Slices
Prepare
Think of your journey of faith in God. What has helped you along the way? Which people have been especially important to you?
Bible passage
17 Now the men had said to her, ‘This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.’
21 ‘Agreed,’ she replied. ‘Let it be as you say.’
So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
22 When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. 23 Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. 24 They said to Joshua, ‘The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.’
Explore
The spies gave Rahab three instructions to ensure her family’s safety (see vs 18–20). This was not a time for trial and error. Rahab followed the instructions to the letter. She knew that failing to do so would have dire consequences (vs 19,20).
It’s possible that the spies knew that tying a red cord to the window through which they escaped would not attract the attention of the locals because it was something that happened often to indicate the sort of house that it was. The spies also received instructions from Rahab. Why do you think she told them to go to the hills for three days (vs 16,22)?
On their return to Joshua (vs 23,24), the spies told him everything they had found out. Compare verses 9, 11 and 24. What do you notice? The ‘melting’ of the hearts of the Canaanites in fear (v 24) is a fulfilment of Moses’ words of prophecy in Exodus 15:15.
In these verses we see that God’s power to save was not limited to his people but was open to any who trusted him. We see his hand at work in small details to fulfil his plans.
Respond
Think of your journey to faith in the God who saves. Thank him for the way he has worked in you and the way he has used others to bring you to faith.
Deeper Bible study
‘Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.’1
Christians like to recount their stories of God’s salvation in their lives. In doing so, they give thanks and appreciate a faithful God, and the stories also enable them to look forward with hope and expectation. Furthermore, personal testimony to God’s omnipotence can often breach doors of resistance where other methods fall short. Some people question Joshua’s faith in sending out spies when God has already told him, ‘I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses’.2 The inclusion of Rahab and the spies in lists of Israel’s faith heroes (while Joshua is excluded) again raises a question. Moreover, we read nothing about any practical evidence or information gleaned by the spies as they face danger.
Whatever the basis of the decision by Joshua, we once more encounter God’s provision for his own. The spies return to safety, extending that security to Rahab’s family. God is Saviour and we see that this is not reserved for Israel but includes those like Rahab whose faith is in him. The spies do return with essential information: the affirmation that the Lord’s promise is correct; he has indeed given them the land (v 24). All Jericho knew of God’s hand upon the Israelites (although the Israelites were not aware of this) and they waited in fear, affirming God’s promise to send terror ahead of the Israelites.3
So often what God has promised is difficult for us to grasp, for a variety of reasons. Looking back enables us to recall and listen to the stories of a faithful God who has continually been an Ebenezer.4 Sharing my own story of God’s salvation against all probability has been surprisingly transformational for me and others and I wonder how often our stories reach ears we know nothing about.
Like Rahab, are we prepared to exchange our old life for God’s new one? Are you prepared or praying for an opportunity to share God’s story in your life?
1 Ps 20:6 2 Josh 1:3 3 Exod 23:27 4 Meaning ‘stone of help’; see 1 Sam 7:12
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Exodus 25,26; Acts 27
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that as the holiday brochure for this year is sent out God will prompt people to respond and to book up. Pray that we will be able to use residential activities to reach the 95.
