Topical Bible: Kindness: Rahab to the Spies

◄ Kindness: Rahab to the Spies ►

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Biblical Context

The account of Rahab and the spies is found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 2. This narrative occurs as the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, prepare to enter the Promised Land. Jericho, a fortified city, stands as a significant obstacle in their path. Joshua sends two spies to scout the land, particularly Jericho, to gather intelligence for their impending conquest.

Rahab's Act of Kindness

Rahab, a resident of Jericho and a woman of ill repute, plays a pivotal role in this account. Despite her status, Rahab demonstrates remarkable kindness and courage by sheltering the Israelite spies. When the king of Jericho learns of the spies' presence and demands their capture, Rahab hides them on her roof under stalks of flax. She then misleads the king's men, saying the spies had already left the city, thus protecting them from certain death.

Motivation and Faith

Rahab's actions are motivated by her recognition of the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel. She acknowledges the fear that has fallen upon the inhabitants of Jericho due to the Israelites' previous victories, saying, "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, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed" (Joshua 2:10). Rahab's faith in the God of Israel compels her to act with kindness towards the spies, despite the personal risk involved.

Covenant of Protection

In return for her kindness, Rahab seeks assurance for the safety of her family. The spies agree to her request, establishing a covenant of protection. They instruct her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign, ensuring that she and her family will be spared during the impending destruction of Jericho. This agreement is honored when the Israelites conquer the city, as recorded in Joshua 6:17, "And the city and all that is in it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers we sent" .

Legacy and Significance

Rahab's kindness and faith have a lasting impact, as she is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:5). Her inclusion in the lineage of the Messiah underscores the transformative power of faith and the grace of God, who redeems and honors those who act in accordance with His will. Rahab is also commended in the New Testament for her faith and works, as seen in Hebrews 11:31, "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient" , and in James 2:25, which highlights her righteous actions.

Rahab's account serves as a profound example of kindness rooted in faith, demonstrating how acts of compassion and courage can align with God's purposes and lead to redemption and blessing.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 2:6-16
But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Crossing the River Jordan
... The spies had hardly lain down when Rahab came up ... Now therefore swear to me by Jehovah,
since I have treated you with kindness, that you will also treat ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/crossing the river jordan.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... his girdle." Rahab said to the spies from the camp of Israel, "Now therefore I pray
you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... had done already, and withal swore to requite her kindness, not only in ... the high
priest, and the senate, what the spies had sworn to Rahab, who continued ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

Hebrews xi. 28-31
... "By faith, the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, having received
the spies with peace ... The same. Plainly he means here, kindness. [3318]. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvii hebrews xi 28-31.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... prostrate ourselves before him as suppliants of his mercy and kindness. ... 12 Because
of her faith and hospitality Rahab the harlot ... 2For when the spies were sent ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

It Remains Then that we Understand as Concerning those Women...
... withal: Who yet, for their human kindness which they ... And Rahab, indeed, delivered
out of Jericho, made transition ... when she did for the Israelite spies that good ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 33 it remains then.htm

That one God Formed all Things in the World, by Means of the Word ...
... in regard to His love, and kindness, and as ... Thus also did Rahab the harlot, while
condemning herself ... all sins, nevertheless receive the three spies, [4112] who ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xx that one god formed.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... And Pharaoh said to Joseph, Forasmuch As God's great kindness unto thee is such,
As to ... mind his former dream, He said, I do suspect ye're come as spies, To see ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm