Joshua 2
Leaders Prep Section
Watch the video, read the notes, and send the pre-written email to the group 2-3 days before you meet.
Notes
We have to remember the whole reason why God is working through the Israelites. He’s trying to show us who he is, how he operates, and in this chapter – who he chooses.
Group Guide Starts Here
Context of scripture
The Amorites (the people inhabiting Canaan) were at the height of their power1 and Jericho was the most heavily fortified city.
Read Joshua 2: 1-7
Rahab’s home was an inn and she was the innkeeper.2 Going there allowed the spies to gather intel on what the locals were saying about the Israeli force. However, the spies have blown it…it’s the first night of a secret mission and they’re “made.”
The stalks of flax and scarlet cord (mentioned later) tell us Rahab manufactured dyed linen.3 Linen is made from the fibers of flax plants, stacked on the roof for drying. So that makes 3 professions for Rahab we know of.
History tells us this is a cruel society that devalued women and especially prostitutes. Being an innkeeper and linen maker leads us to believe Rahab is clever but probably hardened and defiant. If caught, she’d have been killed brutally. But under pressure, she makes up a lie and sends the king’s men away.
God has pinned a crucial step in conquering the Promised Land on a lowly prostitute. Does it surprise you?
Read Joshua 2: 8-15
Rahab choice at this point is irreversible. Have you ever made a total, risky commitment towards something you not undo?
Do you believe there’s a wrong motive in her request to save her family?
Read Joshua 2: 16-24
Rahab handed the spies all the info they came to Jericho to get in the first place, “The people ‘melt away’ at the thought of the Israelites because of their God.”
In your experience, and in single statement, how do religious people characterize God? What about non-religious people?
During this time, cities were fortified by ‘casemate’ walls…double walls with space in between and cross walls connecting the two main walls (imagine an “H”) adding strength and chambers, with windows on the outside wall.4 The scarlet cord would identify her window to attacking soldiers. Jewish tradition correlates the scarlet cord with the blood placed on doorposts to protect the Israelites from the death angel on the first Passover (Exodus 12:7).5
Who is the most fearless woman you have ever known?
One of the spies is believed to be Salmon, the leader of the tribe of Judah, who later marries Rahab. Together they have a son named Boaz, who marries Ruth, who has Obed, who has Jesse, who has David, who becomes King and the forefather of Jesus.