Joshua 2

[alon]

Joshua 2

Rahab is mentioned here by name, while the spies were not named. Their efforts were certainly heroic, as to “view the land” was a dangerous thing. Their physiology would give them away as Hebrews.

Joshua 2:1 (ESV) And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.

This idea of the hero of this story being a prostitute was somewhat disconcerting to the rabbis. It was difficult not to get bogged down in the arguments whether she was a prostitute, a madam, or an innkeeper. However as I read this chapter I was struck by the fact that not only she, but indeed all Jericho knew the God of the Hebrews was THE God. Why then fight against His people when you know you are already delivered up to them? So this digression aside, I am going to try and focus on this question.

The visit of the spies brought them into contact with Rahab, who was to be an important figure in the lineage of hamoshiach. This is a clue as to why she alone (othr than Joshua as a peripheral figure in the story) was named. Instead of being condemned, she was commended for her trust in God. This trust was based on knowledge of miracles which were evident to all the people of Jericho. Yet she, and with her her family were the only ones who trusted the God of Israel; and were thus saved. Salvation was then as now and always, by faith and trust, through grace. There has never been any other way.

Hebrews 11:31 (ESV) By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

James 2:25 (ESV) And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

She trusted based on wonders done in the exodus from Egypt that YHVH was the true Elohim, and that His word was sure. If you want faith, soak your mind, heart and soul in the teachings of YHVH and the record of His works.

Joshua 2:10 (ESV) For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. (a)
Footnotes: a. Joshua 2:10 That is, set apart (devoted) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction)
H2763 חרם châram khaw-ram' A primitive root; to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physically and reflexively to be blunt as to the nose: - make accursed, consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose, utterly (slay, make away).

This term, used as a verb fourteen times in the book of Joshua is first seen here. When El Elohe Yisro’el sets apart a stronghold for destruction at the hands of His own people, they, and we, cannot fail unless we fail to act. Their ancestors a generation back in the Exodus were guilty of faithlessly failing to take what was already given to them. This generation would not make that mistake.

Joshua 2:11 (ESV) And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.
JPS- “the only God in heaven above and on earth below” is terminology rarely used in the Bible. but compare this statement to:

Isaiah 45:18 (KJV) For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.

Joshua 2:23-24 (ESV) Then the two men returned. They came down from the hills and passed over and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and they told him all that had happened to them. And they said to Joshua, “Truly the Lord has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.”

“The Lord has given … into our hands” is an idiom denoting the fact God has granted a victory.

The spies in reporting back relied on their conversation with Rahab instead of direct observations. Her trust in the promises of the Hebrew spies and the effectiveness of the scarlet chord is a striking picture of faith. Those united with YHVH will be saved in this world and the next. Her sins were as scarlet as the chord hung from her window, and her knowledge of this Elohim of elohim was far from complete. But her trust and faith saved her, and led her family to salvation as well.

Joshua 2:15 (ESV) Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall.

This was a casemate wall- 2 or more walls with rubble fill in between. It is a very thick, strong type of wall, and often had rooms or dwellings between facing walls. We build walls in our own lives; high, thick strong walls we cannot see. Like city walls meant to keep what we fear out, they also imprison us inside with our fears. These walls are our own strongholds which, like the city walls at Jericho must be brought down. They keep us from others and from God. Like those behind the walls at Jericho, we know we are given into God’s hands, yet we resist. It is human nature to hold onto what is common, comfortable. We are so familiar with these walls we even live IN them! We hate change, even though we know it is right, necessary, and even inevitable. We cower in fear before the Lord who offers us meaningful change that will lead to salvation. And the process to begin is so simple even a pagan harlot can contemplatively do it.

Joshua 2:18-19 (ESV) Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father's household. Then if anyone goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we shall be guiltless. But if a hand is laid on anyone who is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head.

Those found outside the house of this woman, who significantly would be in the lineage of hamoshiach, would not be saved. These people were in their own stronghold, vainly hoping for salvation. Like the Hebrews who depended on the scarlet blood of the slain lamb on their doors, salvation is found only within we who are covered by the shed blood of The Lamb. This includes those looking back to Yeshua, as well as all those who from the time of Adam looked forward to the redemption of YHVH.

This is another example of a Gentile (and her family) being joined to God’s people. I am sure her absorption into Judaism was a long learning process. Just as we today struggle to learn. But this is a stronghold that has already been given into our hands! We must only stay the course, moving forward in faith and trust in the same YHVH M’quaddash, The LORD Who Sets (us)  Apart.

Dan C

Resources: JPS Study TNK, FB Meyer, W Wiersby, Pastor Bill Best, my father and others.

[garrett]

Mar 19, 2016 18:55:39 GMT -8 alon said:

Joshua 2

Hebrews 11:31 (ESV) By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

James 2:25 (ESV) And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

She trusted based on wonders done in the exodus from Egypt that YHVH was the true Elohim, and that His word was sure. If you want faith, soak your mind, heart and soul in the teachings of YHVH and the record of His works.

This may seem like a simple anecdote but it's easy for me to overlook, and it's very true: If you want faith, soak you mind, heart and soul in the teachings of G-d and the record of His works.

Thanks - garrett

[Elizabeth]

I can only imagine the chaos and confusion Rahab was living in. Unfortunately, I also think many people can relate to her. So who cares if she was at one time a prostitute? We all need a new beginning and we all have to turn from our own sin. She gives people an example of hope, and I am grateful to her for that. Sometimes you just have to claim your worth, grab it, and choose to live it regardless of what the world says because you believe what G-d says. She chose to listen to and believe G-d. I hope anyone who can relate to her sees her example and does the same. 

[alon]

Joshua 2:3-14 (ESV)  3 Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.” 4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. 5 And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” 6 But she had brought them up to the roof and hid them with the stalks of flax that she had laid in order on the roof. 7 So the men pursued after them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. And the gate was shut as soon as the pursuers had gone out.

8 Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof 9 and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. 11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. 12 Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign 13 that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” 14 And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”

I guess what strikes me about this narrative is how little Rachav knew of this El Elohe Yisroel, and yet she put her trust in Him before getting any concession from the spies, and never any from the national leadership. Imagine the anticipation as the Hebrew army carried out what had to be the most ridiculous attack in history, yet her trust in this to her unknown Elohim carried her through.  Imagine the noise and chaos as those mighty walls came down and the army swept in; the cries of those being killed mixed with the shouts of the victors. A cloud of dust probably lending itself to further the chaos and uncertainty. This is the fog of war, and every instinct must have told her and her family to run, try to escape. Up until the time of their actual rescue, which would have seemed uncertain until they were safely out of the city, her life was in mortal danger. Had the king or any of his officers put it together and further questioned her and her family, she would have been imprisoned and possibly executed for treason. Even after the rescue, what kind of reception would she receive? What would her new life be like? Yet based on the limited evidence and knowledge she had, and the sure belief that "the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath" she risked all to help His people and save her and her family.

We never had to face that kind of danger in becoming Messianic. Our lives are changed, as we now seek out the truth in scripture instead of relying on the comfort of blindly following our blind spiritual leaders in the church. We've lost friends, suffered unwarranted attacks, and lost an important touchstone with a larger fellowship. Those coming from Jewish backgrounds may suffer more as others try to rip their heritage from them. Still, think how easy our trust comes compared to that of Rachav. We were at least raised with some kind of familiarity with this same Elohim. And I'm reasonably sure that no one is looking to kill us. I think of all the things I've done and ask why God would want me; then I think of Rachav, a prostitute who believed and ended up in the lineage of hamoshiach. So I was even given her story as a comfort and an example. She was the story; she had no example except the works and the wonders of a foreign God.

I think too how this condemns those who know the truth, yet refuse to leave the comfort of their churches or synagogues. It also condemns those who have seen clearly, yet fall away back into the comfort of larger fellowships led by the damned. It is always saddening when people leave the forum, because many are probably starting the slide out of Messianism. I can hope they've simply joined the lurkers, but the numbers there say not many do. I can hope they found a local Messianic fellowship, but those are few, and fewer still know or even look too hard for the truth. As for finding something else on the internet- I know what's there and I'd almost rather see them go back to church than to that. So it is important we support each other here and pray for each other always.

I pray too for a more local group here to study with. I pray for each of you that you will find others willing to come to Messianic Judaism. But I also see each week as I write up these haftarot just how much I have to learn. So for now I am trying to remain faithful. I sit in my room here and study, writing these things not just for the few who come here, but because that is what God has given me to do right now. We each have been given the task to learn- to be faithful where we are for now. One day the walls will come down; will we be ready? One thing I can tell you is in my experience when a wall falls it is always amidst the noise, pain and confusion of spiritual warfare. What we are committed to here is no easy thing, and it won't get any easier. Once Rachav had been rescued and joined herself to the Hebrew people, the real work began. She had to learn a new religion, new customs, new ways to think ... and most likely a new profession I'd guess. Our learning comes first, but when the walls start to fall for each of us we'll be required to teach others. It is us they'll turn to when the "swing-and-a-missionaries" come to them with the same old misinterpretations of scripture. But they have an ace in the hole- years of brainwashing will make those arguments sound all to true. Will we be ready to counter those arguments? They are well versed in, and their target audience is to steeped in these false doctrines, so we must be ready for whatever they throw at us. And the anti-missionaries, with their own false teachings can be even tougher than their Christian counterparts. They can fool even the elect- you and me- unless we are rock solid in our trust and knowledge.

So it is to us to keep the faith. Hold on to that which we know; and grow in that knowledge and trust by "soaking our minds, hearts and souls in the teachings of YHVH and the record of His works."

2Pe 3:18 (KJV)  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Rev 3:11 (KJV)  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Dan C

Thanks to Elizabeth for the idea for this d'rash.

[alon]

OK, Rav S did a teaching on this, so I may as well go ahead and give you all some of the arguments about Rachav's profession. Note I am not convinced of any one conclusion; however Rav S and many other people smarter than me think she was an innkeeper.

יהושע פרק ב  Joshua 2:1-2
א. וַיִּשְׁלַח יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן-נוּן מִן-הַשִּׁטִּים שְׁנַיִם-אֲנָשִׁים מְרַגְּלִים חֶרֶשׁ לֵאמֹר לְכוּ רְאוּ אֶת-
הָאָרֶץ וְאֶת-יְרִיחוֹ וַיֵּלְכוּ וַיָּבֹאוּ בֵּית-אִשָּׁה זוֹנָה וּשְׁמָהּ רָחָב וַיִּשְׁכְּבוּ-שָׁמָּה:
And Joshua the son of Nun sent from Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, Jericho. And they went, and came to an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

Rachav (רָחָב), the prostitute (zonah זוֹנָה)- note that in the time this was originally written the vav (וֹ) would not have been there, rendering this as זנָה, zayin nun hey.

In Joshua 2:1 the text identifies Rachav as a zônāh, a prostitute, but her description seems more like a landlady or innkeeper. First-century C.E. historian Josephus does say that she kept an inn:

Antiquities of the Jews - Book V, CHAPTER 1.2 … but at even they retired to a certain inn that was near to the wall, whither they went to eat their supper; which supper when they had done, and were considering how to get away, information was given to the king as he was at supper, that there were some persons come from the Hebrews' camp to view the city as spies, and that they were in the inn kept by Rahab, …

The consonants comprising the word “zonah- prostitute” in Hebrew are זנָה (znh- zayin nun hey), which are the same consonants in the Hebrew word for a female who gives food and provisions. Rachav’s profession is not described in negative terms, as might be expected from a description of Biblical prostitutes.

Another term for prostitute is kedushah, קְדֻשָּׁה. Kodesh is holiness; mishnaic Hebrew, kedushah, and that which is holy is called kadosh, or set apart. It is important to note that set apart may mean something other than religious objects or people; indeed it can also mean set apart for pagan purposes, such as a temple prostitutes. However Jewish exegetes who follow early rabbinic interpretation (Sifra) of Leviticus 19:2 "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy," systematically agree the verb kadesh means "distinguished, set apart." The Sifra paraphrases the command with “perushim,” meaning "you shall be set apart." This is of course how we normally understand the term. However always we must keep in mind that in Hebrew more than most languages context defines the meaning of a word. A good example is :

Hoseah 4:14 (KJV) I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom (H2181), nor your spouses when they commit adultery (H5003): for themselves are separated (H6504) with whores (H2181) and they sacrifice with harlots (H6948) therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall.

H2181 זָנָה zânâh zaw-naw' A primitive root (highly fed and therefore wanton); to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple forniciation, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah): - (cause to) commit fornication, X continually, X great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) sleeper, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish.

H6948 קְדֵשָׁה qedêshâh ked-ay-shaw' Feminine of H6945; a female devotee (that is, prostitute): - harlot, sleeper.
[Note this is a form of the root word kadosh; ed.]

H6504 פָּרַד pârad paw-rad' A primitive root; to break through, that is, spread or separate (oneself): - disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder.
[Note the use of a form of p’rush (parush) which means “one who is separated” and is the Hebrew for what we call the Pharisees (P’rushim); ed.]


Jewish tradition concerning Rachav'sprofession and later life among the Israelites is split into two main camps. The first (Meg. 14b; Ginzberg, Legends, 4, 5–8) says after she became a proselyte she married Yehoshua, and was the ancestress of eight prophets and priests, including the prophet Yir'meyahu and the prophetess Huldah. This tradition maintains that a proselyte and former prostitute could achieve such stature in Jewish history proved that repentance can work salvation for anyone, no matter how great their past sins. Christian exegetes almost universally take this view concerning salvation no matter her past sins.

The other tradition contends Rachav was not a prostitute, but rather an innkeeper. This tradition (Rashi on Josh. 2:1) is based on the Targum's rendering of zonah as pundekita (pundeqita), Hebrew pundakit (pundaqit), "hostess, innkeeper." Also the derivation of zonah (normally "prostitute") from the same root as mazon (מָזוֹן, "food"). If Rachav was an innkeeper, then there was no of having a former prostitute as ancestress of some of Israel's most important figures.

However, Kimḥi (on Josh. 2:1) says adherents of this theory misunderstood the Targum, for the Targum to the Prophets also renders zonah by pundeqētā, plural pundeqāyān or pundeqā'ān (I Kings 3:16; Ezek. 23:44), where it can only be understood to mean "prostitute." Therefore, the Targum's rendering of Hebrew "prostitute" with Aramaic "innkeeper" should be understood either as a euphemism or some double entendre, implying that there is a connection between bars or inns and prostitutes. Indeed, later Jews (up to the first cen CE and on) when traveling avoided inns as they were notoriously bawdy, dens of lasciviousness and iniquity.

In the Aggadah (a non-legalistic exegetical texts in the classical rabbinic literature of Judaism, particularly as recorded in the Talmud and Midrash; a compendium of rabbinic texts incorporating folklore, historical anecdotes, moral exhortations, and practical advice); Rachav was one of four of the most beautiful women in history. Just the mention of her name excited desire (Meg. 15a). Rachav became a prostitute at the age of ten, and every prince and ruler is said to have had relations with her. Accordingly she would have been well versed in regional events and politics (Zeb. 116b). This is how they view the fact she alone (along with her family) saw what was happening and converted. Rachav’s conversion is regarded as more complete than that of Yetro and Na’aman. Unlike them, she acknowledged that “the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” Joshua 2:11b (ESV).
[I would have to disagree in part with this because we are told in Joshua 2:11a (ESV) “And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you.” This indicates that everyone, not just Rachav knew what was coming.]

At any rate, Rachav was a woman of profound understanding, drawing as it were the right conclusion. Moreover she demonstrated the defining trait of Judaism; chessed (kindness). She showed the spies great chessed in saving them before asking a reward. Because she had acted with chessed, she was justified in asking the same in return for her and her family, and thus their lives were spared when Yericho fell. This was the beginning of her tikkun, or repair in her spirit.


The scarlet rope by which Rachav lowered the spies may have been used to allow her clients to leave her establishment unnoticed. If so, this would mean she was not near a gate; and possibly not too close to a stair. Since only a short part of one wall remained when excavated, it is possible this same rope could have been used to lower her and her family and make good their escape as well. Even with an escort, going through the destruction and confusion of the city itself would have been extremely dangerous, so outside escape by the rope would have been safer. (Note that is my deduction and not supported by anyone of stature). Regardless whether a madam or a harlot, or an innkeeper, Rachav is the outstanding example of someone who repented and was saved not only from execution, but from the second death as well. Whether she was ancestress to prophets or not and who those may have been I do not know. However she was in the lineage of Melech Dovid, and therefore HaMoshiach Yeshua as well.


Bonus question:

Did Rachav live on the wall of Yericho or in the city’s casemate? The structure of casemate walls varied in different periods of time. This story is set in the Late Bronze Age, and thick defensive walls were the norm. People could have lived either in or on them. The Book of Yehoshua was probably edited during the Iron Age II period (sixth century BCE), when Israelite cities were often surrounded by a casemate wall comprised of two parallel walls (outer and inner walls) joined with intermittent perpendicular walls. These formed casemates, or rooms, in which people could live. Analyzing the Hebrew terms describing the house of Rachav, along with the chronology of defensive construction, it is thought likely she lived on the wall. One expert (Frendo) thinks an editor changed the Hebrew to say Rachav lived in a casemate wall, rather than on top of a thick defensive wall, so as to make it more understandable to those in Israel during his own time. And in fact some texts do say “upon” the wall:

טו. וַתּוֹרִדֵם בַּחֶבֶל בְּעַד הַחַלּוֹן כִּי בֵיתָהּ בְּקִיר הַחוֹמָה וּבַחֹמָה הִיא יוֹשָׁבֶת:
15. Then she let them down by a rope through the window; for her house was upon the town wall, and she lived upon the wall.

Dan C

Resources: a teaching by Rav S and an extensive internet search, including but not limited to:The Idea of the Holy, Rudolph Otto, 1923, ch. 8; Y. Kaufmann, Sefer Yehoshu'a (1959). IN THE AGGADAH: Ginzberg, Legends, index; biblicalarchaeology.org; jewishvirtuallibrary.org. I also made use of several reference books and a few Bibles- too many to list. Suffice to say I read a lot … Hebrew/English transliterations by Hebrew World CD.

[alon]

OK, why am I not convinced here? Honestly, I just didn't think it mattered.

I was wrong. What if this ambiguity in naming Rachav's pagan profession is intentional? Sometimes we can learn great lessons in these seemingly inconsequential ambiguities. It is after all the infinite Word of God. So think about it ... what lessons do you see here?

Dan C


Elizabeth already touched on some lessons;

Jun 25, 2016 15:48:07 GMT -8 Elizabeth said:

I can only imagine the chaos and confusion Rahab was living in. Unfortunately, I also think many people can relate to her. So who cares if she was at one time a prostitute? We all need a new beginning and we all have to turn from our own sin. She gives people an example of hope, and I am grateful to her for that. Sometimes you just have to claim your worth, grab it, and choose to live it regardless of what the world says because you believe what G-d says. She chose to listen to and believe G-d. I hope anyone who can relate to her sees her example and does the same. 

[Elizabeth]

Do you mean intentional on G-d's part or man's? Is the debate centering around an original and legitimate uncertainty about her past profession, or are we confused because of a past unwillingness to accept the truth and in so doing it's been convoluted. (Can ya tell I used to be Cathoolic )

[alon]

Jul 7, 2016 6:03:19 GMT -8 Elizabeth said:

Do you mean intentional on G-d's part or man's? Is the debate centering around an original and legitimate uncertainty about her past profession, or are we confused because of a past unwillingness to accept the truth and in so doing it's been convoluted. (Can ya tell I used to be Cathoolic )

LOL, you'd have made a great Nun ...

Confusion is usually due to our Christian past. Debate ... well, I suppose this is a Messianic Judaic forum so we could debate it ... or just discuss it vehemently.

Intentional by men chosen and led by God to record the account of facts, events and even to communicate some of the feelings of those involved.

Dan  C

[Elizabeth]

Haha, is the convent accepting applicatios, and where's the emoji wearing a habit? 


Given the culture she came from, it's hard to contemplate how much choice she had in taking part in sinful practices regardless of what her true profession was. In that way perhaps it doesn't matter. She is probably more uncomfortable to us traditionally just because of the type of sin being discussed, but because her society was saturated in evil and sin, maybe discussing the type of sin is on a spiritual level irrelevant. She was enveloped by it.

Maybe in that way she is also more "innocent" than we give her credit for. Consider the Israelite man Phineas killed as a contrasting example. Unlike her he had seen, known, experienced, and been taught better. He chose sin in spite of having the comparedly easy opportunity to choose G-d. I don't think Rahab had much of a choice prior to the Israelite invasion.

I don't know, but G-d arranged things so she could escape. Maybe that's an indication that in her heart she somehow wanted to escape it even beyond just the fear of being killed by the invasion. If so, and I don't think that's too far fetched of a possibility as G-d knows the heart and chose her for a reason, there is something even more admirable about her to me.

I can't imagine what some people are born into. Rahab chose G-d in spite of it and she exemplifies another level of the victory I think.

[alon]

Elizabeth, I always enjoy your perspective on things. I tend to think in more absolute terms- to God sin is sin. I get from the ambiguity that no matter if she was a prostitute, a madam, or just an innkeeper her involvement was the same. Were I a patron, my involvement in the sin would be just as bad as hers. And no matter our sin, if we repent God will forgive. Your understanding brings more of a human touch, and a valid one I think. Her reward will be greater because of where she came from to get to that place of repentance. Conversely, had I continued in my rebellion my punishment may have been greater than that of the people of Jericho, because I came from a place of at least some understanding of the One true God.

Dan C

Revelation 22:12 (ESV) “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.

Matthew 16:27 (ESV) For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.

Daniel 12:3 (NASB)  Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Luke 12:47-48 (NASB) And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes,  but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

[Elizabeth]

Thanks for the kind words Alon; encouraging to hear. 

[alon]

Just reading this while studying the haftara this week, it struck me how HaShem protected Rachav and her family. Not only did her section of the wall not fall, thus sparing their lives; but she and her family were kept safely above the confusion and destruction occurring around them until someone could come to lead them to safety. Thus the promise of the Hebrew spies, made on His behalf, were kept.

Dan C