Joshua 2:8-14 – Rahab’s Confession of Faith

The content of Rahab’s confession justifies its central place in the story. She reviews the might of the LORD (v10). This was the basis of faith – she had heard about the mighty acts of God. This is the normal way of coming to faith. Biblical faith is based on at least some knowledge and evidence. Even couples who ‘fall’ in love don’t come to love each other merely by sighing or oohing and ahhing; rather they talk, communicate, find out about each other – their past, their likes/dislikes, their character, etc. Even romance has some basis in knowledge. So is the case with faith. Faith is not just a warm, cosy feeling about God. Faith grows, if at all, out of hearing what God has done for His people.

Then Rahab confesses the majesty of the LORD (v11). That is the conviction of faith. Her words echo what was supposed to be Israel’s conclusion about their God (see Deut. 4:39). But here is a pagan, Canaanite prostitute with an ‘Israelite’ confession on her lips. She believes in the utter supremacy of the LORD. She assumes that He is the only God functioning in heaven and upon the earth.

All of this leads Rahab to seek the mercy of the LORD (v12,13). Here is the evidence of faith. Genuine faith never rests content with being convinced of the reality of God but presses on to take refuge in God. Rahab not only must know the clear truth about God but also must escape the coming wrath of God. It isn’t just a matter of correct belief but of desperate need. Saving faith is always like this. It never stops with brooding over the nature or activity of God but always runs to take refuge under His wings. Amazingly, Rahab not only trembles before the terror of the Lord but also senses that there might be mercy in this fearful God. What else but the touch of the LORD’s hand could have created such faith in the heart of the pagan prostitute?