Surely, Rahab quickly compelled her family and relatives to come to her home in order to escape death. After the wall had collapsed and the conquest had begun, the former spies brought Rahab, her family and her relatives "outside the camp of Israel" (Joshua 6:23). Jericho was conquered and Rahab was spared "alive" (Joshua 6:25). She was "justified by" her "works" (James 2:25).
Now, Rahab assimilated into the ways of the true God of Israel. She decided to dwell in "the midst of Israel" (Joshua 6:25) and married an Israelite from the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:11). The germination of faith sprouts, as the focus of Rahab centers upon a growing knowledge and trust in the True Creator and His commands. "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33). A greater purpose was in God's plan. Rahab must continue the genealogy of Messiah. From Salma and Rahab was born Boaz (Matthew 1:5). And Boaz becomes a key character within the book of Ruth and the genealogy of Messiah. (Ruth 4:18-22). The (godly) chain would continue!
Truly, God desires all of mankind to turn to Him and be delivered — even the "worst" of sinners. Rahab the Harlot "heard" (Joshua 2:10) about the great power of God. She listened and learned about His wrath and mercy. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Rahab "hid" (Joshua 2:4; 6:17, 25) the messengers from danger; in turn, they would help her according to the good pleasure of God. "The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). And finally, Rahab "tied" – "hung" (Joshua 2:21) her hopes upon that scarlet cord, expecting the spies to fulfill their grave promise uttered before God. "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13). Her faith in the true God of Israel had set her free!
The evidence of Rahab's faith was expressed in her example toward these two emissaries. "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace" (Hebrews 11:31). Have you heard that there is freedom from bondage found in Jesus Chrsit? Only in Him and His finished work of redemption can you hide from the wrath of God. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). On what are you hanging all your hopes for a future in heaven?
Rob Zapotoski,
SMS International Field Representative
