‏ Joshua 2

* Rahab receives and hides two Israelites. (1-7) Rahab and the

spies. (8-21) The return of the spies. (22-24)

1-7 Faith in God's promises ought not to do away, but to

encourage our diligence in the use of proper means. The

providence of God directed the spies to the house of Rahab. God

knew where there was one that would be true to them, though they

did not. Rahab appears to have been an innkeeper; and if she had

formerly been one of bad life, which is doubtful, she had left

her evil courses. That which seems to us most accidental, is

often overruled by the Divine providence to serve great ends. It

was by faith that Rahab received those with peace, against whom

her king and country had war. We are sure this was a good work;

it is so spoken of by the apostle, #Jas 2:25|; and she did it by

faith, such a faith as set her above the fear of man. Those only

are true believers, who find in their hearts to venture for God;

they take his people for their people, and cast in their lot

among them. The spies were led by the special providence of God,

and Rahab entertained them out of regard to Israel and Israel's

God, and not for lucre or for any evil purpose. Though excuses

may be offered for the guilt of Rahab's falsehood, it seems best

to admit nothing which tends to explain it away. Her views of

the Divine law must have been very dim: a falsehood like this,

told by those who enjoy the light of revelation, whatever the

motive, would deserve heavy censure. 8-21 Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for

Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be

fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was

no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his

people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real

principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made

to her. The goodness of God is often expressed by his kindness

and truth, #Ps 117:2|; in both these we must be followers of

him. Those who will be conscientious in keeping promises, are

cautious in making them. The spies make needful conditions. The

scarlet cord, like the blood upon the doorpost at the passover,

recalls to remembrance the sinner's security under the atoning

blood of Christ; and that we are to flee thereto for refuge from

the wrath of a justly offended God. The same cord Rahab used for

the saving of these Israelites, was to be used for her own

safety. What we serve and honour God with, we may expect he will

bless, and make useful to us. 22-24 The report the spies brought was encouraging. All the

people of the country faint because of Israel; they have neither

wisdom to yield, nor courage to fight. Those terrors of

conscience, and that sense of Divine wrath, which dismay the

ungodly, but bring not to repentance, are fearful forebodings of

approaching destruction. But grace yet abounds to the chief of

sinners. Let them, without delay, flee to Christ, and all shall

be well.