Joshua 2:18
unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house.
unless, when we enter the land,

Rahab’s protection would take effect when Israel entered Canaan under Joshua’s leadership to take the land God had promised to Abraham’s descendants.

Deu 11:29 When the LORD your God brings you into the land…
Deu 7:1 When the LORD your God brings you into the land…
Jos 1:11 Go through the camp and tell the people,…

you have tied this scarlet cord in the window

The scarlet cord would mark Rahab’s house as the place where the spies had been sheltered and would identify her household for preservation during Jericho’s fall.

Jos 6:22-25 Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the…
Heb 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed…
Exo 12:13 The blood on the houses where you are staying…

through which you let us down,

Rahab had lowered the spies from her window in the city wall, risking her life to help them escape. Her actions showed that she had chosen to trust the God of Israel over the rulers of Jericho.

1Sa 19:12 So Michal lowered David from the window,…
2Co 11:33 But I was lowered in a basket through a window…
Act 9:25 One night, however, his disciples took him…

and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house.

Rahab’s relatives had to remain inside her house to share in the protection promised by the spies. Her deliverance extended to her household because of the oath made in response to her aid.

Jos 6:17 Now the city and everything in it must be devoted…
Exo 12:22-23 Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin…
Gen 7:1 Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rahab
A Canaanite woman living in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies. Her faith and actions led to her and her family's salvation.

2. Israelite Spies
Sent by Joshua to scout the land of Jericho. They made a covenant with Rahab for her protection.

3. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, the first city conquered by the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land.

4. Scarlet Cord
A symbol of the covenant between Rahab and the spies, representing her faith and the promise of salvation.

5. Rahab's Family
Her father, mother, brothers, and extended family, who were to be gathered in her house for protection.
Teaching Points
Faith and Action
Rahab's account illustrates that true faith is demonstrated through action. Her belief in the God of Israel led her to take risks for the spies.

Symbolism of the Scarlet Cord
The scarlet cord is a powerful symbol of salvation and protection, much like the blood of Christ for believers.

Family and Community
Rahab's concern for her family highlights the importance of bringing our loved ones into the safety of God's promises.

Covenant and Obedience
The agreement between Rahab and the spies required her obedience to specific instructions, reminding us of the importance of adhering to God's commands.

God's Grace and Redemption
Rahab's inclusion in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5) demonstrates God's grace and the redemption available to all, regardless of past.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Rahab's faith challenge us to act courageously in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the scarlet cord serve as a symbol of salvation in both the Old and New Testaments?

3. How can we, like Rahab, ensure that our family and community are included in the promises of God?

4. What does Rahab's account teach us about the relationship between faith and works?

5. How does Rahab's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus encourage us about God's ability to redeem and use anyone for His purposes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
The Passover lamb's blood on the doorposts parallels the scarlet cord, both serving as signs of protection and deliverance.

Hebrews 11:31
Rahab is commended for her faith, showing that her actions were rooted in belief in the God of Israel.

James 2:25
Rahab's faith is demonstrated through her works, emphasizing the importance of faith accompanied by action.
A Mixed CharacterSunday School TimesJoshua 2:1-24
A Parenthesis of GraceA. B. Mackay.Joshua 2:1-24
An Unexpected Ally of the Lord's HostG. W. Butler, M. A.Joshua 2:1-24
Beginning At the Right PointJ. Parker, D. D.Joshua 2:1-24
Gradual EnlightenmentW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 2:1-24
Our God, God Over AllJ. Irons.Joshua 2:1-24
Rahab SavedJ. B. Owen, M. A.Joshua 2:1-24
Rahab's FaithJoshua 2:1-24
Rahab's ReasoningW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 2:1-24
The Powers of Evil in TerrorJohn McNeill.Joshua 2:1-24
The Scarlet LineG. Wagner.Joshua 2:1-24
The Spies DespatchedJ. H. Snell.Joshua 2:1-24
People
Amorites, Israelites, Joshua, Nun, Og, Rahab, Sihon
Places
Egypt, Jericho, Jordan River, Red Sea, Shittim
Topics
Behold, Bind, Brethren, Bright, Bring, Brothers, Caused, Cord, Enter, Family, Father's, Gather, Hast, Home, Household, Line, Red, Scarlet, Thread, Tie, Tied, Unless, Window
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 2:8-20

     5731   parents

Joshua 2:12-21

     5468   promises, human

Joshua 2:17-18

     4808   crimson

Joshua 2:17-21

     1450   signs, kinds of

Library
The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

But, as for that which is Written, that God did Good to the Hebrew...
32. But, as for that which is written, that God did good to the Hebrew midwives, and to Rahab the harlot of Jericho, [2444] this was not because they lied, but because they were merciful to God's people. That therefore which was rewarded in them was, not their deceit, but their benevolence; benignity of mind, not iniquity of lying. [2445] For, as it would not be marvellous and absurd if God on account of good works after done by them should be willing to forgive some evil works at another time before
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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