Joshua 2:1-11 reminds us of the fact that there are only two women mentioned in the Hebrews 11 “Hall of faith”, Sarah and Rahab. There are many great women of the Bible, but the Holy Spirit chose these two for illustrations of faith.
Sarah was a godly woman who became the mother of the Hebrew people. Rahab was a pagan gentile harlot, but both of them exercised saving faith. Even more amazing is the fact that in James 2, Rahab is linked with Abraham as a person who demonstrates their faith by works. Rahab becomes a living example of Paul’s words in Rom. 5:20, “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound”.
There are some who will bring out the fact that the word for harlot can also be translated “Inn Keeper” but most experts in Hebrew will tell you that the word is rightly translated “Harlot”. As we follow this story, we shall see that, though Joshua viewed this mission as a military one, God viewed it as a redemptive one. “Check out Jericho boys”, said Joshua. But instead, they spent time hiding under the shingles of Rahab’s house, learning that God had already conquered the hearts of the inhabitants of Jericho.
There is a valuable lesson in this, and it is that God’s mission is always going to involve hearts, not just territory. And notice to whom God directs these two; to a harlot named Rahab. God wants her. He wants to take the precious from the vile. Jesus has come for such a person as Rahab. Listen carefully, as it is not important what you WERE; it is important what you ARE.
All of the inhabitants of the city had heard of God’s work on behalf of His people, and clearly, the vast majority of the city was afraid. But only one in the city, Rahab, allowed her fear to drive her to faith!
Never worry about where you are at, only where your heart is at, because clearly, God can always find a heart that seeks Him. We are inclined to judge people as unredeemable or unuseful, but God sees the heart. And any heart that desires to know Him qualifies. Remember, Jesus, the friend of sinners, was proud to have a Canaanite prostitute in His family linage.