in Christ is meant to be visible in everyday life—bold, unmistakable, and welcoming to others who need refuge. |
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