Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Observe here — 1. The person spoke of, Rahab, a Gentile, an Amorite, an harlot, who kept a victualling house in Jericho, and so was both harlot and hostess, defiled both in body and mind with idolatry and adultery. 2. What is spoken of her: she believed. Behold here a blessed instance — (1) Of the sovereignty and freedom of God's grace. (2) Of the power and efficacy of Divine grace, in calling and converting a person given up by her own choice to the vilest of sins; but no sinner nor sin is to be despaired of, in whose cure sovereign grace is engaged. 3. The effect and fruit of her faith, she received the spies with peace; that is, entertained them safely. 4. The benefit and advantage she received by her faith, she perished not; that is, when the credulous and idolatrous people of Jericho were destroyed, she and her family were preserved.From the whole learn — 1. That God is ready to show wonderful mercy to penitent sinners, if they return to Him and believe in Him, how great soever their sins have formerly been. 2. That true faith, wherever it is, will show itself by some eminent effect, and notable fruits of it. 3. That the rewards of faith are excellent and truly glorious; as she was preserved from the common ruin at Jericho, so shall all believers be saved from the wrath and destruction which shall come ere long upon the impenitent and unbelieving world. (W. Burkitt, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. |
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