I have embarked on a personal study of the book of Joshua. I don't know much about Joshua and felt it was time I did some learning! I started out just reading the scriptures and read through about seven chapters. I took a few notes, basically just quick reminders of what the chapters were about. I wasn't coming to any understandings so decided to go back and use Inductive study methods that I learned in a Kay Arthur study. Last night I read chapter 2 about Rahab and had an incredible eye-opening insight.
Please note that I am writing this before I look up commentaries, this is just my insights from my own inductive study. I will post information from more research at a later date.
What struck me as I studied this chapter was the use of the scarlet cord to let the spies down and the use of that same scarlet cord to cover Rahab and her house from destruction.
The cord is Scarlet, the color of blood. It was used as a bridge to let the spies out of the city of danger, and then as a sign to the incoming army that anyone in that house was safe.
Another point is that Rahab made a covenant with the spies, trading kindness for kindness. The spies put conditions on the covenant, stating that only people that Rahab brought into her house, under the covering of the Scarlet Cord would be spared. Also, Rahab had to keep her side of the bargain by not telling any of the authorities in Jericho the plans of the Israelites. Rahab kept her promise and took all of her family into her house and hung the Scarlet Cord from her window. Rahab and her family was spared and Rahab lived among the Israelites from then on.
In my study Bible the only notes on the cord say that it was probably a decorative hanging. I feel the cord has a deeper meaning. I think the Scarlet Cord represents the Blood of Jesus that covers believers and turns the unrighteous into righteous. Rahab was a prostitute, working in an unrighteous occupation; however, Rahab was credited with righteousness for her faith and actions. God is a loving, gracious, and merciful God. In this story He shows us that no matter what our life was like before, when we come to Him and invite Him into our hearts, the blood His Son poured out for us covers our transgressions.
Along with the Scarlet Cord, the time frame of Three Days also plays a significant role in this chapter of scripture. The spies went out into the hills and hid for Three Days. Our precious Lord, Jesus Christ, was buried for Three Days. God was covering His children with the blood of Jesus even in Old Testament times. Our God was, is, and will be the same in the past, now, and in the future. Thank you Lord for Your everlasting kindness and steadfast faithfulness.
I felt incredibly joyous after my reading of study of Joshua 2 last night. I wanted to jump up and down and share my insights right then and there. Alas, it was very late so I had to wait until morning to post on my blog. I hope that you enjoy discovering the Word with me. I would love to hear any comments you have on this subject.
This is from a commentary by David Guzik which I read on studylight.org
ReplyDeletea. Bind this scarlet cord in the window: This was the signal to the army of Israel that the people in this home were to be spared. Despite Rahab's desire, despite her faith, despite the promises of these spies, she would have perished unless she put her trust in a blood red cord cast down from her window. Without the scarlet cord, she could not have been saved.
i. As early as the first century, commentators such as Clement of Rome, Justin Martyr, Ireneaus, Origen and more saw this scarlet cord as a symbol of the blood of Jesus.
b. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window: Rahab immediately put her faith into both the identification and safety of the scarlet cord. She also trusted in the ones who made the promise about the scarlet cord (according to your words, so be it).
i. Joshua would be a savior for Rahab, but a judge of the rest of Jericho. In the same way Jesus is a savior for those who trust Him, but a judge for those who reject Him.
c. Rahab's destiny was to marry one of the princes of Judah and be found in the lineage of King and David and Jesus Himself.
It is good to know that my insight into God's Holy Word was not just me, but the Holy Spirit giving me understanding.