Study Questions:

1. Who succeeded Moses in leading the people? Joshua 1:1, 2, 17

2. Memorize Joshua 1:9

3. Who in Jericho helped the spies sent by Joshua? Joshua 2:1

4. What sign did the spies agree on with Rahab to identify her house? Joshua 2:18

Commentary and Reflection:

The theme of chapter 1 can be said to be the exhortation, “be strong and of good courage.” The Lord says it to Joshua several times, and the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh repeat it as well. These are words of encouragement for us, too, when we face obstacles and challenges in fulfilling God’s purpose in life, “be strong and of good courage.”

“The Law” was the Bible of that time; it was the portion of God’s written revelation they had. The Lord’s command to Joshua is also for us. The Word of God should always be on our lips and present in our thoughts at every moment, in every decision, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[c] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8.

The story of how Rahab acted with compassion and courage in welcoming and sheltering the spies Joshua sent contains valuable lessons. God is not ashamed and is willing to use anyone who believes and surrenders to Him, no matter how unworthy their life may have been. By faith, Rahab placed the scarlet cord in her window. By faith, her family was spared. Rahab became part of the people of God. She became the wife of Salmon, prince of Judah. It is not the normal practice of historians to include women in genealogies. However, Rahab’s name appears alongside three other women in the genealogy of Jesus. The other three are Tamar, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Of these four, three were involved in some scandal. All four are testimonies to God’s grace.

Rahab’s name appears in the “Hall of Fame of Faith,” “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who [j]did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” Hebrews 11:30, 31.

How can we have the Word of God on our lips today? How can we meditate on it today?

May you have a very blessed day.