If God’s command was to destroy everything, why was Rahab alone spared, and does this imply inconsistency (Joshua 6:25)?

Historical and Biblical Context

In the events recounted in the Book of Joshua, the Israelites crossed the Jordan into Canaan and came to Jericho. Under the leadership of Joshua, they received a specific command to conquer the city and devote it to destruction (Joshua 6:17). This was part of the broader directive to dispossess the Canaanite nations whose practices were abhorrent (cf. Deuteronomy 9:4–5). The question that naturally arises is why, given the clear instructions to destroy Jericho’s inhabitants and structures, God allowed for Rahab’s deliverance.

Rahab’s Faith and Actions

When Joshua sent spies to survey Jericho, Rahab protected them, risking her life. She confessed her belief that the God of Israel was sovereign over heaven and earth (Joshua 2:9–11). Alongside her declaration of faith, she demonstrated tangible loyalty through her actions. According to Hebrews 11:31, “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.”

Her faith was not merely theoretical. She took radical steps that identified her with the God of Israel, tying the scarlet cord in her window as promised (Joshua 2:18–21). This combination of professed belief and practical obedience underlies her salvation. James 2:25 later echoes that “was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off by another route?”

Divine Judgment and Mercy

The judgment upon Jericho was part of a legal, moral, and spiritual reckoning upon a people known for deeply corrupt practices (Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:24–25). Scripture presents these conquests not as arbitrary punishments but as severe measures to purge widespread iniquity.

At the same time, biblical accounts consistently teach that anyone who aligns themselves with the God of Israel can find mercy (cf. Jonah 3:6–10). Far from being inconsistent, Rahab’s situation highlights the principle that sincere repentance and faith bring rescue. Her changing allegiance and confession that “the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (Joshua 2:11) illustrate that the grace and mercy extended to her was offered to any who would truly repent.

The Scarred Past: Rahab’s Background

Rahab’s background as a Canaanite and a prostitute underscores the transformative power of faith. Archaeological research on ancient Jericho, notably documented by scholars such as Dr. Bryant Wood, has found evidence supporting the sudden collapse of the city’s walls, consistent with Joshua’s conquest account. Rahab’s survival in a section of the wall that did not collapse aligns with her having a unique preserve (Joshua 6:22–23).

Her personal history demonstrates that one’s background does not preclude forgiveness. Throughout Scripture, God calls people from all walks of life to repentance (Isaiah 1:18–19). Rahab standing in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) confirms that God’s plan of redemption can transform even difficult legacies into testimonies of salvation.

Rahab’s Integration into Israel

After the fall of Jericho, Rahab and her household were not only spared; they were integrated into the community of Israel (Joshua 6:25). The text states that “she lives among the Israelites to this day,” showing a new identity and belonging.

Her acceptance foreshadows the truth that genuine faith transcends ethnic or national barriers. This consistent theme of Scripture—God’s mercy reaching beyond Israel’s physical borders—resolves any notion of conflict between a command for judgment and the openness of divine grace.

Implications for the Believer

The central lesson from Rahab’s story is that God’s holiness demands justice against sin, while His mercy offers salvation to those who embrace Him by faith. If one wonders whether Rahab’s rescue creates inconsistency with the broader command to destroy everything, it is rather an example of grace under the umbrella of justice.

Because Rahab showed faith, she received the kindness that God is forever willing to extend. This principle holds throughout Scripture: though every people group comes under judgment for sin, individuals who turn to God can find deliverance.

No Contradiction in the Scriptural Account

Some raise the question about a contradiction: “If everything was devoted to destruction, how could Rahab live?” The resolution lies in understanding that the command for total destruction was primarily against those who persisted in their iniquity. Rahab separated herself from that destructive path by confessing the Lord’s supremacy and aiding the spies.

Scripture remains internally consistent: God always judges unrepentant evil. Yet He also consistently spares those like Rahab, who turn to Him in faith (cf. 2 Chronicles 7:14). The act of Rahab’s deliverance, therefore, does not suggest God vacillates in His commands but underscores the reliability of His promise to save the repentant.

Conclusion

Rahab’s deliverance in Joshua 6:25 spotlights the harmony of divine justice and mercy. Yes, there was a command to destroy Jericho due to deep-rooted wickedness. Yet no one was coerced to remain under the sentence of judgment; Rahab believed the testimonies she heard about God and acted on that faith.

Rather than presenting inconsistency, her salvation demonstrates the unchanging nature of God, who judges sin unflinchingly while showing compassion to those who trust in Him. Her story becomes a powerful display of redemption—one that resonates throughout Scripture as a testimony to God’s faithfulness, holiness, and graciousness.