Today let's look at the other side. How do the Canaanites feel with this strange group of nomads coming at them from the desert? Here is where the story of Rahab comes in. (Joshua 2)
Joshua sends in some spies to check out the land. He had to be a little concerned about this since 40 years prior to this Moses sent him (Joshua) and 11 other spies and only he and Caleb came back saying God will go with us if He wants us to possess the land. While the other 10 were scared out of their wits telling everyone, NO, we can't conquer them they have walled cities and they are giants compared to us, etc. etc.
Well, Joshua takes the risk and in go two spies checking out the city of Jericho. It tells us in Joshua 2:1 he sent them in secretly. Humm.. I wonder if that was because he didn't want all the Israelites to know and try to interrogate them when they returned. (that's only a guess by me) ;)
Ok now where do the spies go? I think they were trying to enter unnoticed and picked a prostitute's house to look like they were normal male visitors passing through. My footnotes said it was most likely an Inn where the spies could get information that was run by Rahab. I do think it is interesting that the spies are not named in the story except where they from, Shittim. I read some notes on this and it seems to be a spot where Israel fell into the sin that Rahab later abandons.
I just love everything about Rahab. She doesn't seem to mess around. She knew all the stories of how Israel's God had saved Israel from Egypt when parting the Red Sea as well as conquered the kings Sihon and Og of the Amorites. She knew her own people were not afraid of the Israelites who were rather rag tag looking after wandering in the desert 40 years. No, they were afraid of Israel's God!
Time to make a deal with these guys from Israel, thought Rahab. My life for yours. It didn't seem to take the king of Jericho long to figure out Israel had spies in his land and that they were at Rahab's house. You think God had a plan to save Rahab from the beginning? She makes a deal and hides the spies. They agree but they tell her the only way she and anyone in her family can be saved is if they remain in her house. She must tie a scarlet cord in the window she helped the spies escape from. The crazy part of this story to me is her house is part of the city wall. (Joshua 2:15) Yes, now how in the world does her house stay standing when the walls of Jericho come down? Obviously with God's help and purpose.
My favorite part of this story is the fact that after she was saved (Joshua 6:25) she was spared because she hid the spies. This chapter tells us she stayed and lived among the Israelites. She did not need to, as that wasn't part of the agreement to save her. No, it was her choice to stay and worship Israel's God. How do I know this? Well, check out Matthew 1:5, Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus! She not only stayed but followed God so beautifully that she was chosen to be able to marry in the godly line of King David and therefore Jesus Himself. She would not be there had she not become a child of God.
This shows me that God does not take sides but wants all to come to Him. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, (of returning - His 2nd coming) as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
God loves all people, but as Rahab, we have to choose who we will follow. Whose side are we on? In this day and age is it important to choose Jesus who wants to give us life so we can have it to the full? (John 10:10)
To be continued.....
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