Rahab's Scarlet Cord

A single thread of faith hanging from a window in the wall

Jericho · 1406 BC · Josh 2:1–24

Story

Two spies, sent secretly from Shittim, slipped into Jericho, the city of palms. The place they came to was the house of a woman named Rahab, built into the city wall. But word travelled fast. Soon it reached the king that men of Israel had come to spy out the land. At sunset the king's men knocked at her door. Bring out the men who came into your house.

Rahab had already taken the two up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax laid out to dry. Rahab said, the men left around the time the gate was shut. Hurry after them and you will catch them. The pursuers ran off toward the fords of the Jordan, and the city gate was shut. That night Rahab came up to the roof and said, we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you. When we heard it, our hearts melted.

Rahab let them down by a rope through her window, outside the city wall. The spies made her a promise. When we come into this land, tie this scarlet cord in the window you let us down through. And gather your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. The two hid in the hills for three days, then crossed the river and went back to Joshua and reported. The Lord has truly given the whole land into our hands.

God's Words

The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

I have shown you kindness, so swear to me by the Lord. Show kindness to my father's household too, and save our lives from death.

Our lives for yours. When the Lord gives us this land, we will deal faithfully with you.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Josh 2:1–24

Background

Pause and Reflect