How does Rahab's declaration connect with Romans 10:17 about hearing and faith? Setting the Scene in Jericho Rahab lived on Jericho’s wall when two Israelite spies entered the city (Joshua 2). Though cut off from Israel, she had already formed convictions about Israel’s God. Rahab’s Declaration—Joshua 2:9-11 • “I know that the LORD has given you this land…” • “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…” • “When we heard this, our hearts melted… for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.” Romans 10:17—The Principle Stated “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Connecting the Two Passages • Rahab’s faith was born the same way Paul later describes: – She heard reports—“We have heard…” (Joshua 2:10). – Those reports were the “word” of God’s mighty acts, equivalent to hearing His word proclaimed. • Hearing produced conviction: “I know that the LORD has given you this land.” • Conviction moved to confession: “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.” • Confession moved to action: hiding the spies, tying the scarlet cord, gathering her family (James 2:25). • The process mirrors Romans 10:14-18—hearing, believing, calling, and being saved. Key Observations • Faith precedes sight. Rahab trusted before Israel marched (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7). • The content she heard focused on God’s redemptive power (Red Sea, victories). Gospel preaching today centers on a greater deliverance—the cross and resurrection. • Hebrews 11:31 records Rahab among the faithful; the epistle affirms that what began with hearing ended in salvation. • The scarlet cord (Joshua 2:18-21) visually paralleled Passover blood—another “word” she likely heard about (Exodus 12). Hearing and acting on that word spared her household. Living Lessons for Today • Proclaim God’s works clearly; someone listening—like Rahab—may respond. • Personal history or reputation does not bar anyone from saving faith (Hebrews 11:31). • Genuine faith still shows itself in courageous obedience (James 2:26). • Assurance rests on God’s spoken promises; Rahab tied the cord before the walls fell, just as believers today trust Christ before final deliverance is seen. Faith begins where the ear opens to God’s word, just as Rahab’s did, fulfilling the timeless truth: “faith comes by hearing.” |
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