“The men said to her, ‘This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us unless, when we enter the land, you have tied This scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. It anyone goes outside your house into the street, His blood will be on His own head; we will not be responsible. As for anyone who is in the house with you, His blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on him. But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.’ 

 ‘Agreed,’ she replied. ‘Let it be as you say.’ So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.'”

Joshua 2:17-21

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December 4, 2025 

The two spies formulated a plan to spare Rahab and her family. After the spies’ departure, Rahab immediately tied the scarlet cord in her window. She now had hope for her future, and she was not going to hesitate to act upon that hope.  

This is an Old Testament illustration of God’s salvation. There was no other way by which Rahab could be saved, and she responded in faith. Jericho was still intact, surrounded by high walls manned by numerous defenders. But annihilation was coming, and Rahab had been forewarned by the living God who had a special purpose for her life. Why did He choose her? Why has He chosen you or me? There is nothing inherently good in anyone that warrants the grace of God. Each of us is, like Paul, the worst of sinners. Each of us falls so short of the glory of God that we would be foolish to compare ourselves to anyone. Why would we? To admit to being a sinner is to confess complete personal ruin before a holy God.  

Despite the fall of Jericho, Rahab’s story did not end in destruction, and neither does that of anyone who puts their faith in Jesus. He is our scarlet cord in the window, because His suffering and death satisfied the justice of God. God’s plan to redeem sinful human beings was to provide a Savior who would remove their sin by taking it upon Himself, and in exchange, replace it with His perfect righteousness. No human act could ever achieve such a transaction. There is no other means by which anyone can be saved. 

We have an Advocate, the Lord Jesus Christ, who speaks for us in the presence of the living God. The two spies were advocates for Rahab and saved her and her family from death. It would have been fruitless for Rahab to try to explain to the victorious Israelites what she had done without their collaboration. She needed someone with credibility to speak on her behalf. We have a Savior who speaks for us with the credibility of the Son of God. 

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • Why is it appropriate for each of us to confess that we are the worst of sinners?  
  • How does the mercy of God remedy our situation?  
  • How does the fact that we have Someone constantly advocating on our behalf in the presence of the living God encourage you?  

 Church Reading Plan: 2 Chronicles 3-4; 1 John 3