Connect Rahab's faith in Joshua 2:11 to Hebrews 11:31's faith hall of fame. Setting the Scene in Jericho Jericho stood fortified, confident in its walls—until news of Israel’s God-given victories reached it (Joshua 2:9–10). Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, heard the same reports everyone else heard, yet her response was unique. Rahab’s Confession of Faith — Joshua 2:11 “ ‘When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.’ ” Key observations: • She names the covenant name “LORD” (YHWH), acknowledging Israel’s God personally. • She declares His universal sovereignty—“in heaven above and on earth below.” • She speaks in the past tense: her heart had already turned before the spies arrived. • Her confession moves her to action: hiding the spies, seeking mercy, tying the scarlet cord (Joshua 2:12–21). Rahab Listed in Hebrews 11:31 “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.” Why Hebrews highlights her: • Faith is defined as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). • Rahab risked her life on unseen promises—Jericho still looked invincible. • Her faith produced obedience, aligning with the chapter’s repeated pattern: “By faith… acted.” How Joshua 2 and Hebrews 11 Interlock • Same faith, same God: Rahab’s words in Joshua 2:11 mirror Hebrews 11’s theme—trusting God’s character. • From confession to preservation: her request for deliverance (Joshua 2:12-13) parallels Hebrews 11:31’s note that she “did not perish.” • Works confirming faith: James 2:25 states, “In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions…?”. Hebrews confirms that her welcome of the spies was the evidence of genuine belief. • Contrast with Jericho: Hebrews labels Jericho’s citizens “disobedient,” emphasizing Rahab’s distinct response within the same city. Traits of Rahab’s Saving Faith • Informed: built on truthful reports of God’s deeds (Romans 10:17). • Personal: “the LORD your God” becomes her God. • Courageous: hides spies, misdirects soldiers, ties scarlet cord before victory is visible. • Covenant-seeking: asks for sworn mercy, relying on God’s steadfast love (Joshua 2:12). • Persistent: follows instructions exactly, remaining in the house marked by the cord (Joshua 6:17, 22-23). Rahab Among the Heroes of Faith Compared with: • Noah—built an ark before rain (Hebrews 11:7). • Abraham—left home without knowing the destination (11:8). • Moses—chose mistreatment with God’s people (11:24-25). Likewise, Rahab chose Israel’s God over her culture, risking her future on His promise. The Ongoing Legacy • Physical salvation: her entire household spared (Joshua 6:25). • National blessing: lived among Israel “to this day.” • Messianic line: Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab (Matthew 1:5), placing her in the lineage of David and Jesus. • Testament to grace: God welcomes outsiders who trust Him (Ephesians 2:12-13). Takeaway Truths to Embrace • God’s past acts call for present trust. • Genuine faith speaks and acts in harmony. • No background is too sinful, no culture too pagan, for God to redeem by faith. • The same scarlet-cord mercy is offered to all who shelter under Christ’s blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). |
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