Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of mercy is vividly illustrated in the account of Joshua and Rahab, found in the Book of Joshua. This account highlights the divine attribute of mercy as it intersects with human actions and decisions, demonstrating God's willingness to extend grace and compassion even to those outside the covenant community of Israel.Joshua's Leadership and the Conquest of Jericho Joshua, the successor of Moses, was appointed by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. As they prepared to conquer Jericho, a fortified city, Joshua sent two spies to scout the land (Joshua 2:1). This mission set the stage for a remarkable demonstration of mercy. Rahab's Act of Faith and Mercy Rahab, a Canaanite woman and a prostitute, resided in Jericho. Despite her background, she recognized the power of the God of Israel and chose to align herself with His people. When the spies arrived at her house, she hid them from the king's men, risking her own life in the process. Rahab's actions were motivated by her belief in the Lord's supremacy: "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen upon us" (Joshua 2:9). Rahab's plea for mercy is a pivotal moment in the narrative. She requested that she and her family be spared when the Israelites attacked Jericho. The spies agreed, instructing her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign of protection (Joshua 2:12-21). This act of mercy was not only a response to Rahab's faith but also a reflection of God's overarching plan to extend grace beyond the boundaries of Israel. The Fulfillment of Mercy When the Israelites eventually captured Jericho, they honored the promise made to Rahab. Joshua commanded the two spies to bring Rahab and her family out of the city, sparing them from destruction (Joshua 6:22-25). This act of mercy was a testament to the faithfulness of God and His willingness to save those who seek Him, regardless of their past. Rahab's inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogy in Matthew 1:5, further underscores the transformative power of divine mercy. Her account serves as a reminder that God's grace is available to all who turn to Him in faith, transcending cultural and social barriers. Theological Implications The account of Joshua and Rahab illustrates several key theological themes related to mercy: 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency: God's sovereign plan includes the extension of mercy to individuals who demonstrate faith, as seen in Rahab's account. Her actions, though seemingly small, played a significant role in the unfolding of God's redemptive history. 2. Faith and Works: Rahab's faith was evidenced by her actions. Her willingness to protect the spies and her plea for mercy were tangible expressions of her belief in the God of Israel. This aligns with the biblical principle that genuine faith is accompanied by works (James 2:25). 3. Inclusivity of God's Mercy: Rahab's account highlights the inclusivity of God's mercy. Despite her status as a Gentile and a sinner, she was grafted into the community of God's people. This foreshadows the New Testament revelation that salvation through Christ is available to all, Jew and Gentile alike. 4. Covenantal Faithfulness: The Israelites' adherence to their promise to Rahab reflects the importance of covenantal faithfulness. Just as God is faithful to His promises, His people are called to mirror that faithfulness in their interactions with others. In summary, the narrative of Joshua and Rahab provides a profound example of mercy in action, demonstrating God's readiness to extend grace to those who seek Him in faith, regardless of their background or past transgressions. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 6:25And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwells in Israel even to this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. Nave's Topical Index Library Rahab How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The But, as for that which is Written, that God did Good to the Hebrew ... Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution. On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary. Hope for the Heathen A virgin at Antioch, Having Refused to Sacrifice to Idols... Book 5 Footnotes Index. Epistle Lxxv. To Magnus, on Baptizing the Novatians, and those who ... Resources What is Divine Mercy Sunday? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it means that mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13)? | GotQuestions.org What is the spiritual gift of mercy? | GotQuestions.org Mercy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mercy: After the Example of God Mercy: Beneficial to Those Who Exercise Mercy: Characteristic of Saints Mercy: Denunciations Against Those Devoid of Mercy: General Scriptures Concerning Mercy: should be Shown with Cheerfulness Mercy: should be Shown: To Animals Mercy: should be Shown: To Backsliders Mercy: should be Shown: To Our Brethren Mercy: should be Shown: To the Poor Mercy: should be Shown: To Those That are in Distress Mercy: The Israelites to the Man of Beth-El Mercy: The Prison Keeper, to Joseph Mercy: To be Engraved on the Heart Mercy: Upholds the Throne of Kings The Mercy of God is his Delight The Mercy of God is Part of his Character The Mercy of God: A Ground of Hope The Mercy of God: A Ground of Trust The Mercy of God: Epaphroditus The Mercy of God: Filling the Earth The Mercy of God: High As Heaven The Mercy of God: Manifested in Long-Suffering The Mercy of God: Manifested in Salvation The Mercy of God: Manifested in the Sending of Christ The Mercy of God: Manifested with Everlasting Kindness The Mercy of God: Manifested: To his People The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Repentant Sinners The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Returning Backsliders The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Afflicted The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Fatherless The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Them That Fear Him The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Whom he Will The Mercy of God: New Every Morning The Mercy of God: Over all his Works The Mercy of God: should be Magnified The Mercy of God: should be Pleaded in Prayer The Mercy of God: should be Rejoiced In The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Others The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Ourselves The Mercy of God: Typified: Mercy Seat Related Terms |
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