Joshua 2:10-11
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Rahab doesn't just recall past miracles; she emphasizes that Israel's God actively dried up the Red Sea "for you," meaning He acted on their behalf. This shows her understanding that God’s power wasn't just a spectacle, but a direct intervention meant to secure their future.
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. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rahab, a woman in Jericho, has just hidden two Israelite spies from the king's men who are searching for them. In the ensuing conversation, she reveals that her people are terrified because they have heard about the incredible acts God performed for Israel, like parting the Red Sea and utterly destroying two Amorite kings. Rahab's confession highlights the pervasive fear among the Canaanites and her own burgeoning faith in the God of Israel.
Rahab's understanding of Israel's God wasn't based on wishful thinking, but on incredible, undeniable acts.
Rahab's testimony in Joshua 2:10 isn't just a recap of past events; it's the foundation of her faith and her decision to betray her city.
Two Pivotal Miracles
The Impact of Hearing
Rahab and her people had heard about these acts. The news had spread, instilling fear. For Rahab, however, this 'hearing' led to belief. It wasn't just folklore; it was powerful evidence of the Lord's might and His commitment to Israel.
The complete annihilation of Sihon and Og wasn't just a military conquest; it was a divine sentence executed.
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Rahab's description of Israel's actions against Sihon and Og as 'whom you devoted to destruction' is crucial. This wasn't merely about winning a battle; it was about carrying out God's judgment.
The Concept of Devotion
Rahab's Understanding
Rahab's use of this phrase shows she understood that Israel's God was not just a powerful warrior, but a righteous judge. The terror felt by the Canaanites stemmed not only from Israel's military might but from the terrifying realization that God's judgment was upon them.
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.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of the one true God of Israel, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness to His covenant promises.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, led by Moses, escape slavery in Egypt. God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing them to cross on dry ground, a defining event in their history.
c. 1446 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
As the Egyptian army pursues them, God intervenes, parting the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross. The pursuing army is then drowned when the waters return.
c. 1406 BC
Defeat of Sihon and Og
The Israelites, seeking to enter the Promised Land, defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, after they refused passage and attacked Israel. These victories opened the way to the Jordan River.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Israel arrives at the Jordan River
After their victories over the Amorite kings, the Israelites encamp in the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho. This is the immediate prelude to their conquest of Canaan.
This is the event Rahab is referring to. It highlights God's power to deliver His people by supernatural means, demonstrating His might to the surrounding nations.
Numbers 21:24This passage describes the defeat of King Sihon, which Rahab also mentions. It shows that God's judgment was already falling on the Amorites, solidifying the Canaanites' fear.
Deuteronomy 2:25This verse directly states that the terror of Israel had spread among the nations, confirming Rahab's statement that the inhabitants of the land were fainting with fear.
Hebrews 11:31This New Testament passage explicitly commends Rahab's faith, citing her receiving the spies and her belief in God's power as evidence of her salvation.
Joshua 6:17This verse speaks of Jericho being devoted to destruction, just as Sihon and Og were. It shows that the fate of Jericho was already sealed by God's decree, which Rahab, by her actions, was trying to escape.
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 doesn't just recall past miracles; she emphasizes that Israel's God actively dried up the Red Sea "for you," meaning He acted on their behalf. This shows her understanding that God’s power wasn't just a spectacle, but a direct intervention meant to secure their future.
Rahab, a woman in Jericho, has just hidden two Israelite spies from the king's men who are searching for them. In the ensuing conversation, she reveals that her people are terrified because they have heard about the incredible acts God performed for Israel, like parting the Red Sea and utterly destroying two Amorite kings. Rahab's confession highlights the pervasive fear among the Canaanites and her own burgeoning faith in the God of Israel.
Rahab, a woman in Jericho, has just hidden two Israelite spies from the king's men who are searching for them. In the ensuing conversation, she reveals that her people are terrified because they have heard about the incredible acts God performed for Israel, like parting the Red Sea and utterly destroying two Amorite kings. Rahab's confession highlights the pervasive fear among the Canaanites and her own burgeoning faith in the God of Israel.
"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. And as…" — Rahab doesn't just recall past miracles; she emphasizes that Israel's God actively dried up the Red Sea "for you," meaning He acted on their behalf. This shows her understanding that God’s power…
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Last reviewed October 2026
