30
Daughters of God
Rahab was a harlot who lived on the wall of Jericho. She hid the
two Israelite spies sent to check out the defenses of that city. Because
of her kindness to them, and her declaration of belief in God, the spies
promised that the lives of Rahab and her family would be spared when
the attack came on Jericho
.
A few miles beyond the [Jordan] river, just opposite the place where
the Israelites were encamped, was the large and strongly fortified city
of Jericho. This city was virtually the key to the whole country, and it
would present a formidable obstacle to the success of Israel. Joshua
therefore sent two young men as spies to visit this city and ascertain
something as to its population, its resources, and the strength of its
fortifications. The inhabitants of the city, terrified and suspicious, were
constantly on the alert, and the messengers were in great danger. They
[36]
were, however, preserved by Rahab, a woman of Jericho, at the peril
of her own life. In return for her kindness they gave her a promise of
protection when the city should be taken.—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
482 (1890)
.
Jericho was a city devoted to the most extravagant idolatry. The
inhabitants were very wealthy. All the riches that God had given them
they accredited to the gifts of their gods. Gold and silver were in
abundance. Like the people before the Flood, they were corrupt and
blasphemous. They insulted and provoked the God of heaven by their
wicked works. God’s judgments awakened against Jericho. It was a
stronghold. But the Captain of the Lord’s host came Himself from
heaven to lead the armies of heaven in the attack upon the city. Angels
of God laid hold of the massive walls and brought them to the ground.
God had said that the city of Jericho should be accursed, and that
all should perish except Rahab and her household. They should be
saved because of the favor that Rahab showed the messengers of the
Lord.—
The Review and Herald, September 16, 1873
.
In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt a knowledge of the power
of God spread far and wide. The warlike people of the stronghold of
Jericho trembled. “As soon as we had heard these things,” said Rahab,
“our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in
any man, because of you: for Jehovah your God, he is God in heaven
above, and in earth beneath”
Joshua 2:11
.—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
369 (1890)
.