Joshua 2:8-24

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Spies Make a Promise to Rahab

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The works of God are known by the unbeliever.

  2. The grace of God is extended to the unbeliever.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let's have a Rahab-like faith and concern for our families.

QUESTIONS

  1. What do recent excavations confirm about houses on the walls of Jericho?

  2. The spies departed and went to the mountain (2:22). Why did they flee there?

  3. This wilderness was the site of other significant events. Can you name them?

  4. What happened when the people of Jericho heard about the works of the Lord?

  5. Was the spy mission successful?

  6. What did the people of Jericho remember about the works of the Lord?

  7. What significant role was given to Rahab?

ANSWERS

  1. Archaeology has revealed that there were two sets of walls surrounding Jericho at the time of the Conquest, an outer lower stone wall topped with bricks and an inner upper wall. Between these two walls were buildings, some of which used the walls as part of their structure.

  2. In the Judean wilderness west of Jericho the mountains were dotted with caves; these caves were good hiding places.

  3. This is the same area where our Lord faced temptation more than 1400 years later. It is the same area where the Dead Sea scrolls were hidden, including the Book of Joshua.

  4. Their hearts melted.

  5. Yes. The Lord delivered them from the hands of the enemy.

  6. They remembered events from forty years earlier, including the Red Sea miracle.

  7. She became the great, great grandmother of King David, and thus was in the lineage of Christ.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. The residents of Jericho were cognizant of the works of God. Unbelievers today are aware of the works of God. They are without excuse. (See Romans 1) Rahab not only knew about His works, but also of His salvation. There are unbelievers around you today who are aware of both the works of God and His salvation. Are you a true witness declaring God's works and salvation to others?

  2. All of the inhabitants of Jericho had the opportunity to know the grace of God. Rahab asked for mercy and received it. God gave even more grace. How are you experiencing God's grace in your life?

CHALLENGE

  1. Do you have a Rahab-like faith and concern for your family? God honored her faith and saved her whole family. Is your home a believing home? God honors the faith and concern for the salvation of our families.

KEY VERSES

  • "All of the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted...for we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea...and as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted...for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth." (Joshua 2:9-11)

  • "Rahab asked, 'Spare my family...deliver them from death." (Joshua 2:13)

  • "The men answered her...'When the Lord has given us the land, we will deal kindly and truly with you." (Joshua 2:14)

  • "Bind this line of scarlet cord in the window..." (Joshua 2:18)

  • "Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands..." (Joshua 2:24)

Joshua, Old Testament, TalksRon ReidJOSHUA 2:8-24