How does Rahab's advice in Joshua 2:16 demonstrate her faith and wisdom? Scripture Foundation “Then she said to them, ‘Go to the hill country so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there for three days until they have returned; then go on your way.’” (Joshua 2:16) Setting the Scene • The king’s men have already rushed toward the fords of the Jordan. • The city gates have closed behind them. • Rahab, standing on her rooftop, has just hidden the spies under stalks of flax. In that tense moment, her next words must keep God’s messengers alive—and they do. Rahab’s Counsel in a Nutshell 1. “Go to the hill country” – divert from the obvious escape route. 2. “Hide … three days” – stay put until the search expires. 3. “Then go on your way” – leave only when the danger is past. Evidence of Her Faith • Trust in the LORD’s Plan – Rahab has already confessed, “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below” (Joshua 2:11). – By protecting His servants she shows confidence that His promise to give Israel the land will not fail (Hebrews 11:31). • Willingness to Stake Her Life on God’s People – Harboring enemy spies was treason; her only safety lay in God’s faithfulness. – James 2:25 notes that her action was “justified by works,” proving a faith that moved beyond words. • Assurance Enough to Give Clear Directions – Fear would paralyze; faith plans. – She speaks calmly, certain God will honor the covenant just made with the spies (Joshua 2:12-14). Marks of Practical Wisdom • Knowledge of Local Terrain – Jericho sits near limestone cliffs riddled with caves—ideal hiding places. – The hill country is the last place the pursuers would check first, since they assume the men are rushing toward Jordan. • Timing and Patience – Three days gives the soldiers time to scour the obvious routes, report failure, and return dejected. – The number fits local patrol patterns; wisdom observes details and acts accordingly (Proverbs 18:15). • Simplicity and Clarity – Short, direct instructions: go, hide, wait, leave. – Proverbs 10:19: “When words are many, transgression is near, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Faith and Wisdom Working Together • Faith supplied the motive: bless God’s people, align with His covenant. • Wisdom supplied the method: choose the best hiding place, wait the right length of time. • Together they preserved the spies, paved the way for Israel’s victory, and secured Rahab’s rescue (Joshua 6:22-25). Take-Home Reflections • True faith acts—often in small, strategic steps that protect and advance God’s purposes. • God delights to give wisdom to those who trust Him (James 1:5), whether on a Jericho rooftop or in today’s everyday dilemmas. • Even in hostile territory, a believer can think clearly, speak boldly, and live expectantly—because the Lord of heaven and earth is already writing the next chapter. |
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