ahab receives and hides two Israelites. (1-7) Rahab and the
spies. (8-21) The return of the spies. (22-24)
Verses 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, (Jam 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.
Verses 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.
Verses 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.
ahab receives and hides two Israelites. (1-7) Rahab and the
spies. (8-21) The return of the spies. (22-24)