Joshua 6:25
And Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her father's household and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. So she has lived among the Israelites to this day.
And Joshua spared
The act of sparing Rahab is significant in the narrative of Joshua. The Hebrew root for "spared" is "chayah," which means to preserve or keep alive. This action reflects God's mercy and the fulfillment of His promises. Joshua, as a leader, demonstrates obedience to God's command and the importance of honoring oaths made in His name. This sparing is a testament to the power of faith and the rewards of aligning oneself with God's people.

Rahab the prostitute
Rahab's designation as a prostitute is crucial in understanding the depth of God's grace. The Hebrew word "zonah" indicates her profession, which was looked down upon in ancient society. Yet, her faith and actions led to her salvation. This highlights the theme of redemption and the idea that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, for His purposes. Rahab's account is a precursor to the New Testament message of grace and redemption through faith.

with her family and all who belonged to her
The inclusion of Rahab's family emphasizes the communal aspect of salvation. The Hebrew term "mishpachah" for family suggests a broader kinship group, indicating that her faith had a ripple effect, extending protection to her entire household. This reflects the biblical principle that faith can have a transformative impact on one's community and loved ones.

because she had hidden the spies
Rahab's actions in hiding the spies were pivotal. The Hebrew verb "tsaphan" means to hide or conceal, indicating her active role in God's plan. Her decision to protect the spies was a demonstration of her faith in the God of Israel, as she recognized His sovereignty over the land. This act of faith is celebrated in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:31), underscoring the importance of faith in action.

Joshua had sent to Jericho
The mission of the spies was a strategic move in the conquest of Jericho. The Hebrew name "Yericho" is linked to the moon, suggesting a city of significant cultural and religious importance. By sending spies, Joshua was acting in wisdom and obedience to God's command to take the land. Rahab's assistance to these spies was crucial in the success of Israel's mission, demonstrating how God orchestrates events for His purposes.

So she lives among the Israelites to this day
This phrase indicates the lasting impact of Rahab's faith and the integration of a Gentile into the community of Israel. The Hebrew word "yashab" means to dwell or reside, signifying her acceptance and inclusion among God's people. Rahab's account is a powerful testament to the inclusivity of God's covenant, foreshadowing the eventual inclusion of Gentiles into the faith community through Christ. Her presence among the Israelites serves as a reminder of God's grace and the transformative power of faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses and led the conquest of Canaan. He is a central figure in the book of Joshua, known for his faithfulness and obedience to God.

2. Rahab
A Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies. Her faith and actions led to her and her family's salvation during the destruction of Jericho.

3. The Spies
Two Israelite men sent by Joshua to scout the city of Jericho. Their mission was crucial in the Israelites' strategy to conquer the city.

4. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, the first major conquest of the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. Its fall demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to His promises.

5. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were led by Joshua into the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Faith and Action
Rahab's account illustrates that true faith is accompanied by action. Her belief in the God of Israel led her to risk her life to protect the spies, demonstrating that faith often requires courage and sacrifice.

God's Grace and Redemption
Rahab's inclusion among the Israelites and in the lineage of Jesus highlights God's grace and the possibility of redemption for all, regardless of past sins or social status.

The Importance of Obedience
Joshua's obedience to God's commands in sparing Rahab and her family shows the importance of following God's instructions precisely, as His plans are perfect and just.

The Power of Testimony
Rahab's account serves as a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness and the transformative power of faith. Her life is a witness to the Israelites and to us today of God's ability to use anyone for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Rahab's account challenge our understanding of who can be used by God for His purposes?

2. In what ways does Rahab's faith inspire you to take bold actions in your own life?

3. How does the inclusion of Rahab in the genealogy of Jesus encourage us about God's redemptive plan?

4. What can we learn from Joshua's obedience in sparing Rahab and her family, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

5. How does Rahab's account connect with the New Testament teachings on faith and works, and how can this influence our daily walk with Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 11:31
This verse highlights Rahab's faith, noting that she was not destroyed with the disobedient because she welcomed the spies in peace. It connects her actions to the broader theme of faith in the New Testament.

James 2:25
James uses Rahab as an example of how faith is demonstrated through actions, reinforcing the idea that genuine faith results in righteous deeds.

Matthew 1:5
Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, showing her inclusion in God's redemptive plan and the lineage of the Messiah.
RahabAlexander MaclarenJoshua 6:25
Booty Given to GodC. S. Bushnell.Joshua 6:12-27
DisciplineJ. Parker, D. D.Joshua 6:12-27
Jericho CapturedSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJoshua 6:12-27
Jericho TakenW. M. Taylor, D. D.Joshua 6:12-27
Lessons from the Fall of JerichoW. E. Griffis.Joshua 6:12-27
Rahab SavedW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 6:12-27
Seems not This Too Severe to Forbid the Soldiers the Spoils of the CityC. Ness.Joshua 6:12-27
The Christian ConflictChas. Leach, D. D.Joshua 6:12-27
The Curse of JerichoA. B. Mackay.Joshua 6:12-27
The Fall of JerichoC. Bradley, M. A.Joshua 6:12-27
The Fall of JerichoBritish Weekly PulpitJoshua 6:12-27
The Fall of JerichoS. E. Bushnell.Joshua 6:12-27
The Fight of FaithA. B. Mackay.Joshua 6:12-27
The Lofty City, He Layeth it LowA. Maclaren, D. D.Joshua 6:12-27
The Overthrow of JerichoJohn McNeill.Joshua 6:12-27
The Potency of Inadequate InstrumentalitiesW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 6:12-27
The Siege of JerichoC. D. Marston, M. A.Joshua 6:12-27
The Unprosperous BuilderJoshua 6:12-27
The Walls of JerichoF. B. Meyer, B. A.Joshua 6:12-27
Too Polluted to be SparedW. Seaton.Joshua 6:12-27
People
Israelites, Joshua, Nun, Rahab
Places
Jericho
Topics
Alive, Belonged, Death, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Family, Father's, Got, Harlot, Hid, Household, However, Israelites, Jericho, Joshua, Kept, Living-place, Loose, Messengers, Midst, Prostitute, Rahab, Safe, Save, Saved, Search, Spared, Spies, Spy
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 6:25

     5552   spies
     5681   family, nature of
     5812   concealment
     8252   faithfulness, relationships

Joshua 6:22-25

     6239   prostitution

Library
Rahab
'And Joanna paved Rahab the harlot alive... and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day.'--JOSHUA vi. 25. This story comes in like an oasis in these terrible narratives of Canaanite extermination. There is much about it that is beautiful and striking, but the main thing is that it teaches the universality of God's mercy, and the great truth that trust in Him unites to Him and brings deliverance, how black soever may have been the previous life. I need not tell over again the story, told with such
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Siege of Jericho
'And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, ... until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. 11. So the ark of the Lord compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.'-- JOSHUA vi.10, 11. The cheerful uniform obedience of Israel to Joshua stands in very remarkable contrast with their perpetual murmurings and rebellions under Moses. Many reasons probably concurred in bringing about this
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Shout of Faith
"And when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up, every man straight before him." The shout of a steadfast faith is an experience that is in direct contrast to the moans of a wavering faith, and to the wails of discouraged hearts, both of which we have been considering in our last two chapters. In the history of the children of Israel there were many occasions when they indulged
Hannah Whitall Smith—The God of All Comfort

Jericho Itself.
We read, that this city was not only wasted by Joshua with fire and sword, but cursed also. "Cursed be he before the Lord, who shall rise up and build that city Jericho," Joshua 6:26. "Nor was another city to be built (says the Talmudists), which was to be called by the name of Jericho: nor was Jericho itself to be built, although to be called by another name." And yet I know not by what chance this city crept out of dust and rubbish, lived again, and flourished, and became the second city to Jerusalem.
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Whether it is Lawful for Clerics and Bishops to Fight?
Objection 1: It would seem lawful for clerics and bishops to fight. For, as stated above [2661](A[1]), wars are lawful and just in so far as they protect the poor and the entire common weal from suffering at the hands of the foe. Now this seems to be above all the duty of prelates, for Gregory says (Hom. in Ev. xiv): "The wolf comes upon the sheep, when any unjust and rapacious man oppresses those who are faithful and humble. But he who was thought to be the shepherd, and was not, leaveth the sheep,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

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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