Rahab’s Bargain

One of the extraordinary stories in the Bible involves a young woman named Rahab. This story beautifully expresses God’s love for all people.

 

Rahab lived in the Canaanite town of Jericho, which was near the border of the Promised Land God had promised to His people, who had been wandering for years in search of a home after slavery in Egypt.

 

Because the Canaanites were so powerful, Joshua sent a scouting party into the land to see what they were up against. The men sent ahead were hidden from harm by Rahab, because she had heard of the power that followed the Israelites.

 

When she talked with the men, she showed remarkable understanding that their God was in fact the true God, and she made a bargain with them.

 

Joshua 2:14 says, “So the men said to her, ‘Our life for yours if you do not tell this business of ours; and it shall come about when the Lord gives us the land that we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.’”

 

In the end, as the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land, Rahab’s family was spared death. In this way, we see how God’s inclusive love for all is worked out in practical ways that lead to life.

 

Remember Rahab when you think that you are beyond God’s protection!

 

Let’s pray.

 

Lord, what an example of faithfulness this woman displayed. Bless all those who look for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.