Read Joshua 2
The action in the Book of Joshua begins in
chapter two as Joshua sends out spies to the Promised Land. He secretly sends
two men to obtain information that would help the Israelites successfully
conquer Canaan. The spies are specifically told to get information about
Jericho. Jericho was a highly fortified
town located just west of the Jordan River. It was a key strategic battleground
for the Israelites. As long as Jericho remained unconquered, the Canaanites
could use it to maintain a foothold in the region and launch attacks against
Israel.
As they enter Jericho, the spies decide to
stay at the house of a woman named Rahab – a prostitute. By choosing a harlot’s
home for lodging, the spies could avoid the attention that foreign visitors
would inevitably attract. The first quality we see in Rahab is her bold
hospitality. When the king of Jericho demands the men be handed over, she risks
her life to hide and protect them. As the king’s men leave to pursue the
Israelite spies elsewhere, the story shifts focus to Rahab’s conversation with
the spies. In this conversation, Rahab unveils the true reason why she is
protecting them: she fears the God of Israel. Word of His deeds had spread
throughout Canaan and Rahab knew He was more powerful than her nation’s gods.
After revealing her heart, Rahab asks the
spies for a promise of protection. She will help them safely return to the
Israelite camp if they will ensure the safety of herself and her family during the
invasion of Jericho. The men agreed to this under three conditions. Rahab must
not share her knowledge about Israel’s impending attack with anyone. Her family
must remain in her house during the attack. Finally, she must hang a cord of
scarlet out her window so the Israelites would have a means to distinguish her
home from the others. Rahab agrees to their conditions and sends the men on
their way.
After hiding from their pursuers for three
days, the spies return to Israel. Their report to Joshua is a promising one:
“Surely the Lord has given all the land into our hands, and all the inhabitants
of the land, moreover, have melted away before us” (v. 24).
Prayer and Journaling
1. The spies needed great courage to
investigate Jericho. They were motivated by a strong dedication to a cause. They
were willing to sacrifice their lives to see Israel in the Promised Land. Ask
God to show you an area where He wants you to be brave. When He shows you something
spend some time reflecting on why this area is important to Him.
2. Rahab also showed courage by housing the
spies. She was motivated by a fear of the God of Israel. Because of her
courageous pursuit of the God of Israel, Rahab was one of five women mentioned
by name in Jesus’ genealogy. In pursuit of intimacy with Jesus and knowledge of
His love for us (both of which are exceedingly important for believers) we
often lose sight of the holiness and power of God. Spend some time today
praying that the Church in Canada would grow in fear of the Lord. Ask God to
reveal His sovereignty, majesty and power to us. Pray that we would respond
with open hearts, hungry to know Him for all He truly is.
3. Does your definition of God include His
sovereignty and power? Does it include His justice, kingship and holiness? If you struggle to believe these things,
confess it to God. Ask Him to help you know Him more and to give you a heart of
worship for all aspects of His character.
