Joshua 2:1, 6, 8–15; 6:22–23

Explore the Bible 
Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

FAITH DARE

Joshua 2:1, 6, 8–15; 6:22–23
Throughout the Old Testament God demonstrates His plan for the nations to know Him (Ex. 7:5; Ps. 67:2–3; Ezek. 38:23). This knowledge is an intimate relationship with Him by faith. Jethro (Ex. 18:11–12), Rahab (Josh. 2:11), Ruth (Ruth 1:16) and the Ninevites (Jon. 3:5) are among the Gentiles whose words or actions demonstrated faith in the God of Israel.  

Words of Faith (2:1, 8–13)
Joshua entrusted two Israelite spies to bring back a report about Canaan. They were to pay particular attention to Jericho, a walled city not far from the Jordan River. As a former spy himself, Joshua knew this task required faith, not simply skills of observation. The men demonstrated discretion, entering the home of a woman whom the locals would expect to be visited by strangers. The spies discovered a Canaanite woman who believed in Yahweh (the LORD), the God of the Israelites.

Rahab expressed genuine faith. She knew the name of the covenant God of Israel. She attributed Israel’s military victories to Yahweh. In fact she confessed that He is the God of heaven and earth. She acknowledged that this God reigns over the affairs of all  nations. 

Her genuine fear of Yahweh, her reverential submission to His will, led her to hide the Israelite spies and to ask for their protection when Jericho was attacked. Her words of faith were accompanied by actions of faith.

Faith in Action (2:6, 14–15)
The spies knew their lives were in Rahab’s hands. When the city officials demanded to inspect her quarters, she would have to remain silent or they would die. She also knew that war was coming and that her life and the lives of her loved ones were in their hands. They had to trust one another and live up to that trust. Not only did they need to demonstrate faith in Yahweh but also faith in each other.

Here were men called to be holy trusting a prostitute. Here was a city dweller trusting members of military reconnaissance for an advancing army. Here were Israelites trusting a Canaanite. What did they have in common? They confessed that Yahweh is the sovereign God of heaven and earth.

 James writes that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). He admonishes his readers to live out their faith, challenging them to “be doers of the Word and not hearers only” (James 1:22). 

Paul adds that believers have been created in Christ to do good works (Eph. 2:10).  Demonstrate your faith — at home, at work, at the ballpark, on vacation. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

Faith Rewarded (6:22–23)
The spies did what they had been entrusted to do and they returned safely. In the intervening chapters, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River through God’s miraculous work. They set up a monument so that children and future generations would know that the stories are true (4:6–7, 21–22) and so that all the nations would know that God interacted with His people (4:24). Israel acknowledged their covenant relationship with Yahweh through circumcision and the celebration of the Passover, and Joshua bowed before the commander of Yahweh’s army.

The walls of Jericho were down and the inhabitants had been executed. All of Rahab’s neighbors were dead. So how was Rahab’s faith rewarded? Her family was safe. She was alive. She would live out her life among the Israelites (6:25), and she would become only one of five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:5). One of the Gentile ancestors of Jesus had come from the pagan city of Jericho.

What is the challenge for you in this lesson? Speak your faith (Matt. 10:32). Live your faith (1 Cor. 15:58). Defend your faith (Jude 3; 1 Pet. 3:15). Faith is rewarded, but faith is not static.