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Joshua 2:15–21
“So the men said to her: ‘We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear, unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down’” (Josh. 2:17–18a).
In recompense for Rahab’s sheltering them from the king of Jericho, the two Israelite spies swear an oath to her that they will “ ‘deal kindly and truly’ ” with her when God gives Canaan to Israel. By their oath, they invite God to judge them if they fail to keep their promise. We should note that Deuteronomy 7:2 forbids the Israelites to make covenants with Canaanites or to have mercy upon them, but as Matthew Henry explains, this command “did not forbid them to take under their protection a particular person, that had heartily come into their interests and had done them real kindness.” Besides, the spies are only showing mercy to one to whom God already has shown mercy, for He has changed her heart and brought her to faith in Himself.
Rahab then prepares to help the men escape from the closed city via a rope lowered from her home on the wall. Guessing how long the king’s men will search for the spies, she advises them to hide in the mountains for three days before returning to the Israelite camp.
Before they go, the spies put three conditions on their promise of mercy to Rahab and her family. First, she must tie the red cord she is using to lower them from the wall in her window as a marker. Seeing the cord, forewarned Israelite soldiers will know to spare the house and those inside. Just as God passed over the homes of the Israelites marked with a lamb’s blood during the slaughter of the firstborn on the night of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt (Ex. 11–12), so the Israelites will pass over Rahab’s home when they see the scarlet cord (and so God in judgment will pass over those whose hearts are marked by the Lamb’s blood). Second, all Rahab’s relatives must remain in the house with her when Jericho falls, for the Israelites will not be able to distinguish them if they encounter them in the streets of the city. If one of her relatives goes out and is killed, his death will be his own fault, the spies say; however, if one of the relatives in the house is killed, Israel will be to blame. Third, Rahab and her relatives must not speak of the agreement. Henry notes that John Calvin believes this requirement is for Rahab’s own safety, lest the king of Jericho learn she has been consorting with Israelites and punish her.
Rahab accepts all of these conditions. And as soon as the spies’ feet touch the ground, she affixes the scarlet cord in her window.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Rahab was willing to take a big risk on behalf of her relatives. We should be most desirous of seeing our family members come to faith in Christ. Take time today to identify close relatives who may not have a genuine relationship with Christ. Commit to pray for their salvation and for opportunities to share your faith with them. Speak out boldly.
For Further Study
- Acts 16:11–15, 25–34
- Acts 18:8
- Ephesians 5:25–27
- Ephesians 6:4