Joshua, 2
22. The men went into the mountains and hid there for three days, until their pursuers had returned. These men had searched in vain for them everywhere.
22. The men went into the mountains and hid there for three days, until their pursuers had returned. These men had searched in vain for them everywhere.
Chapter 2 of the book of Joshua tells the story of how Israeli spies were sent to Jericho and found a refuge in the house of Rahab, a prostitute. Raabe hid the spies of the soldiers of the king of Jericho and made a deal with them to save her and her family's life when the Israelites attacked the city. The topics covered in this chapter include the courage of Rahab, espionage as a military strategy and the importance of faithfulness to God.
Proverbs 11:3: "The integrity of the righteous guides them, but the falsehood of the infidels destroys them." Raabe showed integrity by protecting Israelite spies and making a deal with them, while the king of Jericho and his soldiers were unfaithful and sought to destroy them.
Hebrews 11:31: "By faith, Rahab, the prostitute, was not destroyed with those who were disobedient, for he welcomed the spies with peace." Raabe showed faith in God by protecting spies and agreeing with them, and their faith was rewarded when she and her family were spared from the destruction of Jericho.
James 2:25: "In the same way, it was not only through works that Rahab, the prostitute, was considered fair? She welcomed the spies and made them out another way." Rahab was considered fair not only because of his faith, but also for his actions to welcome and protect spies.
Joshua 2:9: "I know that the Lord has given you this land to you and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of this earth faint with fear before you." Rahab recognized the authority and power of God and acknowledged that the Israelites were intended to conquer the earth.
Joshua 2:24: "The spies responded to Joshua, The Lord has given the whole earth into our hands; and even all the inhabitants of the country are terrified before us." The spies confirmed Rahab's belief that God was on the side of the Israelites and that they had divine authority to conquer the land of Canaan.
“Amemos ao próximo. Custa tão pouco querer bem ao outro.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina