Rahab isn't just listing Israel's past victories; she's acknowledging God's active power in those events, specifically naming "the LORD" and citing His direct intervention in drying the Red Sea. This shows her recognition that their success wasn't just military might, but the hand of the divine God who is sovereign over all.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua has sent two spies into Jericho, and they have taken refuge in the house of Rahab. When the king learns of their presence, he sends soldiers to arrest them, but Rahab has hidden the spies and claims they have already left. Rahab then speaks to the spies, revealing her deep knowledge of the Israelites' God and their past victories. She explains that hearing of these mighty acts has caused her people to tremble, and she confesses her belief that the Lord has given them the land.
Rahab's understanding of God wasn't built on hearsay alone, but on awe-inspiring acts of power. What historical events shaped her belief?
Rahab's confession in Joshua 2:10 is a powerful testament to how God's past actions fuel present faith.
Remembering God's Deliverance
Rahab specifically recalls two monumental events:
These were not minor events. They were earth-shattering demonstrations of Jehovah's power and commitment to Israel. Rahab understood that the God who performed these acts was the one now leading Israel. Her knowledge wasn't abstract; it was rooted in the undeniable evidence of God's mighty deeds.
When Rahab speaks of Sihon and Og being 'devoted to destruction,' she's not just talking about a military defeat. What does this theological concept reveal about God's judgment?
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The phrase 'devoted to destruction' carries significant theological weight. It refers to the concept of cherem in the Old Testament, a complete consecration or dedication to God, often involving utter destruction.
A Divine Sentence
When the Israelites were commanded to devote certain cities or peoples to destruction, it meant they were set apart for God and given over to His judgment.
Rahab’s confession isn’t just intellectual assent; it’s driven by a profound fear that melts the hearts of her people. How does overwhelming power inspire both terror and belief?
Rahab's statement reveals a fascinating dynamic: the fear gripping Canaan was a direct result of Israel's God demonstrating His supreme power.
From Terror to Testimony
Understand the original words
yam sūp · Hebrew Proper Noun
A place of safety or a region located between the continents of Africa and Asia, famously crossed by the Israelites as a miraculous act of God's deliverance from Egyptian bondage.
hāram · Hebrew Verb
A term indicating a divine command to completely destroy or dedicate something exclusively to the LORD as an act of judgment, prohibiting any personal gain or preservation of the item.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt and Red Sea Crossing
The Israelites, led by Moses, escaped slavery in Egypt. God miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing them to cross on dry land, and then destroyed the pursuing Egyptian army.
c. 1406 BC
Defeat of Sihon and Og
After wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, in Transjordan, taking possession of their lands.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Camp at Shittim
The Israelite army encamped in the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from Jericho, preparing to enter the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho
Joshua dispatched two spies to scout the city of Jericho, assessing its defenses and the disposition of its people before the main invasion.
This passage directly describes the event Rahab is referencing – the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, which served as a foundational sign of God's power and deliverance for Israel.
Numbers 21:24This verse recounts the defeat of Sihon, one of the Amorite kings Rahab mentions, highlighting the devastating military success that preceded Israel's entry into Canaan.
Deuteronomy 2:36This passage echoes the destruction of Og and Sihon, confirming that their entire territory was taken and their peoples utterly destroyed, reinforcing Rahab's understanding of God's judgment upon those who opposed Israel.
Hebrews 11:31This New Testament passage explicitly commends Rahab's faith, noting that she received the spies because she believed God's promises and actions, directly linking her understanding of these historical events to her faith.
Joshua 6:25This verse shows the fulfillment of the spies' promise to Rahab and her household, demonstrating that her act of faith, informed by hearing of God's past deeds, led to her salvation and inclusion in Israel.
calvinJoshua 2:1-24: "And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there."
Miserat [31] autem Josue filius Nun viros duos exploratores clam, [32] dicendo: Ite, considerate terram et Jericho. Profecti sunt igitur et ingressi sunt domum mulieris meretricis, cujus nomen erat Rahab, et dormierunt illic.
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there…
jfbJoshua 2:8-21: "And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;"
Jos 2:8-21. The Covenant between Her and Them.8-13. she came up unto them upon the roof and said—Rahab's dialogue is full of interest, as showing the universal panic and consternation of the Canaanites on the one hand (Jos 24:11; De 2:25), and her strong convictions on the other, founded on a knowledge of the divine promise, and the stupendous miracles that had opened the way of the Israelites to the confines…
Rahab isn't just listing Israel's past victories; she's acknowledging God's active power in those events, specifically naming "the LORD" and citing His direct intervention in drying the Red Sea. This shows her recognition that their success wasn't just military might, but the hand of the divine God who is sovereign over all.
Joshua has sent two spies into Jericho, and they have taken refuge in the house of Rahab. When the king learns of their presence, he sends soldiers to arrest them, but Rahab has hidden the spies and claims they have already left. Rahab then speaks to the spies, revealing her deep knowledge of the Israelites' God and their past victories. She explains that hearing of these mighty acts has caused her people to tremble, and she confesses her belief that the Lord has given them the land.
Joshua has sent two spies into Jericho, and they have taken refuge in the house of Rahab. When the king learns of their presence, he sends soldiers to arrest them, but Rahab has hidden the spies and claims they have already left. Rahab then speaks to the spies, revealing her deep knowledge of the Israelites' God and their past victories. She explains that hearing of these mighty acts has caused her people to tremble, and she confesses her belief that the Lord has given them the land.
"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." — Rahab isn't just listing Israel's past victories; she's acknowledging God's active power in those events, specifically naming "the LORD" and citing His direct intervention in drying the Red Sea. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026
