Commitment of Rahab Joshua 2:1-4, 8-14; 6:22-23, 25 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009 OUTLINE

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1 Commitment of Rahab Joshua 2:1-4, 8-14; 6:22-23, 25 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009 Devotional Scripture: Heb 11:23-31 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS COMMITMENT IN ACTION (JOSH 2:1-4) Act of kindness (1) Kindness should be a part of us because we are a part of God's chosen people (Col 3:12) Kindness that comes from the maturity of our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8) Kindness that comes from love (1 Cor 13:4) Kindness that is commanded (Eph 4:32) Kindness should be offered to everyone (1 Thess 5:15) Act of bravery (2-3) Bravery because we shouldn't fear man who can only destroy the body, fear God who can destroy the soul (Matt 10:28) Bravery because if God is for us, what man can be against us (Rom 8:31) Bravery in the face of threats because through prayer God can make one bold (Acts 4:28-31) Bravery in the face of threats because God can change anyone (Acts 9:1-6) Bravery in the face of threats because of entrusting oneself to God (1 Peter 2:23) Act of protection (4) Protection from physical danger (Job 5:20-22) Protection from calamity (Prov 14:32) Protection in the form of deliverance (2 Cor 1:10) Protection from things in the world (1 John 4:4) Protection from evildoers (Ps 14:6) COMMITMENT IN CONVERSATION (JOSH 2:8-11) Conversation based on knowledge (8-9) Knowledge from the enrichment of God (1 Cor 1:5) Knowledge from the light of God in our hearts (2 Cor 4:6) Knowledge of insight to discern what is best and pure (Phil 1:9-11) Knowledge of the mystery of God (Col 2:2-3) Knowledge that is renewed by God (Col 3:9-10) Conversation based on what has been heard (10) Hearing is being receptive to what God's says (1 Sam 3:10) Hearing has as its foundation the intent to practice what one has learned (Heb 5:14) To truly hear God one has to know God (1 John 4:6) Hearing means spiritually discerning what God says (1 Cor 2:14) Not only should one hear, but also do God's word (James 1:22) The goal of hearing is to gain more knowledge and depth of insight from God, which brings understanding (Phil 1:9-10) Conversation based on faith (11) The result of faith should be action (2 Cor. 4:13) It is not the size of faith, it is the power of the object of faith (Luke 17:5-6) Even in faith, we need encouragement (Romans 1:12) Anything not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23) Some questions should give over to faith (Job 38:1-4) COMMITMENT TO A PROMISE (JOSH 2:12-14) Promise of deliverance (12-13) Commitment of Rahab Page 1 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

2 Deliverance that is continual and proven (2 Cor 1:10) Deliverance from all troubles (Ps 34:19) Deliverance from trials (2 Peter 2:9) Deliverance from the hands of enemies (1 Sam 12:10-11) Deliverance from evil attacks (2 Tim 4:18) Promise of reciprocalness (14) Reciprocal reaping and sowing (Gal 6:7-10) Reciprocal wickedness and righteousness (Prov 11:18) Reciprocal dependency (Hos 10:12-14) Reciprocal rewards (Luke 16:25) Reciprocal judgment (Rom 2:6-8) Reciprocal giving (2 Cor 9:6) COMMITMENT THAT RESULTS IN SALVATION (JOSH 6:22-23, 25) Salvation based on promises (22) Promises that do not violate God's covenants (Ps 89:33-36) Promises that continue to redeem God's people (Ps 111:9) Promises that uphold and make us a light to others (Isa 42:6) Promises through Jesus' blood covenant (Matt 26:28) Promises that have been thoroughly tested (Ps 119:140) Salvation fulfilled (23, 25) Fulfillment through the promise of redemption (Gal 4:4-5) Fulfillment through the establishment of God's second covenant (Heb 10:8-10) Fulfillment through the gospel (1 Cor 15:3-5) Fulfillment through the Messiah (Luke 4:20-22) Fulfillment through the Scriptures (Luke 18:31) Fulfillment through the Jesus (Luke 22:37) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Rahab's lie (Josh. 2:1-4) Rahab's vow (Josh. 2:8-14) Rahab's reward (Josh. 6:22-23, 25) Commitment of Rahab Page 2 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

3 Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The major ouline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. The lesson studies the Commitment of Rahab and the results of that commitment. The study's aim is to teach that a person's primary motive for commitment should be righteous, yet the means to accomplish a righteous act may involve questionable decisions. The study's application is to strive to have both righteous motives and means for our actions and to avoid the concept that the end justifies the means. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary The book of Joshua begins with the Israelite nation encamped in the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from Jericho. That city was the first military objective in Canaan. It had been at least 120 years since the Egyptians began the oppression of Israel, as described in the previous lesson. During that time Moses had been born, and he had fled Egypt at the age of 40 (Acts 7:23 29). At the age of 80 (Exodus 3:10; 7:7), Moses was called by God to return to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses died at the age of 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7), while the Israelites were camped in Moab (Numbers 21:20). The stay in the plains of Moab lasted quite some time. During that interval the king of Moab sent for Balaam to come and curse Israel. It was at least a 400-mile trip one way to secure Balaam, and he did not come until the second appeal. These two trips thus required that the king s representatives travel no less than 1,600 miles (Numbers 22). Israel also fought extensive campaigns against two major groups who lived on the eastern side of the Jordan (Numbers 21:21 35). These were against Sihon and the Amorites (the nearest group to the north and east; Deuteronomy 2:24 37) and against Og, the king of Bashan, an area east of Galilee. The latter conflict involved capturing 60 cities (Deuteronomy 3:4), and such campaigns take time. A military census was taken at the end of the wilderness wanderings, with the total number of men available being 601,730 (Numbers 26:51). It seems to have been a custom to keep a large part of the army on the home front, so a much smaller number was available for the conquests in the Transjordan area (that is, the area to the east of the Jordan River). Then came time to cross that river into the promised land (Joshua 3, 4). From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator One of the favorite activities of many college students is touring with a musical group. The logistics for such tours are much tougher than the inexperienced onlooker could possibly imagine. There are not only concerts to prepare for but also numerous plans for everyone together. Such events pale to almost nothing, however, in comparison to the movement of over two million people from one land to another. We cannot imagine the logistics involved in Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan. Nevertheless, in the case of a touring music group or of a relocating nation, the key to success is the commitment of the individual members of the group. Last week we noted the dedicated commitment to God of two midwives. This week another woman is the focus of our attention. Sometimes Bible narration centers on what we might call unsavory characters. Today's texts tell us of two Israelite spies sent into Canaan by Joshua. Spying can involve undercover work, which depends on observation, hiding, and duplicity. We are also introduced to Rahab, a harlot in Jericho who collaborated with the spies and helped them escape. As Israel followed the divine mandate to occupy Canaan, these three characters were commended for their actions. Sending two men in to spy out the land of Canaan was an acceptable strategy for Joshua to take. Those men had to realize that capture by the enemy could mean imprisonment, torture, or death. The fact that Rahab lied about their presence to her king and hid them in her house on the wall before helping them escape is something chargeable to her. The fact that God blessed her and her family in spite of lying remained His prerogative in that situation. Commitment of Rahab Page 3 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

4 Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Commitment in Action (Josh 2:1-4) 1 Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho." So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. 2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, "Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country." 3 So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, "Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country." 4 Then the woman took the two men and hid them. So she said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. Act of kindness (1) Kindness should be a part of us because we are a part of God's chosen people (Col 3:12) 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Kindness that comes from the maturity of our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8) 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Kindness that comes from love (1 Cor 13:4) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Kindness that is commanded (Eph 4:32) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Kindness should be offered to everyone (1 Thess 5:15) 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Act of bravery (2-3) Bravery because we shouldn't fear man who can only destroy the body, fear God who can destroy the soul (Matt 10:28) 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Bravery because if God is for us, what man can be against us (Rom 8:31) 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Bravery in the face of threats because through prayer God can make one bold (Acts 4:28-31) 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch Commitment of Rahab Page 4 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

5 out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Bravery in the face of threats because God can change anyone (Acts 9:1-6) 9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Bravery in the face of threats because of entrusting oneself to God (1 Peter 2:23) 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. Act of protection (4) Protection from physical danger (Job 5:20-22) 20 In famine he will ransom you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword. 21 You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes. 22 You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the beasts of the earth. Protection from calamity (Prov 14:32) 32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. Protection in the form of deliverance (2 Cor 1:10) 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, Protection from things in the world (1 John 4:4) 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Protection from evildoers (Ps 14:6) 6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge. Commitment in Conversation (Josh 2:8-11) 8 Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, 9 and said to the men: "I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. 10 "For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. 11 "And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Commitment of Rahab Page 5 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

6 Conversation based on knowledge (8-9) Knowledge from the enrichment of God (1 Cor 1:5) 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way in all your speaking and in all your knowledge Knowledge from the light of God in our hearts (2 Cor 4:6) 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Knowledge of insight to discern what is best and pure (Phil 1:9-11) 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. Knowledge of the mystery of God (Col 2:2-3) 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge that is renewed by God (Col 3:9-10) 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Conversation based on what has been heard (10) Hearing is being receptive to what God's says (1 Sam 3:10) 10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." Hearing has as its foundation the intent to practice what one has learned (Heb 5:14) 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. To truly hear God one has to know God (1 John 4:6) 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. Hearing means spiritually discerning what God says (1 Cor 2:14) 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. Not only should one hear, but also do God's word (James 1:22) 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. The goal of hearing is to gain more knowledge and depth of insight from God, which brings understanding (Phil 1:9-10) 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, Commitment of Rahab Page 6 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

7 Conversation based on faith (11) The result of faith should be action (2 Cor. 4:13) 13 It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, It is not the size of faith, it is the power of the object of faith (Luke 17:5-6) 5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6 He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Even in faith, we need encouragement (Romans 1:12) 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Anything not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23) 23 But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Some questions should give over to faith (Job 38:1-4) 38 Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said: 2 "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Commitment to a Promise (Josh 2:12-14) 12 "Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father's house, and give me a true token, 13 "and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death." 14 So the men answered her, "Our lives for yours, if none of you tell this business of ours. And it shall be, when the LORD has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you." Promise of deliverance (12-13) Deliverance that is continual and proven (2 Cor 1:10) 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, Deliverance from all troubles (Ps 34:19) 19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; Deliverance from trials (2 Peter 2:9) 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. Deliverance from the hands of enemies (1 Sam 12:10-11) 10 They cried out to the Lord and said, 'We have sinned; we have forsaken the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, and we will Commitment of Rahab Page 7 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

8 serve you.' 11 Then the Lord sent Jerub-Baal, Barak, Jephthah and Samuel, and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, so that you lived securely. Deliverance from evil attacks (2 Tim 4:18) 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Promise of reciprocalness (14) Reciprocal reaping and sowing (Gal 6:7-10) 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Reciprocal wickedness and righteousness (Prov 11:18) 18 The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Reciprocal dependency (Hos 10:12-14) 12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. 13 But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception. Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors, 14 the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be devastated Reciprocal rewards (Luke 16:25) 25 "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. Reciprocal judgment (Rom 2:6-8) 6 God "will give to each person according to what he has done." 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. Reciprocal giving (2 Cor 9:6) 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Commitment that Results in Salvation (Josh 6:22-23, 25) 22 But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the country, "Go into the harlot's house, and from there bring out the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her." 23 And the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that she had. So they brought out all her relatives and left them outside the camp of Israel. 25 And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father's household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. Commitment of Rahab Page 8 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

9 Salvation based on promises (22) Promises that do not violate God's covenants (Ps 89:33-36) 33 but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. 34 I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. 35 Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness and I will not lie to David 36 that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; Promises that continue to redeem God's people (Ps 111:9) 9 He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever holy and awesome is his name. Promises that uphold and make us a light to others (Isa 42:6) 6 "I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, Promises through Jesus' blood covenant (Matt 26:28) 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Promises that have been thoroughly tested (Ps 119:140) 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. Salvation fulfilled (23, 25) Fulfillment through the promise of redemption (Gal 4:4-5) 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Fulfillment through the establishment of God's second covenant (Heb 10:8-10) 8 First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). 9 Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Fulfillment through the gospel (1 Cor 15:3-5) 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. Fulfillment through the Messiah (Luke 4:20-22) 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked. Fulfillment through the Scriptures (Luke 18:31) 31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. Commitment of Rahab Page 9 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

10 Fulfillment through the Jesus (Luke 22:37) 37 It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment." Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Were Rahab s deceptions displeasing to God? James 2:25 would lead us to answer that question no. Yet scholars have debated this issue through the centuries, and their differing conclusions cause us to think carefully. First, some affirm that what Rahab did cannot be defended, but her less than perfect background and the pressures of the situation excuse her. John Calvin writes that Rahab acted wrongly when she told a lie and said that the spies had gone. although God wished the spies to be delivered, he did not sanction their being protected by a lie. Others have proposed that a lie is to be defined as a false statement, with wicked or malicious or selfish intent to deceive or mislead. Under this definition, Rahab did not tell an actual lie since her false statements had good motives (compare also the midwives from last week s lesson). This definition, however, does not match the one in Merriam-Webster s dictionary, which says that a lie is an assertion of something known or believed by the speaker to be untrue with intent to deceive. This is exactly the kind of assertion Rahab made. Notice that this definition of a lie does not include the issue of the goodness or badness of the deceiver s motives. Others propose that Rahab s deception falls under the lesser of two evils idea. Lying is a serious sin (Exodus 20:16; Revelation 21:8). Yet we live in a fallen world, and sometimes we have to make sobering choices. Under this consideration, Rahab made the decision that telling a lie was a lesser evil than allowing the spies to be captured. The best solution, however, takes into account the God-directed wars in which the Israelites engaged. Since God commanded the taking of human life in those wars, then such killing was not a violation of the command not to murder (Exodus 20:13). If people can kill without sinning in the prosecution of a just war, then should they not be able to make false statements without sinning in that same context? May God grant us wisdom and courage to make choices that please him. Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator It is hard to imagine Rahab trusting so completely in God knowing as little about Him as she did. She was a prostitute and a Canaanite. She would not be expected to know much about God, let alone trust in the God of the Hebrews (enemies of her people). Even in New Testament times, it was hard for many Jews to accept the fact that non-jews could become children of God, but many did come. Throughout the Gospels it is recorded that prostitutes, tax collectors, and all kinds of sinners were coming to Jesus by faith. There are several accounts like this one in the Old Testament as well where people who were not Hebrews by birth came to have faith in the one, true God. Rahab likely had very little knowledge of the Hebrews and their religion. She had, however, heard of the drowning of the Egyptian army forty years earlier and of Israel's recent battles against kings in neighboring areas. Because of what she had heard, Rahab was compelled to believe, and she made a commitment to help the Hebrew spies. The spies had been sent to scout out the city before the planned invasion. This was a sharp contrast to what had happened when spies had been sent to enter the land earlier. Forty years before, Moses had sent twelve spies into the Promised Land to check things out, and ten of them returned with a negative report. That resulted in the people of Israel not entering the land. They spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. Joshua had been one of the twelve spies and was one of two who wanted to enter the land then (Num. 13:30; 14:6-9). He had apparently considered the earlier incident and now sent only two spies when he was ready to lead the Hebrews into the land. The two spies encountered the prostitute Rahab. They must have been surprised when she told them that word of what God had done for them had spread to that city and that all its inhabitants were living in fear of the Israelites. For that reason, she believed in God and made a commitment to help the spies. The Hebrew word she used is the same word used of covenants, which God made with people at various times. Perhaps hoping to make the situation more palatable, some have alleged that Rahab was merely an innkeeper rather than a prostitute. The New Testament, however, rejects this by Commitment of Rahab Page 10 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

11 twice calling Rahab a prostitute (Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25). It was her faith that led her to protect and make a deal with the spies. Her faith came first, but her actions showed faith. James 2:25 says Rahab was considered righteous for her actions even though she was an immoral woman. It is true her actions showed her commitment, but her commitment was based on faith. Hebrews 11:31 says that Rahab was not killed because she acted in faith. May we follow her example. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. We never know in whom God might be working to produce faith (Josh. 2:1) 2. Those who recognize God's work will recognize and honor God's servants (vs. 2-4) 3. God often confirms His word to us through other people (2:8-11; 1:3) 4. Faith entails a willingness to abandon previous loyalties and join God's people (2:12-14) 5. We cannot expect God's blessing if we do not keep our commitments to others (6:22-23) 6. Those who serve God's people are serving God, and they will be amply rewarded (vs. 25) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Many times people think that they are too far gone in their sin and that God will never forgive them. Nothing could be further from the truth! Time and again God shows His marvelous capacity to forgive. He forgave Jacob for deceiving his brother and father. He forgave David for adultery and murder. He forgave the Apostle Paul for destroying the lives of countless Christians. God is truly the God of second, third, and even more chances. Our passage highlights a woman who eagerly grasped at her second chance. Rahab's lie (Josh. 2:1-4) God told Joshua the time had come to conquer Jericho, that great strategic walled city. Joshua sent two spies to check it out. Jericho was a bustling trade center with its own army and king. Its people were wicked. Rahab was a prostitute who also ran an inn right on the city's wall. She hid the two spies on the roof under some flax and told the soldiers the men had already left the city. Rahab lied to the soldiers because she wanted to save the spies' lives. Rahab's vow (Josh. 2:8-14) Rahab told the spies that Jericho was terrified of the Israelites. The people had heard of their exploits, of the crossing of the Red Sea, and of the drowning of Pharaoh's army. They had also heard how neighboring armies had been completely destroyed. Rahab had the beginnings of faith in this powerful God who could win all these battles. She told the men she believed their God was the Lord, the God in heaven. Rahab was convinced that Israel would defeat Jericho. She took a giant leap of faith and asked for safety for herself and her family in exchange for keeping the spies safe. The men agreed as long as she continued to keep the plan for conquest a secret. Rahab's reward (Josh. 6:22-23, 25) When the spies returned to camp, they told Joshua about Rahab's protection. Joshua agreed to save her when they destroyed Jericho. Rahab hung a red cord from her window on the Jericho wall as a sign to the army so that they would know where she lived and give her safety. This cord presents a picture of a sacrificial offering, just as the Israelites placed blood on their doorposts during the Passover in Egypt. When the Israelites followed God's command and marched around Jericho for seven days, the people of the city must have believed them to be insane. They probably looked down from their high walls and wondered what was going on. Little did they know that God had a battle plan: blowing horns and loud shouting. God wanted all to know that He was fighting for Israel. Why did God choose Rahab? Only He knows. She certainly was in a strategic place for the benefit of the spies. Even more, though, God knew her heart. He knew she was tired of living as she had been in blatant sin with no real future. God allowed Rahab to become part of Israel. She went on to be a godly woman who married an Israelite man and gave birth to Boaz. Boaz later married Ruth, whose life is outlined in the exciting book of the Bible named for her. Rahab's family line continued to King David and then on to Jesus Christ Himself when He came to Commitment of Rahab Page 11 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009

12 earth. Rahab is one of only a few women named in Jesus' ancestral line (Matt. 1:5). How about you? Do you need a second chance? Ask God's forgiveness today. He stands ready to forgive if you sincerely recent. Commitment of Rahab Page 12 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/11/2009