Joshua 2: God Saves the Believing Outcast

Joshua 2 shows Rahab’s faith, Israel’s unbelief, and God’s sovereign grace in salvation, calling believers to trust God’s promises and obey His word.

Introduction

Joshua 2 records how Joshua sent two spies to Jericho, where they encountered Rahab. Though the spies went in unbelief, seeking confirmation of what God had already promised, God used this event to display His sovereign grace. Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, believed God’s word and acted in faith by protecting the spies. This chapter shows both man’s tendency toward unbelief and God’s mercy in saving those who trust Him. For believers today, it reminds us of the danger of doubting God’s promises and the hope God extends to all who trust in Him.

Doctrine

This passage teaches the truth of salvation by faith. Rahab declared her faith in the Lord’s power and mercy (Joshua 2:9-11). Hebrews 11:31 later commends her faith, and James 2:25 shows her works demonstrated the reality of that faith. The spies, however, doubted God’s word, choosing to seek human confirmation. Yet God’s sovereignty overruled their weakness, just as He often uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes (Romans 8:28). The central truth here is that God saves those who believe in Him, regardless of their past, and He accomplishes His purposes even through human failure.

Reproof

This chapter rebukes unbelief and presumption. Joshua’s spies sought proof of God’s promise rather than trusting His word, repeating the error of Israel’s fathers who demanded to spy out the land (Deuteronomy 1:22-23). It also rebukes the danger of presuming upon God’s grace, as when the spies entered into a covenant with Rahab though Israel was forbidden to make covenants with the Canaanites (Exodus 23:32). While God used their actions for good, the passage warns against doubting God’s word and presuming He will always turn disobedience into blessing.

Correction

The correction is to trust God’s word without seeking extra confirmation. Israel was to advance into the land because God had promised it. Believers today are called to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Rather than demanding additional evidence, we must rest on the certainty of God’s promises (Romans 4:20-21). Correction also comes by remembering that God desires obedience over human schemes. The believer’s security and success are found not in clever arrangements but in simple, faithful obedience to God’s word.

Instruction

Believers must train themselves to act on God’s word with faith. This means meditating on His promises daily (Joshua 1:8), praying in confidence, and obeying without hesitation. Rahab’s example shows how genuine faith takes risks for God, identifying with His people even at personal cost (Joshua 2:4-6; Hebrews 11:31). Christians today should show their faith by courageous obedience, hospitality, and identifying with Christ and His church even in a hostile world (Matthew 10:32-33).

Encouragement and Hope

Joshua 2 offers hope by showing that God redeems sinners who trust in Him. Rahab’s past did not disqualify her from God’s mercy. She was brought into the covenant community and even into the line of Christ (Matthew 1:5). This assures believers that God’s grace is greater than their failures. Even when we falter like the spies, God remains faithful to His promises and works all things together for good for His people (Romans 8:28).

Invitation

Rahab’s story points to the gospel. Like her, every person stands under God’s judgment, deserving death because of sin (Romans 6:23). Yet she was spared because she believed God’s word and identified with His people. In the same way, salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, who bore our judgment on the cross. He died as our substitute, taking the death penalty we owed, and rose again to secure eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). God calls you to change your mind about sin, abandon self-reliance, and call on the name of the Lord for salvation (Romans 10:9-13). Christ’s blood secures forgiveness for all who trust in Him. Today, as Rahab did, believe God’s word and find refuge in His salvation.