Online Sermons
Lesson #2 - Spying Out Jericho
Series: No Time For NeutralityLESSON #2 – SPYING OUT JERICHO
Rahab Helps Israel’s Spies / Chapter Two
1. Joshua commissioned two men to spy out the land, especially Jericho.
As spies, this was to be a secretive mission - - a secret to both Jericho and Israel. – vs.1a
~ In Num.13-14, Moses sent 12 men (among whom was Joshua) to spy out the land and report back.
Their follow-up report was made to Moses & Aaron and all the congregation and it caused quite a stir.
Only Joshua & Caleb (Num.14:30) offered an optimistic and faith-filled assessment (Num.13:30).
Jericho was a walled city and a key citadel of the Jordan valley.
2. Where did the men find lodging? – vs.1b
Of all places to lodge, why did they go to the house of a harlot?
~ Josephus and others historians and commentators have attempted to whitewash Rahab’s status.
They argue that Rahab was just an innkeeper.
~ Yet Heb.11:31 and Js.2:25 clearly state that she was indeed a harlot.
Harlots often used their place of lodging to ply their trade.
This “watering hole” was evidently under surveillance and the spies were reported to the king. – vs.2
3. What happened when the king’s men made inquiry concerning the spies?
Rahab hid the spies. – vss.4 & 6
Rahab lied as to their whereabouts. – vss.4b-5
I did not know where they came from…I do not know where the men went.
~ Was this a case of a “justifiable lie”?
~ Some argue that while Rahab’s lie was recorded, it was not condoned or approved. Do you agree or disagree?
4. Did Rahab act in and by faith?
Notice her words in vss.8-11
I know that the Lord has given you the land … For we have heard … The Lord your God, He is GOD…
By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish… - Heb.11:31
Was not Rahab the harlot justified by works (of faith), when she received the messengers and sent them out? – Js.2:25
How was her FAITH to be rewarded? – vss.12-14 Note the commendation she receives in Josh.6:25.
5. Describe Rahab’s plan to assist the men. – vss.15-23
Let down by a rope ... Hide in the hill country for three days.
What was the future significance of “the scarlet cord”? – vss.17-19 cf. Josh.6:17 & 22-25
~ What would be the consequence if Rahab betrayed them or disobeyed this pact? – vs.20
6. What was the upshot of the spies’ report back to Joshua? – vss.23-24
What was Joshua’s conclusion?
7. Does it bother you that Rahab is mentioned in the lineage of Christ as, “the wife of Salmon”? – cf. Mt.1:5
Is not the story of Rahab another picture of God’s grace (the scarlet cord)?
