The Beginning:
Joshua secretly sends two spies from Shittim to scout Jericho. They enter the city and lodge at the house of Rahab, described as a prostitute. News of their presence reaches the king of Jericho, who orders that the men be handed over.
The Middle:
Rahab hides the spies on her roof under stalks of flax and misdirects the king’s men about their whereabouts. She tells the spies she has heard of the LORD’s deeds—especially the drying up of the Red Sea and Israel’s victories east of the Jordan—and confesses that “the LORD your God…is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” Rahab asks for protection for herself and her family when Israel takes the land. The spies agree, instructing her to tie a scarlet cord in the window and to gather her household inside her house.
The End:
Rahab lowers the spies by a rope through her window in the city wall and directs them to hide in the hill country until pursuit ends. The spies return to Joshua and report that the inhabitants’ hearts are melting with fear. When Jericho later falls, Rahab and her family are spared as promised and brought safely into Israel.
This episode shows God advancing his covenant purposes in the promised land while extending mercy to those who respond in faith, even from outside Israel. Rahab’s confession recognizes the LORD’s universal sovereignty, and her actions align her future with God’s people. The story highlights God’s faithfulness to keep promises and his readiness to save those who seek refuge under his rule.
Rahab’s house is said to be “in the wall” of Jericho (Joshua 2:15), consistent with ancient fortified cities where dwellings could be built against or integrated into city walls. The flax on the roof (Joshua 2:6) reflects common household practices in the region, since roofs were used for drying agricultural products.
“The LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” — Joshua 2:11
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Where did Rahab hide the two Israelite spies when the king of Jericho’s men came looking for them?
2. What sign did the spies tell Rahab to use so her household would be protected when Israel took the land?