How does Joshua 2:21 connect to Hebrews 11:31 about faith and works? Rahab’s faith takes shape — Joshua 2:21 “‘Let it be as you say,’ she replied, and she sent them away. And after they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord in the window.” • Rahab’s confession of God’s sovereignty (Joshua 2:9-11) moves immediately to concrete obedience. • The scarlet cord is her visible pledge that she trusts the spies’ word and, more importantly, the LORD behind that word. • The moment the men leave, she acts—no delay, no second-guessing. • Her work is not a bargaining chip; it is the outflow of a heart already convinced. Faith applauded—Hebrews 11:31 “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” • The Spirit-inspired commentary singles out the inward posture: “by faith.” • Yet the evidence cited is outward: she “welcomed the spies.” • The writer contrasts Rahab with the “disobedient” citizens of Jericho; faith is the dividing line, but works expose where that line is drawn. The seamless fabric of trust and action • Joshua 2:21 supplies the historical snapshot; Hebrews 11:31 supplies the theological caption. • Together they show that saving faith is never sterile. The cord in the window and the hospitality to the spies prove that what Rahab believed, she believed enough to stake her life on. Scripture’s wider chorus • James 2:17, 25-26—“faith without works is dead… was not Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers?” • Joshua 6:22-25—her household is spared exactly as promised; the deed done in chapter 2 bears fruit in chapter 6. • Ephesians 2:8-10—grace saves through faith, yet we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works,” the pattern Rahab foreshadows. Take-home observations • True faith always moves our hands and feet. • Works do not create faith; they confirm it to the watching world and to our own hearts. • God delights to honor even the simplest act (a cord in a window) when it springs from genuine trust in Him. |
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