“And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.”– Joshua 2:21 (KJV)
“She said, ‘I accept your terms.’ She sent them on their way, and they left. She tied the scarlet rope in the window.”– Joshua 2:21 (NLT)
“She said, ‘It’s done. I’ll do what you’ve asked.’ She sent them off, and they left. Then she tied the red rope in the window.”– Joshua 2:21 (MSG)
What Does Joshua 2:21 Mean?
This verse captures a significant moment in the story of Rahab and the Israelite spies. When Rahab said, “According unto your words, so be it,” she was making a commitment, a pledge of faith. Rahab was a Canaanite woman living in Jericho, and she chose to believe the words of the spies—she expressed her faith through action. The spies told her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign, and she willingly agreed. This act signifies her trust, not just in the spies, but also in the God of Israel.
The scarlet cord represents both a physical and spiritual symbol. On one hand, the color red often symbolizes blood, which in biblical terms represents atonement and salvation. Rahab’s act of tying the cord was a courageous declaration of her faith. She risked her life to protect the spies, showing her belief that God would deliver Israel as they conquered Jericho. It was by faith that she welcomed the spies and took a stand for God’s people. In Hebrew culture, this act of faith would later be remembered as a pivotal moment in the story of Israel’s journey to the Promised Land.
Joshua 2:21 Explanation and Commentary
Let us take a closer look at Joshua 2:21. This verse is a remarkable testimony of faith and obedience. The story begins with the Israelites, led by Joshua, preparing to enter the Promised Land. They sent two spies to scout the land, and these spies found refuge in the home of Rahab, a woman known for her profession as a prostitute. It is important to reflect on how God can use anyone, regardless of their past or status, to bring about His purpose.
Rahab’s life was changed when she encountered the two Israelites. Realizing that her city was destined for destruction, she recognized God’s hand in their movement. She declared her faith in God, acknowledging Him as the true God in the heavens above and on the earth below (Joshua 2:11). This phrase highlights her understanding of God’s sovereignty. It teaches us that even those outside the covenant community can come to faith in God and participate in His promises.
Following her declaration, Rahab made a deal with the spies: if she helped them escape, they would spare her family when they conquered Jericho. The spies agreed and instructed her to tie the scarlet cord in her window as a signal. Rahab’s immediate acceptance shows her commitment and obedience. When she tied the cord, she was not just following the instructions of the spies; she was placing her faith in God’s promise of protection.
As Rahab prepared for their departure, she fulfilled her promise by tying the cord in her window as a sign of her faith. Through this act, she displayed trust in God’s ability to save not only herself but also her family. The act was significant because it demonstrates how faith in action is a crucial aspect of our walk with God. As believers, it is essential for us to follow through with our faith by living it out in practical ways.
This situation also serves as a reminder that faith often requires action. Just like Rahab, we must be willing to step out and act on what we profess to believe. When we take courageous steps in faith, God honors those who act upon His word. The invitation to trust God and act on our faith is an ongoing call for us. Rahab’s story reminds us that faith has the power to change lives.
Context of Joshua 2:21
The context of Joshua 2:21 is situated within a larger narrative of Israel entering the Promised Land. After wandering in the desert for forty years, the Israelites finally stand on the brink of entering the land that God had promised to their ancestors. The fear surrounding this event affected the inhabitants of Jericho, as they knew of God’s faithfulness and power in delivering His people. The account of Rahab contains themes of redemption, inclusion, and faith that resonate throughout scripture.
Before this verse, the spies had just shared their mission with Rahab, revealing their plan to return and conquer Jericho. As she learned more about the God of Israel and his promises, she recognized their authority and worthiness. Her faith stood in stark contrast to the fear exhibited by the people of Jericho. The inhabitants felt dread because they knew what was coming, while Rahab stood firm, making a decision to partner with God’s plan.
These events are incredibly significant not only for Rahab but also for the history of Israel. Rahab’s story highlights the idea of inclusion and that God’s love extends beyond the confines of Israel’s borders. It’s a reminder that anyone can receive grace. Rahab becomes an ancestor of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the genealogy found in the New Testament (Matthew 1:5), emphasizing that God uses people from all walks of life for His glory.
The larger narrative continues with the miraculous fall of the walls of Jericho after the Israelites obediently carried out God’s instructions. Rahab’s faith marked a turning point, teaching us profound lessons about belief in God’s promises and the importance of courage in times of uncertainty. As we explore and study this story, we recognize how God not only offers redemption through faith, but also honors the actions taken in that faith.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Joshua 2:21
In Joshua 2:21, the phrase “According unto your words, so be it,” stands out as Rahab’s personal declaration. This demonstrates her acceptance and commitment to the terms presented by the spies. The commitment Rahab shows serves as a powerful example for us today. It can encourage us to respond positively to God’s call and trust in His plans for our lives.
Next, the act of tying the scarlet cord signifies obedience and faith. The scarlet cord becomes a symbol of hope and deliverance, akin to the blood of the lamb during the Passover. Just as the Israelites were instructed to mark their doors with lamb’s blood to avoid death, Rahab’s cord served as physical evidence of her trust. This highlights how God associates faith with action and how He provides tangible markers of grace in our lives.
The outgoing message of the spies—”Go to the hills and hide there for three days”—is both practical and strategic. It shows their intention to keep Rahab safe while also avoiding any discovery by the city guards. The spies’ acknowledgment of her protection demonstrates their dependence on God’s protection and promises.
Rahab’s story challenges us to embrace our faith boldly. Her actions remind us that God often uses the unlikely and marginalized to fulfill His plans. Through her faith, we learn that accepting God’s promises means understanding that we play a part in His story. Therefore, our willingness to act upon our faith can inspire others and lead them to experience God’s grace.
The relationship between Rahab and the Israelite spies showcases the beauty of trust. Rahab’s faith not only impacted her own life but also brought salvation to her entire household. In doing so, we recognize the far-reaching implications of our faith. Like Rahab, our anticipation for God’s promises allows Him to work through us and even bless those around us.
Lessons to Learn From Joshua 2:21
Joshua 2:21 provides us with several key lessons about faith, obedience, and God’s amazing grace. One essential takeaway is the importance of listening to God’s word and responding with action. Rahab did not hesitate when given instructions but immediately accepted the terms of salvation. This teaches us that our faith should lead us to respond promptly when God calls us to act.
Another lesson is found in the significance of the scarlet cord. It represents God’s redemptive plan and affirms that no one is beyond His grace. It illustrates that faith in God can change everything; through faith, Rahab was transformed from an outcast to a celebrated figure in biblical history. Her story reminds us that transformation is always possible through obedience and trust.
We also learn the importance of taking risks for the sake of our faith. Rahab risked her safety for the spies and for her family. Her decision reminds us that often following God’s call requires courage. Acting in faith may involve stepping outside our comfort zone and embracing uncertainty. Yet, when we choose to follow God, we can trust that He will go before us and pave the way.
Furthermore, Rahab’s inclusion in the lineage of Jesus reflects God’s divine plan. It illustrates how God’s purpose often transcends human understanding. We may feel unworthy, but God’s love welcomes us and empowers us to be part of His story. Our background or past mistakes do not limit God’s ability to use us in powerful ways.
As we consider the lessons from Joshua 2:21, let’s remember that each of us can be a part of God’s redemptive narrative. Just as Rahab was called to faith, so are we. God invites us to place our trust in Him, and through our obedience, we can inspire others to seek the hope found in His promises.
Final Thoughts
The story of Rahab and the events surrounding Joshua 2:21 are not only rich in historical significance but also offer profound spiritual lessons that resonate with believers today. We see how a single act of faith can become a cornerstone for generations to come. Rahab’s commitment to tie the scarlet cord represents her acceptance of God’s promises and willingness to act upon them. Likewise, we are called to embrace our faith and demonstrate it through our actions.
In reflecting upon this passage, we understand the power of obedience and the beautiful gift of inclusion in God’s family. Let us take inspiration from Rahab’s life and remember that our past does not define us; instead, it is our faith and actions that shape our future. When we step out in faith, we can encourage those around us and share the message of hope and redemption that God has for everyone.
If you enjoyed exploring the story of Rahab, we encourage you to check out more inspiring topics. Visit some of the amazing resources available, like John 7:13, which explores similar themes of boldness and faith. Each story we uncover brings us closer to understanding God’s profound love and grace.