B. The faith of Rahab (chapter 2).

1.    Spying Jericho (1).

 a.      To understand the situation of the Canaanites.

(a)     To understand the treacheries of devils.

 b.      To strengthen the faith of the Israelites.

(a)     Proof of the abidance of God and His promised victory.

2.    The faith of Rahab.

 a.      Her knowledge of the God of the Israelites.

(a)     She believed that the God of Israel is all mighty (10; cf. Rev 1:8; Jer 32:17-19).

(b)     She believed that the God of Israel is the Lord of heaven and earth (11, cf. 17:14, Isa 44:6, 24)

(c)     She believed that the Israelites shall be victorious (9-11).

 b.      Her acts of faith.

(a)     Receiving the spies (4-6, 15, 16; cf. Mt 10:42; Jn 13:20).

(b)     Establishing a covenant with the spies and to protect the safety of the spies (15, 16).

(c)     Complying with the covenant by hanging the red ribbon on the window (18-21).

(d)     Gathering all her household in the house (18-20).

 c.      The result of her faith.

(a)     Her whole household was saved (6:22-23, 25).

(b)     Converted to Judaism (she was the mother of Boaz). Her name was listed in the genealogy of Christ (Ruth 2:1; Mt 1:5).

3.    Prefiguration of the red ribbon.

 a.      Prefigures that Christ shall shed blood for the remission of sins (Jn 1:29; 1 Pet 1:19, 3:21).

 b.      The house with the red ribbon prefigures the true church of salvation (1 Jn 5:6-8).

 c.      Only those who gathered in this house shall be saved.