Sunday School Lesson
September 27
Lesson 4 (KJV)
Rahab Welcomes Spies
Devotional Reading: Matthew 25:31–46
Background Scripture: Joshua 2; 6:16–25; Matthew 1:5; James 2:25; Hebrews 11:31
Joshua 2:8–13
8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
Joshua 6:16–17
16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.
17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.
Key Text
The city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.—Joshua 6:17
Generations: From Canaan to Jerusalem
Unit 1: From Nomadic Tribes to Settled People
Lessons 1–4
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize what Rahab and the people of Jericho knew about God.
2. Explain how Rahab’s knowledge of God influenced her and led to Jericho’s defeat.
3. Recall an instance when God used an unexpected person to accomplish His will.
How to Say It
Amorites Am-uh-rites
Canaanite Kay-nu-nite
Deuteronomy Due-ter-ahn-uh-me
Elohim (Hebrew) E-lo-heem Herod Hair-ud
Jericho Jair-ih-co
Rahab Ray-hab
Sihon Sigh-hun
Yahweh (Hebrew) Yah-weh
Introduction
A. Help in Surprising Places
During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in the United States, resources were developed to help liberate people experiencing enslavement in the South. One such resource was an informal network called “The Underground Railroad.” It was never an actual railroad but a series of safe houses and routes that assisted enslaved people in their escape to free states and Canada. Along the route, many people risked their lives and livelihoods to aid those traveling along the “railway.”
One notable “conductor” was an abolitionist named Levi Coffin, Jr. (1798–1877). Born in North Carolina, Coffin was an unexpected figure in the abolition movement, having been born and raised on a farm in the South. Despite this background, he and his family opposed slavery and took significant steps to educate enslaved individuals and shelter those who had escaped. In 1826, Coffin moved to Indiana, where, for the next twenty years, his home was a significant stop on the Underground Railroad. Travelers designated the stop as the “Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad.”
God often uses people in surprising ways. Last week’s lesson covers the events of the Israelite conquest of northern Canaan (Joshua 11; see Lesson 3). In today’s lesson, however, we take a step back in the timeline to examine how a non-Israelite surprisingly chose to assist the Israelites as they entered the land of Canaan.
B. Lesson Context
After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were on the verge of crossing the Jordan River into the promised land. Moses had died, and the new leader, Joshua, initiated the conquest by sending two spies on a reconnaissance mission to evaluate the land of Canaan in general and the city of Jericho in particular (Joshua 2:1). During Moses’ leadership, the Lord commanded that twelve spies be sent into the land (Numbers 13), one of whom was Joshua himself (13:8; 14:6, 30, 38; etc.). However, this time, the decision to send spies was likely Joshua’s. He undoubtedly wanted to know more about Jericho’s fortifications and its inhabitants. Cities in the ancient world were situated in locations that favored three things: defensibility, access to water, and access to trade routes. Jericho was no exception.
The city of Jericho mentioned in the Old Testament was located northwest of the Dead Sea and about five miles west of the Jordan River. Freshwater springs are in the region, causing the city to experience fertility in the wilderness, leading to the city’s nickname, “the city of palm trees” (Deuteronomy 34:3; 2 Chronicles 28:15). Archeology reveals that there is more than one location for Jericho as the city was rebuilt from time to time (compare Joshua 2:1; 6:26; 8:2; Judges 3:13; 2 Kings 2:4). The complex rebuilt by Herod is mentioned in the New Testament (examples: Mark 10:46; Luke 19:1). The modern city of Jericho includes more than one of the ancient sites.
The Israelite spies entered Jericho and went to the house of a woman named Rahab. The text refers to her as a “harlot” (Joshua 2:1), an older English word for “prostitute.” The underlying Hebrew word has a broad range of meanings, including “prostitute” or “innkeeper.” Centuries later, the writers of the New Testament, who wrote in ancient Greek, identified her as a prostitute (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). Regardless of her profession, she was an independent woman with financial means whose house may have been similar to a modern-day hostel or motel.
As a bit of speculation, the spies may have gone to Rahab’s place because (1) strangers going to her home would not be unusual, (2) the location of her home on the wall could facilitate an emergency escape, and/or (3) the Lord led them there because she was an astute individual who was developing a faith in the God of Israel.
But the spies were noticed. During the ensuing investigation, Rahab lied to the king and misdirected the pursuers (Joshua 2:2–7). Our lesson text begins with Rahab’s revealing of her motives for hiding the Israelite spies.
I. The Lord’s Reputation
(Joshua 2:8–13)
A. Feeling Fearful (vv. 8–9)
8. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof. The rooftops of ancient houses were typically flat, in contrast to the multi-pitched roofs of many modern structures. Ancient rooftops often served multiple functions, including spaces for household members to live, work, or store items. The rooftop was the most private and secluded part of an ancient house (examples: 1 Samuel 9:25; 2 Samuel 11:2), making it suitable for hiding the two Israelite spies.
9. And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
The men to whom Rahab speaks are the two spies sent out by Joshua. Rahab could easily expose the spies’ presence to the authorities of Jericho. Instead, she hides them on her rooftop and directs the authorities elsewhere (see Lesson Context). What Rahab says now in the verse before us reveals the motive for her act of treason against the king.
First, she realizes that the Lord, the God of Israel, has given the land of Canaan—the land on which Jericho sits—to the Israelites. The title LORD (with a large capital letter and three small capital letters) reflects God’s identity, often transliterated as “Yahweh,” meaning “I that I am” or “I will be what I will be” (see Exodus 3:13–14). It conveys God’s reliability to be Himself, not fickle or changing like people or pagan gods (compare James 1:17). Rahab could instead use the word Elohim, a designation used for both pagan gods and the true God (example: Leviticus 19:4), but the text doesn’t indicate that she does.
Events that result in terror and hand-wringing among all the inhabitants of the land have had a further effect on Rahab personally: the events draw forth her recognition of who is behind it all. The nature of those events is described in our next verse.
What Do You Think?
Can you recall a time when you sensed God at work in a situation before others did?
Digging Deeper
How did your awareness of God’s work affect your actions, choices, or relationships in that moment?
Courage in Unexpected Places
He was not someone people would expect to become a hero. In 2013, seventy-one-year-old William Ayotte was watching television in his home in Manitoba, Canada. Suddenly, he heard a woman’s screams outside. Looking out his window, he saw a large bear grasping his neighbor, waving her in the air.
Ayotte grabbed a nearby shovel, ran to the bear, and slammed the shovel into the bear’s eye. That was enough to startle the bear into letting go of the woman—and turning to attack Ayotte. Other neighbors joined the struggle, using gunshots and trucks to scare away the bear before worse injuries occurred. Ayotte did not act alone, but had he not responded first, the woman may have been killed. An elderly man with a shovel was not necessarily the type of person expected to lead the charge against an aggressive bear.
Exceptional courage sometimes can be found among the people we would least expect to see it. Rahab demonstrated remarkable courage, protecting the Israelite spies from the authorities. In what ways is God calling you to show exceptional courage that is countercultural? —JW
B. Melting Hearts (vv. 10–11)
10. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
Rahab reveals the basis of the people’s anxiety. The first of two victories she mentions, the parting of the water of the Red sea, was a key feature of the escape from enslavement in Egypt. In the Israelites’ moment of need, the Lord dried up the water, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land (Exodus 13:17–14:31).
The second victory occurred in the region east of the Jordan River, where Kings Sihon and Og led the Amorites in an attack against the Israelites. However, through the power of the Lord, the Amorite forces were defeated and utterly destroyed (Numbers 21:21–35; Deuteronomy 2:31–3:11).
Not to be overlooked is that these two events occur about forty years apart! Rahab’s knowledge of the defeat of the kings is easy to understand, having recently happened. But where does her knowledge of the decades-past parting of the Red Sea come from? Some who live in Canaan and Jericho may remember having heard of that miracle when they were much younger. In any case, Rahab recalls something about God’s power that the Israelites themselves often seem to forget (compare Numbers 14:11).
What Do You Think?
What accounts of God’s power—either from Scripture or your own experience—have deepened your understanding of who He is?
Digging Deeper
How will you share these stories with others to build their faith?
11a. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you.
At this point, the Israelites have not yet crossed the Jordan River to enter the land of Canaan. To outside observers, it appears they have been stalled for some forty years on the other side of that river (see Numbers 14:20–25, 34). But news of the recent defeat of Kings Sihon and Og has alarmed the Canaanites, shaking them from their complacency; this is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Deuteronomy 2:24–25.
As a result of having heard these things their hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man. This melting of hearts and disappearance of courage will only intensify as events progress (Joshua 5:1; 7:5; 14:8). The Canaanites’ lack of courage is not to be mirrored by the Israelites—quite the opposite. The courage leaders exhibit is contagious, and Joshua is personally challenged several times to act courageously in his role as a leader (Deuteronomy 31:4–8, 23; Joshua 1:6–7, 9, 18). As the military campaign progresses, he will model courage for the people to emulate (10:25).
11b. For the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Rahab again refers to the Lord by His unique designation (see commentary on Joshua 2:9, above). Scripture does not explicitly state that she completely abandons her loyalty to the pagan gods of the Canaanites. However, she does acknowledge to the spies that their God rules both heaven above and the earth beneath. This confession reveals her awareness of His supremacy and power over all creation (see Deuteronomy 4:39). Any lesser “god” must be subservient to Him (compare Exodus 15:11; 18:11; Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalms 135:5; 136:2). Any appeal for deliverance she might make to a pagan deity would be a failure to take into account the absolute authority of the Lord God. Rahab’s confession of the Lord’s authority is undoubtedly unexpected, as it opposes the norms of the inhabitants of Jericho and Canaan. Centuries later, another woman of Canaanite heritage will demonstrate persistent and surprising faith, becoming an example for others (Matthew 15:21–28).
What Do You Think?
What “lesser gods” (idols, distractions, or misplaced priorities) tend to compete with your focus on God’s authority?
Digging Deeper
What practices or habits help you cultivate a sense of awe in the Lord as the true God of heaven and earth?
Aid from Unexpected Allies
In the 1990s, my husband and I served as missionaries in the former Soviet Union. Much of our work relied on the assistance of local translators, and we often collaborated with unbelievers. My husband worked with one such translator, Igor. This translator helped my husband answer people’s questions about faith, God, and the Bible. Since the same questions came up repeatedly, Igor started anticipating and answering the questions himself. Although he did not consider himself a follower of Jesus, he became skilled at explaining the significance of faith in Christ to others.
Igor and many other translators did not begin working with missionaries out of love for Jesus or a passion for the church. Most viewed the work as an opportunity to earn money and gain career experience. However, many became unexpected allies over time as they learned the gospel and committed to following Christ.
Rahab was also an unexpected ally. She was not a Hebrew but a citizen of a hostile people. However, she acknowledged the Lord God and protected the Israelite spies. This aided them in taking possession of the land. Are you attentive to “unexpected allies” who God may place in your life? Are you alert to opportunities to be such an ally? —LMW
C. Swearing Kindness (vv. 12–13)
12. Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token.
In this context, the word pray is an old English word meaning “to make a request.” Having acknowledged the supremacy of the Lord, Rahab negotiates with the spies in terms of a quid pro quo (“something for something else”). The statements about a mutual showing of kindness elegantly understate a brutal reality: lives are at stake! The two spies recognize this instantly in their reply, “Our life for yours” (Joshua 2:14). Rahab has already demonstrated the type of kindness she has in mind by misdirecting the search party, having done so at significant personal risk (see Lesson Context). In modern terms, we might say that the Israelites “owe her” a guarantee of personal safety in return. But she is asking for more than that. She wants the guarantee to extend also to her father’s house.
The true token she seeks is a physical item representing her request. We might think of it in terms of collateral of some sort (compare Genesis 38:15–18). The text does not reveal the nature of that token. Later verses state that a cord of scarlet thread hung from her window as a signal to the Israelites regarding the location of her household (Joshua 2:18). The word translated token is occasionally connected with covenants in the Old Testament (examples: Genesis 9:12, 17; 17:11). If the idea is more along the lines of “covenant,” the reference may be to the oath that the spies take in Joshua 2:17.
13. And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. Rahab’s request for safety extends well beyond that of her own life. We do not know whether her family members have affirmed the supremacy of the Lord God as she has. Eventually, she will have to reveal to her family the agreement she made to protect the Israelite spies. On the one hand, Rahab is guilty of the high crime of treason. On the other hand, that very act results in the saving of several family members (Joshua 6:22–23). It comes down to the issue of conflicting loyalties. When loyalties conflict, courage and clear thinking are called for.
The spies outline three conditions Rahab must meet for her request to be granted. These are listed in Joshua 2:14, 17–19, not in today’s printed text.
II. The Lord’s Victory
(Joshua 6:16–17)
After the rooftop conversation, Rahab helps the spies escape through a window in her house that is connected to the city wall (Joshua 2:15). After three days in hiding, the spies return to the Israelite camp and share with Joshua the findings of their reconnaissance mission (2:23–24).
The crossing of the Jordan River and its effects come next (Joshua 3:1–5:1; see Lesson 2). Passover is observed (5:2–10), and the Israelites begin living off the produce of the land (5:11–12).
As the Israelites near Jericho, the Lord instructs the Israelite fighting men to march around the city once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day (Joshua 5:13–6:7). Our lesson text resumes on the seventh of those seven circuits.
A. The Final Lap (v. 16)
16. And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.
The Israelites’ actions reflect the directives of Joshua 6:6–9. Per those instructions, seven priests carrying trumpets went ahead of the ark of the covenant. The ancient Israelites have two kinds of trumpets. The most common ones are made from rams’ horns. Mention of this kind of trumpet occurs about seventy times in the Old Testament, and that is what is in view here. Another kind of trumpet is made from silver (example: Numbers 10:2).
The functions of these two kinds of trumpets can overlap, as both are used to signal impending action. In this verse, the ram’s horn conveys military signals during battle. An example of the other kind of trumpet also being used in this manner can be found in Numbers 31:6.
On this, the seventh circuit on the seventh day, Joshua issues a command different from those of the other days. At first, the Israelites were to keep silent while the horns blew. But at Joshua’s command, the army was to shout, the wall would collapse, and the army would rush in (Joshua 6:5, 10). Joshua speaks confidently, knowing that the Lord will provide victory by giving the city to the Israelites.
What Do You Think?
When has God asked you to act in faith before you saw the results?
Digging Deeper
What is God calling you to do right now that requires bold, obedient faith—your version of the command “Shout!”?
B. The Results (v. 17)
17a. And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD.
The Hebrew term translated accursed appears dozens of times in the Old Testament. More than one-third of those are found in the book of Joshua (here and in Joshua 6:18 [twice]; 7:1 [twice], 11–13 [four times], 15; 22:20). The word refers to the complete destruction of material wealth, cities, and even people within the context of conquest. The verb form of the word appears in Joshua 2:10, where it is translated as “utterly destroyed” (see above). By setting certain things aside for destruction, those things are dedicated to the Lord.
This word expresses a sacred process intended to establish the holiness God desired for both the land and the people (compare Leviticus 27:28–29; Joshua 6:18–19). The ancient inhabitants of the land had defiled it through idolatry, violence, and immorality. As the Israelites entered the land, God wanted them—and the land—to be undefiled by sin (Leviticus 18:3, 24–30). Therefore, God gave the command for destruction to a particular people in a specific time and context. The purpose of this destruction was to remove any and all influence that could lead the Israelites into sin and idolatry.
17b. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.
Joshua intends to honor the agreement his spies made with Rahab—and he does. While Jericho is destroyed (Joshua 6:21, 24), Rahab and all that are with her in the house are spared (6:25). Through the blessing and hospitality shown to this Canaanite woman and her family, we see an early example of the fulfillment that God promised the nations through the seed of Abraham (see Genesis 12:2–3).
Conclusion
A. Faith Prompts the Unexpected
Rahab’s faith and bravery serve as an example for the people of God yet today. The writer of Hebrews cites her faith for receiving and protecting the spies (Hebrews 11:31). Additionally, James extols Rahab’s actions, calling her “righteous” (James 2:25). The Gospel of Matthew mentions her as an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:5–6, 16).
When we examine the account of Rahab, the Israelite spies, and the destruction of Jericho, we may find our expectations turned upside down. We don’t expect a woman in Jericho to offer hospitality to Israelite spies. Nor do we anticipate that a strategy involving marching, shouting, and blowing horns could destroy a city.
But God often works in unexpected ways. The next time He unexpectedly taps you on the shoulder, how will you react—by looking to your weaknesses or to His strength?
What Do You Think?
In what ways will you be more attentive to recognizing and responding to God’s unexpected work?
Digging Deeper
What steps can you take this week to trust God’s direction over your own?
B. Prayer
Lord God, You fulfill Your will through unexpected people and in ways that confound our expectations. Empower us through Your Spirit to expect Your unexpected ways so we can be better conduits of your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Work with God in His unexpected ways.
Standard Publishing. KJV Standard Lesson Commentary® 2026-2027 | Verse-by-Verse Commentary | Pronunciation Guide | Context and History Lessons | Discussion Questions and Group Activities | ISSL (pp. 108-127). David C Cook. Kindle Edition.