How does Joshua 2:18 connect to the Passover in Exodus 12:7? Setting the Scene Joshua 2:18—“unless, when we enter the land, you tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household.” Exodus 12:7—“Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat the lamb.” Visible Signs of Protection • In both accounts God ordains a tangible, visible marker—scarlet cord or lamb’s blood—to distinguish those who will be spared from coming judgment. • The color scarlet/blood immediately links the two scenes: life-saving red marks applied to a house. Parallels in Detail • Location – Joshua 2: the cord hangs from Rahab’s window. – Exodus 12: blood is brushed on doorposts and lintel. – Both are exterior displays meant for divine “recognition” (Joshua 2:19; Exodus 12:13). • Scope of Safety – Rahab gathers “father, mother, brothers, and all” into one house. – Israelite families stay inside houses marked by blood. – Anyone remaining outside the marked shelter faces destruction (Joshua 2:19; Exodus 12:22). • Timing of Judgment – Jericho’s walls will fall under God’s wrath (Joshua 6). – Egypt’s firstborn will die in the tenth plague (Exodus 12:12). – The sign must already be displayed when judgment arrives; afterward it is too late. • Divine Covenant Faithfulness – Rahab trusts the God she has only heard about (Joshua 2:9–11). – Israel trusts the God who has spoken through Moses (Exodus 12:28). – Hebrews 11:28–31 ties both events to faith expressed in obedience. Foreshadowing a Greater Deliverance • Hebrews 9:22—“without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” The cord and the lamb’s blood preview the saving work of Christ. • 1 Peter 1:18–19 calls Jesus the “Lamb without blemish or spot,” whose blood redeems. • Revelation 12:11 shows believers overcoming “by the blood of the Lamb,” echoing the Passover pattern of rescue. Key Takeaways for Today • Salvation is secured not by heritage or merit but by trusting God’s provided sign—ultimately Jesus’ blood (John 1:29). • Obedience verifies faith; Rahab’s quick action with the cord matches Israel’s exact application of the blood. • God loves to rescue outsiders: a Canaanite prostitute stands beside Israelite households under the same scarlet covering (Galatians 3:28). Putting It into Practice • Celebrate the continuity of God’s redemptive plan—from Egypt to Jericho to Calvary. • Examine whether your confidence rests on the “scarlet cord” of Christ’s finished work rather than personal effort. • Share this good news: just as the cord and blood were visible to all, the gospel is meant to be displayed openly for any who will come inside the house of faith. |
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