Seeking Salvation

Today, we are focusing on Rahab, in her seeking salvation for her family. Whether or not she is assured of her own personal salvation, as we speak of a person’s salvation, holds much discussion among the scholarly minds. But for me, I am persuaded that she never thought about herself only, but she sought from the onset, salvation for her father’s household. Incidentally, it is important to note, that Rahab was in her own home, not her father’s, when she took those strange men in. Interestingly also, it was Rahab’s own decision, with no advice or help from any family member, or friend even, to hide those spies in her house. No one but Rahab, knew that in her house were men hiding in her roof, under the stalks of flax.  No one encouraged her to tell a lie to her earthly king, or helped her in that lie, to save the servants of the One Heavenly King. Not one member of her family had a hand in this action, which could easily have caused her the loss of her life, if the king had her house searched.

We must remember that the king of Jericho was told that strangers went into Rahab’s house. We know this, for it was the king himself, who sent his soldiers 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. Joshua 2: 3b.  Rahab never panicked. Her convincing response was one of truth and lie, when she spoke these words. Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them. Joshua 2: 4b – 5.

Scripture informs us that before the two strangers went to lie down, Rahab went to them and made open confessions.

She confessed the Sovereignty of Israel’s God. She told these men of God that she knew their God had given the land of Jericho to them. I know the LORD has given you the land. Joshua 2: 9b. Is she not lifting high the Sovereignty of God who, in His Sovereign power, has given Jericho to His people? 

She confessed the Superiority of Israel’s God. She acknowledges the Almighty power of their God. 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, who you utterly destroyed. Joshua 2: 10. Is she not giving all might and praises to the Superior power of Israel’s God, to be able to command nature and also take down two powerful Amorite kings?

She confessed the Supremacy of Israel’s God. This is what she testified about the responses of her people. 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 the earth beneath. Joshua 2: 11. Is she not uplifting and bowing to the Supremacy of Israel’s God, as God of heaven and earth? 

Then she speaks boldly and frankly to them, asking for kindness, not just for herself but for her entire family, her father’s household. 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 and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. Joshua 2: 12 – 13. These servants of God, without even consulting Joshua, but men nonetheless, under the discipline of their One, True God, swore an oath with Rahab, promising to grant her request of household salvation.

So the men said to her: We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you made us swear, unless, when we enter the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers and all your father’s household to your own home. Joshua 2: 17 - 18.

We follow on tomorrow