Joshua 2:6

(But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.)

Study Bible

(But Rahab had taken them up to the roof

Rahab acted swiftly to protect the Israelite spies from the king’s messengers. Flat roofs commonly served as workspaces and storage areas, making the roof a natural place for drying crops and concealing people. Her decisive action revealed that she had chosen the God of Israel over the authority of Jericho. Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25 later identify her protection of the spies as evidence of faith expressed in action.

2Sa 11:2 One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around…
Act 10:9-16 The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were…

and hidden them among the stalks of flax

Flax was grown for linen and was spread out to dry before further processing. Its presence on Rahab’s roof fits the spring season, corresponding to Israel’s arrival at the Jordan. The ordinary materials of Rahab’s daily work became the means by which God preserved His servants. Though she lived within Jericho’s culture and economy, Rahab had come to fear the Lord and seek refuge among His people.

Exo 9:31-32 Now the flax and barley were destroyed…
Isa 19:9 The workers in flax will be dismayed, and the weavers…
Pro 31:13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

that she had laid out there.)

Rahab’s careful preparation of the flax provided an effective covering for the spies at the very moment it was needed. God’s providence worked through her household, her labor, and her courageous faith to advance Israel’s entrance into the promised land.

Jas 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute…
Heb 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rahab
A Canaanite woman living in Jericho, known for her occupation as a prostitute. She plays a crucial role in the account by hiding the Israelite spies and later becomes part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

2. The Spies
Two Israelite men sent by Joshua to scout the city of Jericho. Their mission is to gather intelligence on the city's defenses and the morale of its inhabitants.

3. The Roof
In ancient Near Eastern architecture, roofs were flat and often used for various domestic activities, such as drying flax. Rahab uses this space to conceal the spies.

4. Flax
A plant cultivated for its fibers, which were used to make linen. The stalks of flax were laid out on the roof to dry, providing a perfect hiding place for the spies.

5. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, significant for its strategic location and formidable walls. It is the first city the Israelites encounter in their conquest of the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
Rahab's decision to hide the spies was a demonstration of her faith in the God of Israel. True faith often requires taking risks and making difficult choices that align with God's purposes.

God's Sovereignty and Grace
Rahab's inclusion in the lineage of Christ shows that God's grace extends beyond cultural and moral boundaries. He can use anyone, regardless of their past, for His divine purposes.

Courage and Obedience
Rahab's actions required courage and a willingness to defy her own people. Believers are called to obey God even when it is countercultural or risky.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
Rahab's account highlights the significant role women can play in God's redemptive history. Her faith and actions were pivotal in the success of the Israelite mission.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rahab's account challenge our understanding of who can be used by God for His purposes?

2. In what ways does Rahab's faith inspire you to take bold actions in your own life?

3. How can we apply the principle of faith in action in our daily decisions and interactions with others?

4. What does Rahab's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus teach us about God's grace and redemption?

5. How can we, like Rahab, demonstrate courage and obedience in situations where our faith is tested?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 11:31
This verse highlights Rahab's faith, noting that she was not destroyed with the disobedient because she welcomed the spies in peace. It connects her actions to the broader theme of faith in action.

James 2:25
James uses Rahab as an example of how faith is demonstrated through works, emphasizing that her actions in hiding the spies were a manifestation of her faith.

Matthew 1:5
Rahab is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, illustrating God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan.