Joshua 2 - Rahab, the harlot, seems an unlikely ally for the nation of Israel, but God uses her in a mighty way.  The 2 spies who are sent into Jericho remain unnamed, but Rahab's name is known.  And what is even more amazing is that we find her name again in the book of Matthew, in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus.  Rehab marries Salmon, of the tribe of Judah, and is the mother of Boaz, the great-grandfather of David.

Rahab hides the 2 men from the king's men and sends them off safely.  The whole country has heard of the God of Israel.  Rahab has come to know and fear Him.  She proclaims, " .... for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath."   This simple statement from the lips of a prostitute who lived in Jericho is a great testament to the grace of God!  Our God loves and saves the most unlikely people!  We must never doubt His ability to transform any heart!

Rahab makes a deal with the 2 spies.  Since she has helped them, she asks for their kindness in return.  "Now therefore, please swear to me by the Lord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father's household, and give me a pledge of truth, and spare my father and my mother and my brothers and my sisters and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death." 
The men make the pledge but tell her that she must tie a scarlet thread in her window, have all the family together in her house, and not tell anyone about their business.

In Joshua 6:22-23 the record shows that when the walls came tumbling down that Joshua sent the 2 men to go and bring out Rahab and all who were with her.  When they went to her house they found Rahab, her father, mother, brothers and "all she had".   They were all brought out safe. Everything in Jericho was destroyed except for Rahab and what she and her family brought out with them.  ".. and she lived in the midst of Israel to this day, for she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho." 

Rahab is mentioned again  in the New Testament , in Hebrews 11:31 " By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient after she welcomed the spies in peace."  And again in James 2:25 " And in the same way was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works, when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?"   James' point here is that not only did Rahab have faith, but her faith was actively at work in what she did.


Father in heaven,  You alone are God in heaven above and on the earth beneath.  We bless Your Name and proclaim that You are our God and King.  We glorify the Name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who has saved us through the sacrifice of His body and blood on a cruel cross, forever conquering sin and death.  Thank You for saving us.  Father, like Rahab, I ask for Your kindness to my father's household.. for my brothers and sisters and all who belong to them.  Will You deliver them from death, from the judgement to come?  Father, You alone can draw them to Jesus and bring them to repentance and salvation.  I ask for Your lovingkindness and mercy in their lives.  I also pray for my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, asking that each one would know You fully and follow Jesus all the days of their lives.  I ask this in the Name of Jesus, amen.