Broad Insolence

Hidden inside the walled city of Jericho, two spies spent a second night beneath stacks of flax on the rooftop of Rahab the Hooker. She had already lied to the king’s men, allowing her guests to avoided capture. For now they were safe, but they still had to escape from the city. Before they slept, Rahab came up to the roof to speak with them. She said, “I know your God Elohim gave our land to you. We are in dread of you. We melt in fear. We’ve heard the stories about the waters parting, and about the two kings whom you totally destroyed. We are cowards before you.” Rahab glanced up at the starry dome of the night sky, took in a long breath, and said, “Your Elohim is God above and is God here below. I treat you kindly. Swear to me that you’ll treat me kindly. Give me a sign of good faith. Promise me that when the army invades, that my mother and father, sisters and brothers, and all who belong to them, will be spared from death.”

The men said, “Our life for your life. Your entire family will be safe if they stay inside your home during the invasion. If they leave your house, we aren’t responsible for their lives or deaths. Tie this red rope to your window as a sign.”

Rahab was an independent businesswoman and an unmarried homeowner. She operated two businesses under her one roof. She rented rooms to travelers and strangers, mostly men I presume, and she rented herself out, too. She did well enough.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thanks for Rahab and for her spunk; may we be as courageous and resourceful as she. Amen.

Today’s Thought Is: Rahab is a hero of Israel.

Sources:
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Joshua Chapter 2 NRSV