Joshua given position of leadership; spies sent to Jericho; pledge between spies and Rahab; direction for crossing Jordan; the Israelites pass over Jordan.
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 (Josh. 2:10).
Joshua was born into Egyptian slavery. While the majority were complaining and finding fault with Moses during their desert trials, Joshua remained a faithful coworker with Moses.
Israel’s first encounter with the Canaanites in the promised land was at the powerful walled city of Jericho. The people of Jericho had heard of the great works of the Lord concerning Israel. Rahab said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land. . . . for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath (2:9,11). She then turned from her false gods, left her life as a prostitute, and trusted in the mercy of the One True God. It was no accident that the spies came to her home to bring God’s protection upon her and her family.
Because of her faith in the Lord, Rahab became an ancestor of King David and was included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5; Luke 3:32). She is listed among those in the “Faith Hall of Fame” (Hebrews 11:31).
Moses had given up life in the palace and possibly his right to be a Pharaoh of Egypt, Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (short time); Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward (11:25-26). Joshua remained faithful to God even when the majority threatened to kill him (Numbers 14:6-10). Moses, Joshua and Rahab forsook their sins, lived to please the Lord, and made themselves available for God to accomplish His will through them.
All of us have faced, or will face, choices similar to those of Moses, Joshua and Rahab. Let us be looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright (Hebrews 12:15-16).
Thought for Today:
God speaks through His Word, but we must have "ears to hear' - a willingness to obey.
1:4 the wilderness, the Sinai desert; Great Sea, Mediterranean Sea; coast, territorial boundary; 1:11 victuals, food; 2:20 quit, no longer bound.
Through the scarlet line in the window that saved Rahab and her household – symbolic of the blood of Christ (Joshua 2:21; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).
Pray for Government Officials:
on your local, State, and Federal levels • Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Country: Italy (58 million) in southern Europe • Major languages: Italian and German • Religious freedom • 81% Roman Catholic; .4% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when in despair; He is your deliverer (Jonah 2:5-6).
Optional Reading: John 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 1:3