Why did Rahab hide the spies?

Rahab hid the spies because she feared the true God of Israel and believed in His power to deliver His people. When the two Israelite spies entered Jericho to scout the land, Rahab (a harlot by trade) received them into her home and protected them from the king’s men:

“Then the woman took the two men and hid them. So she said, ‘Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from.'” (Joshua 2:4)

Her actions were motivated by faith. She confessed her belief in God’s supremacy:

“The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” (Joshua 2:11)

Rahab had heard of the Red Sea crossing and Israel’s victories over Sihon and Og. Unlike her fellow citizens who trembled in fear, she acted in faith. She hid the spies under flax on her roof and sent the pursuers on a false trail.

Rahab then pleaded for the safety of her family, requesting a sign of protection. The spies agreed, telling her to tie a scarlet cord in the window as a sign (Joshua 2:18). This cord, much like the blood on the doorposts during Passover, symbolized deliverance and faith.

Rahab’s decision placed her in direct opposition to her own city, but aligned her with the people of God. Her faith was not in vain. When Jericho fell, Rahab and her family were spared (Joshua 6:25).

She is honored in the New Testament as a woman of faith:

“By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:31)

And she is included in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5), showing that God redeems those who trust in Him, regardless of their past. Rahab’s story is a testimony of faith, courage, and the grace of God extended to outsiders who believe.

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