“The men replied to her, ‘Our lives are certainly worth yours, provided you don’t betray our mission. So when Adonai gives us the land, we will treat you kindly and in good faith.'”-Joshua 2:14
The spies are grateful to Rahab for the help they have received from her.
In return for her kindness, they promise Rahab that indeed both her and her family will be saved from the coming destruction to come (Hint: Major spiritual lesson here folks!).
Note the expression “Our lives are certainly worth yours”.
This is an oath to Rahab that should anything happen to her or any one of her family members, they will give up their lives in return.
Another interesting point we shouldn’t overlook is how Rahab’s house was literally built right into the city wall.
This was actually a normal thing in those days.
It was also a very practical thing because when you made the decision to build your home into a wall already standing, heck at least a good portion of the major construction was done.
And what a strong wall it was.
We’re not talking about flimsy or thin walls made out of wood here.
We’re talking about super thick walls made up of huge rocks that took months, maybe even years to construct.
And there was a lot of backbreaking work involved.
The huge boulder-liked stones had to be gathered, trimmed, carried to the decided location and affixed into place.
This is the reason why left over rubble from previous houses or other buildings were always used first.
It just saved a lot of time and effort.
Onward.
Rahab drops a rope out of her window to allow the two spies to escape.
However, before the men leave she gives them a very important life-saving tip.
She tells them to hide in the mountains for a period of time.
For those who have had the good fortune to actually visit Jericho, you’ll understand instantly why this was good advice.
The mountains near Jericho lie westward.
However, the soldiers would have been heading eastward to investigate the crossing points of the Jordan River.
In addition, the mountains had an abundance of caves that were perfect for hiding and providing shelter from the elements.
Do you see how the Lord provides in ALL SITUATIONS?
Rahab tells the men to patiently wait out in the mountains three days and then head back to their leader Joshua.
That should be more than enough time she reasons for the soldiers to conduct their search until they tire themselves out and return to the king of Jericho.
The next time we meet, we’re going to be discussing the pledge the spies made with Rahab.
This was an oath invoked in the name of Hashem and Rahab had to understand there were certain conditions to be placed on her that she had to keep.
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