Introduction

The Promise to Rahab is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenantal promises. Rahab, a Canaanite woman living in Jericho, plays a crucial role in the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, with references in the New Testament highlighting her faith and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Biblical Account

The account of Rahab is detailed in Joshua 2 and Joshua 6. As the Israelites, led by Joshua, prepared to enter the Promised Land, Joshua sent two spies to scout the city of Jericho. The spies entered the house of Rahab, a prostitute, seeking refuge. Rahab, aware of the Israelites' God and His mighty works, chose to protect the spies from the king of Jericho's men. In return for her kindness, the spies promised her safety when the Israelites would conquer the city.

Joshua 2:12-14 records Rahab's request and the spies' promise: "Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death.” The men answered her, “Our lives for your lives! If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.”

The Scarlet Cord

A key element of the promise was the scarlet cord. The spies instructed Rahab to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign for the Israelite army to spare her household. This cord symbolized the promise of protection and is often seen as a foreshadowing of redemption through the blood of Christ. Joshua 2:18 states, "Behold, when we enter the land, you must tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and gather your family in your house."

Fulfillment of the Promise

The fulfillment of the promise to Rahab is recorded in Joshua 6. As the Israelites marched around Jericho and the walls fell, Joshua commanded the two spies to honor their oath. Joshua 6:22-23 recounts, "But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the land, 'Go into the prostitute’s house and bring out the woman and all who belong to her, just as you promised her.' So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and settled them outside the camp of Israel."

Rahab's Legacy

Rahab's faith and the promise made to her have lasting significance in biblical history. She is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:5, highlighting her inclusion in the lineage of the Messiah. Furthermore, Rahab is commended for her faith in Hebrews 11:31 : "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient." James 2:25 also references her actions as evidence of living faith: "In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route?"

Theological Implications

The Promise to Rahab underscores the themes of faith, redemption, and God's sovereign plan. Rahab's account demonstrates that faith in the God of Israel transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, offering salvation to all who believe. Her inclusion in the lineage of Christ serves as a testament to God's grace and the fulfillment of His promises to those who trust in Him.