Joshua 2:1–24 – Faith in the Shadows
“And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, ‘Go, view the land, especially Jericho.’ And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.”
— Joshua 2:1 ESV
👣 Faith Moves Quietly but Boldly
As Joshua prepares the people to cross the Jordan, he takes one strategic step: he sends two spies into Jericho. The mission echoes a moment from 40 years earlier—but with a critical difference. Joshua himself had once been a spy in the land, but that mission led to fear and forty years of wandering. This time, the operation is secret, deliberate, and carried out with a new spirit of faith.
The story quickly takes an unexpected turn: the spies lodge at the house of a prostitute named Rahab. And in this surprising setting, one of the Bible’s greatest portraits of saving faith unfolds. While kings panic and soldiers search, a Gentile woman with a past receives two men of God—and her story becomes a part of redemptive history.
Joshua 2 reminds us that God often moves most powerfully through unexpected people in overlooked places.
📖 Three Movements of Faith in the Story of Rahab
1. The Spies Are Sent – Quiet Strategy, Bold Mission (v.1)
Joshua doesn’t send twelve spies like Moses did—he sends two. And he doesn’t broadcast the mission to the whole camp. It’s secret and targeted. Why Jericho? Because it was the strongest fortress in the region and stood directly in their path.
Faith does not exclude planning. Joshua believed God’s promise, but he still used wisdom. Faith and strategy are not enemies—they walk hand in hand under God’s direction.
God often leads us to prepare for promises we haven’t yet received. As the spies move forward, they find lodging in a house at the city wall—a house belonging to Rahab, a prostitute.
This is not coincidental. This is divine orchestration. God will use even this location—a place of shame—to unveil a testimony of redemption.
2. Rahab Acts – Courage Rooted in Belief (vv.2–7)
Word quickly reaches the king of Jericho: Israelite spies are in the city. Soldiers are sent. The situation could have ended in capture or death. But Rahab hides the men, misleads the authorities, and sends them in the wrong direction.
This raises ethical questions. Did Rahab sin by lying? Was her deception wrong? These are fair discussions, but Scripture doesn’t focus on the lie—it focuses on the faith that motivated her protection of God’s people. Hebrews and James celebrate her not for moral perfection, but for risky faith (see Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25).
“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”
— Hebrews 11:31 ESV
Rahab’s actions put her life on the line. She chose to side with the God of Israel instead of her own people. This is what true faith always does—it creates a break with the old life and a bold identification with God’s people.
3. Rahab Believes – A Testimony from the Enemy’s Camp (vv.8–14)
Before the spies lay down to sleep, Rahab gives a confession of faith that is nothing short of remarkable. She says:
“I know that the Lord has given you the land… For the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”
— Joshua 2:9–11 ESV
She doesn’t speak as someone guessing—she says “I know.” And notice how she knows: not because of visions or prophets, but from stories. She had heard what God did to Egypt. She had heard about the Red Sea and the defeat of kings. And she believed.
Everyone in Jericho heard the same news. But only Rahab responded in faith. Information alone doesn’t save—faith does. Rahab didn’t just acknowledge the facts. She responded with allegiance.
This is biblical faith: hearing, believing, and acting on the Word of God.
🔴 The Scarlet Cord – Symbol of Salvation
Rahab asks for protection for herself and her family. The spies agree and instruct her to tie a scarlet cord in the window. That way, when the army comes, her house will be spared.
This moment is saturated with symbolism. The scarlet cord echoes the blood on the doorposts during the first Passover. It points forward to the blood of Christ, which marks those who trust in Him.
Rahab’s home became a place of refuge—not because of her worthiness, but because of her faith and the sign of protection God ordained. God always honors the heart that cries out for mercy and responds in trust.
🌅 A Life Transformed – Rahab’s Future
This is not the last time Rahab is mentioned in Scripture. Her faith leads not only to salvation but inclusion into the family of God. She becomes the wife of Salmon and the mother of Boaz—yes, that Boaz, who marries Ruth.
Her name appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:5). From harlot to heroine. From shame to salvation. From Jericho to the lineage of the Messiah.
This is the power of God’s grace. God doesn’t just save sinners—He weaves them into His story.
💡 Life Application – Rahab’s Faith and Ours
1. Faith is not limited by your past.
Rahab was a prostitute in a pagan city—but God saw her heart. No sin disqualifies you when faith reaches out for mercy. Jesus didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
2. Faith must act with courage.
Rahab risked everything to identify with God’s people. Real faith doesn’t stay hidden—it moves, protects, and obeys. Are you willing to align publicly with God even when it costs you?
3. Faith leads to salvation, not just information.
Everyone in Jericho knew the facts, but only Rahab responded with surrender. Are you just informed—or truly transformed?
4. Faith leaves a legacy.
Rahab’s faith didn’t just save her life—it impacted future generations. Her story would touch Ruth, David, and ultimately Jesus. What legacy will your faith leave behind?
💬 Reflection Questions
- Have you believed that your past disqualifies you from being used by God?
- Are you responding to what you know about God with bold, obedient faith?
- Where might God be calling you to protect, serve, or support His people—like Rahab did?
- Is there a visible “scarlet cord” in your life—a clear evidence that you trust in Jesus for salvation?
God doesn’t just use the strong, the polished, or the religious. He delights in showing His power through the least expected lives.
Next: the people finally step forward to cross the Jordan River. But how will they get across at flood stage? God prepares to put His power on display once again.
