Why did the spies come to Rahab’s house?
Rahab's Faith in Hiding the Spies (2:2-11) The spies go surreptitiously to Rahab's house but don't go unnoticed in watchful Jericho. Someone has seen them enter her door. So the king of Jericho sends word to Rahab to produce the spies -- no doubt by armed soldiers appearing at her door to enforce the king's edict.
What does Rahab tell the spies to do when Jericho falls?
Jan 04, 2022 · At the battle of Jericho, the walls of the city fell down, and the people of Jericho were defeated. Rahab’s family, however, was spared: “But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day ...
What happened to Rahab’s family?
Rahab and the Two Spies. by Shelby Faith. Rahab lived in Jericho, but she feared the God of Israel. She protected the Israelite spies and asked them to remember and protect her family. PDF to print for family reading. God led Israel around in the wilderness for 40 years. During that time, the generation that had disobeyed God after leaving ...
When was Rahab hides the spies published?
Oct 01, 2019 · Proposition 1: In Joshua 2, the focus should reflect the faith Rahab confessed, not the truth she concealed. When the gate shuts in verse 7, all eyes are turned to Rahab and the spies. The king is no longer in the picture and neither are his henchman. Instead, the rest of the chapter focuses on the words of Rahab and the spies—two of the ...
What did Rahab do to the spies?
Before the Israelites cross the Jordan, Joshua sends men to scout out the land. Arriving in Jericho, they decide to spend the night at the house of the prostitute Rahab. When Jericho's ruler tries to apprehend them, Rahab hides them and then helps them escape through the window, thus saving their lives.Nov 15, 2017
What did Rahab hide the two spies under?
The spies stayed in Rahab's house, which was built into the city wall. The soldiers sent to capture the spies asked Rahab to bring out the spies. Instead, she hid them under bundles of flax on the roof.
Did Rahab betray Israelites?
She hides the spies, and assists them to escape from Jericho. Rahab's act of betrayal suggests a testimony of her faith in the God of Israel. Scripture declares that she and her family lived out their remaining years in Israel.Apr 29, 2019
How long did Rahab hide the spies?
three daysRahab followed their instructions to the letter, just as the spies followed Rahab's advice. After hiding for three days in the hills, the spies escaped detection and returned safely to Joshua, reporting to him what had transpired and what they had observed.
What did the 12 Israelite spies bring back from Canaan?
The Grapes of Canaan by James Tissot. Although the spies brought back a cluster of grapes so large that it took two men to carry it (Numbers 13:23), only two of the twelve brought back a good report of the land.
What does Rahab mean in the Bible?
Rahab (Hebrew: רַהַב, Modern: Rahav, Tiberian: Rahaḇ, "blusterer") is used in the Hebrew Bible to indicate pride or arrogance, a mystical sea monster, as an emblematic or poetic name for Egypt, and for the sea.
Did Caleb conquer Hebron?
However, this is not the only narrative of the conquest of Hebron. The fall of the city together with its Anakim is described in the following chapters, presenting not Joshua but Caleb as the one who manages to dislodge the Anakim from Hebron (15:14), thereby gaining the city as his portion (14:14).Oct 13, 2017
Was Rahab married to salmon?
Rahab's marriage to Salmon is not mentioned in the account of her hiding Joshua's messengers sent out to spy out Jericho, although the narrative regarding her role concludes that "she dwells in Israel to this day".
How old was Rahab?
The Rabbis describe how Rahab was ten years old at the time of the Exodus from Egypt. She engaged in prostitution during the forty years of the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness, until the age of fifty.
What does Rahab tell the spies?
Rahab tells the spies what they must do to escape the king's men searching for them, but before she sends them off, she bargains with them -- with her life and their lives in the balance. There is no room for deceit here! She calls on them to swear an oath of truthfulness and faithfulness in the name of their God.
Who sent word to Rahab to produce the spies?
So the king of Jericho sends word to Rahab to produce the spies -- no doubt by armed soldiers appearing at her door to enforce the king's edict. The true identity of the Israelites is quickly discerned by Rahab. Jericho is a small, compact city, and Rahab knows all the residents by sight, especially the men.
What is Rahab's faith?
Rahab's Faith (2:9-11) Rahab has heard stories of the Hebrews who have been encamped just across Jordan in Shittim. She had heard of their God and the miracles he has performed on behalf of his people. She makes her choice and hides the spies. This act clearly indicates Rahab's faith.
Why is Rahab commended?
Rahab is commended for "welcoming the spies" (Hebrews 11:31) and helping them "when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction" (James 2:25). She is not commended for her lie. However, consider that in everyday life we commonly place limits on truthfulness.
What did the spies do in Jericho?
The spies have discerned the morale in Jericho. They have heard Rahab's faith and have seen God's hand in the whole adventure. Joshua honors the spies' oath to Rahab. During the Battle of Jericho, Joshua commands the two spies to find Rahab and give her safe passage.
What does the flax on Rahab's roof mean?
The flax drying on her roof indicates that she prepares linen thread, and perhaps clothing, in a cottage industry, like the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:24.
What does Rahab call God?
Incidentally, Rahab calls God by his given name Yahweh. "The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below" (2:11) As you are probably aware, whenever in your English Bible you see "LORD" in small caps rather than in upper and lower case, it refers to the name Yahweh.
What was the significance of Rahab's assistance to the spies?
As it turned out, the spies’ choice of a hiding place was God-ordained. Rahab’s assistance to these spies was of tremendous importance. She hid the spies on her roof, and, when the king’s guards came to her house, she sent the guards in a different direction.
Why did Joshua send two spies into the city?
Before Israel’s battle against the city of Jericho, Joshua sent two spies into the city to investigate ( Joshua 2 ). When these two spies’ presence was discovered, the spies hid in Rahab the harlot’s house to avoid capture.
What happened at the Battle of Jericho?
At the battle of Jericho, the walls of the city fell down, and the people of Jericho were defeated. Rahab’s family, however, was spared: “But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day” ( Joshua 6:25 ).
Why was the house of a harlot a good place to escape detection?
The house of a harlot was probably a good place to avoid detection—a couple of travelers entering such a house would probably not arouse much suspicion. The spies, seeking anonymity, figured a house of prostitution would be a good place to find it. Also, Rahab’s house was situated on the city wall ( Joshua 2:15 ), providing an escape route.
Was Rahab a direct ancestor of Jesus?
More importantly, Rahab was a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ. Rahab is mentioned in the “hall of faith” of Hebrews 11. Verse 31 notes, “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”.
Why did the men tell Rahab to hang a scarlet cord in the window?
The spies climbed down and were able to escape. The men told Rahab to hang a scarlet cord in the window so they would know which house was hers. They said, “Bring your family into your home.”.
How long did the spies stay in the mountains?
The spies escaped from the city. They hid in the mountains for three days until the king’s men quit looking for them. Then they returned to Joshua and told him all that had happened to them. They said, “God has delivered all the land into our hands.
Why did Joshua remember Rahab?
Joshua remembered the promise to Rahab. He sent the two spies to her house and brought her and her family safely out of Jericho. Rahab was allowed to live peacefully in Israel the rest of her life because she protected the spies. She helped Israel come into the Promised Land.
What did Rahab tell Jericho about Israel?
She told them that Jericho’s people had heard about Israel. They heard how God had delivered His people from Egypt and dried up the Red Sea so Israel could cross over.
What did Rahab tell the King's men?
Rahab had taken the two men up on the roof and hidden them under some stalks of flax. She told the king’s men, “Yes, the men came to me. I didn’t know where they were from. They left when it was dark. I don’t know where they went, but if you hurry, you may catch them.”. The king’s men left to try to find the two spies.
Where did Rahab live?
Rahab lived in Jericho, but she feared the God of Israel. She protected the Israelite spies and asked them to remember and protect her family. God led Israel around in the wilderness for 40 years. During that time, the generation that had disobeyed God after leaving Egypt died.
Who sent spies to Jericho?
Joshua sends spies to Jericho. Joshua sent two men to search out the land, especially Jericho. They came to the house of Rahab and stayed there. (Rahab was not living the right way at this time, but God was planning to use her for a special purpose.) Someone in Jericho noticed the spies.
Why did Rahab not perish?
By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. (Heb 11:31) And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way. (James 2:25) It is astounding that Rahab knew ...
Why was Rahab's lie forgiven?
And her lie was forgiven because of her faith. Alternatively, (and I believe this is a better option than the first), Rahab rightly saw the conflict between her people and Israel’s God. When she acknowledged Israel’s right to this land, she sided with Yahweh and the truth of God in the world.
Is lying a result of insufficient wisdom?
Again, the context of warfare applies. Yet, in such instances, lying is often the result of insufficient wisdom. It is conceivable, that if someone had infinite wisdom in such situations, they could hide the truth with the truth.
Did Rahab lie to Joshua?
In this way, “lying”—if we must call it that—followed the lead of those who were rescuing her. Rahab was not lying in order to excuse or exalt herself.
What is the story of rehab?
Rehab — a Picture of Faith. The story of Rahab is centered on her faith, not her sin. It is a wonderful reminder of how great the mercy and grace of God toward sinners. Rehab believed in God because she had heard of His works and she trusted that He would act in His kindness. Her knowledge of God produced belief.
Who hid the spies?
We all know the story. Rahab hid the spies and when she was confronted by the king’s messengers she lied. She told them that she did not know where the spies were ( Joshua 2:4-5 ). She later helped the spies escape. Her words were clearly a lie.
Why is Rahab's lie not a sin?
God is Merciful and Gracious. Some will say that Rahab’s lie was not a sin because God didn’t judge it–and in fact, He blessed her. While it is true that Rahab and her family were spared, it cannot be said that God’s blessings indicated that her lie was not sinful. God must, and does, judge all sins.
How did Rehab demonstrate her faith?
Rehab was not among the unbelievers… she was counted as one who believed. She demonstrated her faith by not only hiding the spies but also directing their escape. Joshua 2:16 And she said to them, “Get to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you. Hide there three days, until the pursuers have returned.
Where did the story of Rahab begin?
The story of Rahab begins when Joshua sent two messengers/spies into the city of Jericho. They were sent to “view the land” prior to the nation moving forward to take the land (Joshua 2). The king of Jericho was informed of the presence of the Israelite men in the house of Rahab and he sent his men to require that she turn them over to him ( Josh 2:2-3 ).
What to say when critics of the Bible try to use the story of Rahab?
Be prepared when critics of the Bible try to use the story of Rahab to claim that God morally contradicts Himself. When critics try to suggest that God approved of Rahab’s lie, be ready with an answer. Tell them about the…. mercy of God demonstrated in the unmerited favor of forgiveness of sin.
Was Rahab a harlot?
In the New Testament, Rahab is referred to as a harlot ( James 2:25 ), but nowhere is she called a liar. Her sin of lying was not overlooked—rather, it was forgiven! It’s clear Rahab lived a sinful, pagan life in Jericho, but she had heard about God, and by faith, her life was radically changed.
Why did Joshua spare Rahab the prostitute?
But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho-- and she lives among the Israelites to this day. (NIV) Hebrews 11:31. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Why did Rahab hang a scarlet cord from her window?
She was to hang a scarlet cord from her window as a sign, so the Jews could find and protect her. In the miraculous battle of Jericho, the invincible city did fall.
What does the red cord on Rahab's window represent?
Some scholars believe the red cord Rahab hung from her window represents sacrificial blood, the blood of animals in the Old Testament and the blood of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Rahab had heard stories of how the Lord delivered the Jews from the hand of their enemy.
What did the King of Jericho do when he learned the men had been to Rahab's house?
When the king of Jericho learned the men had been to Rahab's house, he sent orders for her to turn them over. She lied to the king's soldiers concerning the whereabouts of the spies and sent them off in the opposite direction.
What were Rahab's accomplishments?
Rahab's Accomplishments. Rahab recognized the true God and took him for her own. She was an ancestor of both King David and Jesus Christ . She earned a mention in the Faith Hall of Fame ( Hebrews 11:31 ).
Who is Rahab in the Bible?
Rahab was one of those unexpected characters in the Bible. Even though she made her living as a sex worker , she was selected for high honor in the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11 . She heard about the God of Israel and recognized him as the true God, the One worth risking your life for. And she did risk her life for him.
How long did Rahab let the men hide in the mountains?
In the early dimness of the morning Rahab let the men down from a window with a rope, and urged them to hide in the mountains for three days before returning to their camp. When they returned to Joshua, they reported to him joyfully, “Truly, the L‑rd has delivered into our hands all the land, for all the inhabitants tremble before us.”
Where did the men come to the inn of Rahab?
The men came to the inn of Rahab, in the wall of the fortifications of the city of Jericho. As soon as the news reached the ears of the king that two strangers had been seen entering the inn of Rahab, he at once sent messengers to Rahab to give up the men. However, when Rahab realized who the strangers were who had come to her inn, ...
Why did Caleb and Pinchas tie a scarlet thread in her window?
Pinchas and Caleb readily pledged themselves to remember Rahab and her household, and as a token and sign they asked her to tie a scarlet thread in her window, so that it could be clearly seen by the Israelites when they reached the city wall. This would indicate which was the house of Rahab, and all in it would thus be spared as they had promised her.
How old was Rahab when the Jews left Egypt?
She told them that she was ten years old when the Jews left Egypt, and she had since then followed with the greatest interest and admiration all that happened to them.
Who is Rahab by?
Rahab. By Nissan Mindel. Published and copyrighted by Kehot Publication Society. « Previous. Joshua. Next ». Deborah the Prophetess. Rahab was a resident of Jericho, who sheltered two spies whom Joshua had sent to scout out the city. She was rewarded for her kindness and ultimately married Joshua, taking her place in the ranks of righteous converts.
Who were the two spies that Joshua sent to the city of Jericho?
Joshua sent two spies, Pinchas and Caleb, to obtain firsthand information as to how the Canaanites were viewing the coming invasion. The men came to the inn of Rahab, in the wall of the fortifications of the city of Jericho.
Can a Moabite marry a Jewish man?
From what I remember one of my Rebbeim teaching me in yeshiva, the prohibition not to marry a Moabite only applies to marrying Moabite men, not to a Jewish man marrying a Moabite woman. So it was not an issue for Boaz to marry Ruth, and she was a "blood Moabite" as you called it. In fact, she was a Moabite Princess.