Rahab & The Spies

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the chosen people. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: Your own eyes have seen everything the Lord your God has done to these two Amorite kings. Your Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms you are about to enter. Do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God fights for you. 00:00:20 Speaker 3: Now tell me, do you believe it? 00:00:24 Speaker 4: So much longer until we take the promised land? Are we ready? Am I? Ready? Are they ready to take up the land they've been promised? Will any of us ever truly be ready? 00:00:35 Speaker 1: Joshua could not deny the lingering doubts lurking in the corners of his heart and in the pit of his stomach. He carefully selected one of them and quietly confessed it to his friend. 00:00:47 Speaker 5: Ha ha ha ha. No, there's definitely pressure, ha. A mountain's worth of pressure is on your shoulders, my friend. I I don't envy you. But such was the ways of Abraham when he ventured from his father's home. Such was the way of Jacob when he wrestled with his destiny. To be chosen is to choose. So let me let me ask you, Joshua. God chose you, Moses chose you. But what will you choose? 00:01:32 Speaker 4: Joshua my appointed leader, Moses, my servant, is dead. Now you and all the people who prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving you. Look up, Joshua, see the land before you across the river. 00:01:57 Speaker 1: Joshua obeyed the Lord, tear still as he blinked them away to see the land before him. The rising sun cascaded over the plains, revealing the lash vegetation and distant palm trees. 00:02:11 Speaker 4: I have given you every place for the soul of your foot will tread just as I promised Moses. No one will stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you nor abandon you. 00:02:33 Speaker 6: All of you for all Israel. 00:02:36 Speaker 7: Will you honor the promise you've made before our God. You love him, babe, remain faithful. 00:02:44 Speaker 6: To him always. 00:02:45 Speaker 1: The crowd shouted in the affirmative. 00:02:48 Speaker 7: And you are ready for Our God is with us. 00:02:51 Speaker 5: Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. 00:02:55 Speaker 7: I tell you again, the Lord, our God is with us, strong and duratous. 00:03:14 Speaker 8: Click the link of the description to grow closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories, and so much more all on the prey dot Com app. Click the link of the description to get started. 00:03:28 Speaker 1: Fear sees the city of Jericho like hands closing around her neck. Everywhere she went, Rayhab heard worried whispers and rebellious rumors. The city would fall to the Israelites. She was sure of it. It was just a matter of when and how long it would take for Israel to starve them out. Behind the city walls of Jericho, Rayhab had heard the curious stories of their god, how he performed miracles and granted them victories against impossible of the odds, the god who offered hope to the hopeless and rescued his people, a god of mercy and kindness. None of Jericho's gods could compare, not from what she had seen in her hard and often tragic life. They had abandoned her long ago, and she had grown disillusioned by the greed and corruption of her city, yearning to break free from this forsaken life for something more, for hope. Raehab did not intend to die with Jericho. She was a survivor and always had been, and so she decided. She decided. Standing there in the building she owned evidence of the hard won living she had scratched out in this wretched city, a prison of her own making, that she would commit herself to this God of hope, this God of Israel. Knowing time was short, and with other out, giving herself a chance to second guess, she boldly sent up a prayer to Israel's God, a simple prayer of hope. Clothes still slightly damp and chilled to the bone, Salmon resisted the urge to let his teeth chatter as he squinted at Jericho's imposing gaits in the bright morning sun. Beside him stood Caleb, General Joshua's legendary second in command, radiating a cool confidence. At eighty Caleb's hair and beard were streaked with gray, but he remained powerfully built muscles honed by a lifetime of discipline. Salmon, though a seasoned warrior, himself, felt dwarfed standing next to the formidable man. Caleb adjusted his traveling cloak around his neck and cast a discerning eye at the trickle of travelers appearing on the road ahead. 00:06:01 Speaker 5: Now, remember, Solomon, try not to speak unless you can help it. We don't want to draw attention in any way. These Canaanites will pick our accents out in a moment, and I trust you remember but humor. An old man who's been waiting over four decades for this moment, tell me our cover story once more before we enter the gate. 00:06:24 Speaker 3: Yes, Major Klou, we are father and son, Jeffener and Hanoon, and we are cloth merchants looking to expand our trade into the Jordan Valley. 00:06:36 Speaker 5: Good good, thank you. Now, I just pray we don't need to use it, but it's best to be prepared. You're going to do well, son. My hand selected you for this mission when Joshua asked me to go. You're a sharp lad and a proven loyal warrior. Oh, let's break in here. There's no one. 00:06:57 Speaker 1: Around Salmon Fallow Road. As Caleb darted out from their hiding place along the road and joined the stream of early travelers entering the city gate, guards with sharp eyes and long spears monitored the floe, their gazes sweeping the crowd. Salmon kept his head down, but he caught a glimpse of one guard's eyes narrowing on them. Leaning to whisper to his comrade, Salmon's pulse quickened. He nudged Caleb, who immediately hurried his steps. Understanding the silent suggestion, they maneuvered around a cart loaded with woven baskets, using it as cover to break the line of sight. Salmon wrissed a glance back and saw the guards pushing through the crowd toward them. Salmon's sharp eyes found a narrow alley between two buildings across the busy thoroughfare. They crossed swiftly, weaving through foot traffic, and ducked into the shadowed alley. Salmon glanced back just in time to see one guard pour to interrogate a man with similar features and dress, while the other guard's eyes still scanned the crowd with a determined frown. Salmon and Kleb slipped through the crowds to the other side, emerging into a tight, crowded street. 00:08:15 Speaker 5: I was too close for my whacking. 00:08:17 Speaker 6: Roudebar encamped across the river must have reached the city. The guards are clearly on edge. 00:08:24 Speaker 1: Jericho's tiered walls loomed tall and impenetrable, with watchtowers ruling out any chance of ambush. Salmon and Caleb spent the day inspecting the stone work and avoiding guards, Tensions simmering as every glance from passers by kept them on edge. Salmon preferred the chaos of battle to this nerve racking espionage, Yet with Caleb at his side, he felt steadier. As the sun dipped, an unspoken worries set in. Where would they sleep? Then an ideas sparked in Salmon's mind. 00:09:02 Speaker 6: You're not going to like this, but I've an idea for our lodging this evening. 00:09:07 Speaker 5: What do you have in mind? 00:09:10 Speaker 6: Well, we can't stay at an inn, and we can't very well sleep out in the streets without arousing suspicion. 00:09:17 Speaker 1: Salmon pointed to the building ahead on the edge of town. It was built into the outer city wall. Though nondescript among the other buildings, something about it drew Salmon's attention, like a subtle ringing in his ears. Kleb's expression shifted as the scent of perfume and soft feminine laughter floated through the open doorway, confirming the nature of the establishment. The sign by the plane door read simply Rayhab's House. Kleb raised an eyebrow at Salmon. There was no mistaking what kind of woman Rahab was or the business she ran. 00:09:57 Speaker 5: Ah, we're going to give up old man a heart attack. Let's proceed afraid of the Lord. Our eyes don't lead us into anything foolish. 00:10:10 Speaker 3: They're certainly not strangers to hosting migrants like us, and anyone else lodging there is bound to be. 00:10:18 Speaker 6: Distracted. 00:10:19 Speaker 1: Caleb nodded reluctantly, and the two men sheepishly crossed the threshold, keeping their eyes downcast to avoid seeing whatever indecency lurked in the darkened corners of the house. Her commanding presence then emerged from the beads and clouds of fragrant incense. 00:10:37 Speaker 9: Gentlemen, be welcomed to my home. I am Rath. 00:10:41 Speaker 1: Salmon lifted his eyes from the floor and found himself eye to eye with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was tall, with vibrant, dark eyes, framed by striking brows, and rich brown hair that cascaded unbound down to her waist, scentuating her hourglass figure. She cocked her head to the side and arched a brow at him. Those dark eyes seemed to penetrate his very soul, rendering him utterly speechless. In his trance, Salmon had forgotten his mission, his name, and where he was. 00:11:20 Speaker 3: My lady, I we I. 00:11:23 Speaker 1: Mercifully, Caleb addressed her, keeping his voice down so as not to be overheard by the other occupants. 00:11:30 Speaker 5: Thank you, lady Rehab for welcoming us. We would like a meal and a place to stay. That will be all. We're just passing. 00:11:39 Speaker 9: Through, Oh Lady Rahab, Well I could get used to that, you too, are so polite. Please enter. I have wine, I have soft sheets, and if you change your mind, I have company to share both with. Follow me. 00:11:54 Speaker 1: Rahab winked at the still stunned Salmon, who had been trying not to openly stay at her alluring lips as she spoke. Raehab appeared about ten years older than him. A sprinkling of freckles beneath her bright eyes lent a youthful charm. She turned and walked away with a sway that Salmon found particularly distracting. M Get a hold of yourself, sir, cheeks turning pink, Salmon stumbled forward as Rahab led them down the hall. Caleb recited their cover story and fake names as they walked, allowing Salmon to regain his composure. Though she was playing the role of gracious host, and her welcoming smile never faded, Salmon noted her sharp awareness. Nothing escaped her calculating, intelligent gaze. The men sat cautiously as Rahab left to arrange their meal. Salmon took a moment to survey the room, noting Caleb was already doing the same. A broad shouldered man sipped wine by the door, serving girl on his knee and his hand wandering into the folds of her skirt. Despite his distraction, his garb marked him as a military man. Salmon tried to look away before the man's eyes met his, but it was too late. Recognition sparked in the stranger's gaze. Salmon felt Caleb stiffen beside him. He saw it too. The man, now alert, threw the serving girl off his lap. Salmon's heart raced, and he reached for the hidden blade inside his cloak, but the man, who was across the room from Salmon, with nearly three dozen patrons between them, instead smirked and called over another burly figure. They whispered urgently before they both slipped out the door. Caleb's eyes met Salmon's again, and it was clear they had been identified and would soon be reported as spies. Before Salmon could lament their predicament to Caleb. They were interrupted as the beautiful Rayha boldly approached the Israelite men at their table. 00:14:03 Speaker 9: Listen to me carefully. I know who you are, and you're in danger. If you remain down here, or if you try to escape the city through any of the gates, you will be caught. 00:14:13 Speaker 2: By the guards. 00:14:14 Speaker 1: Salmon and Caleb gaped at her, but she plowed on undeterred. 00:14:18 Speaker 9: Your people are marked by incredible faith. So I ask you now, do you trust me enough to come with me so I can hide you. 00:14:27 Speaker 1: The two men were too stunned to speak at first, but then Caleb found his voice at last, and his eyes narrowed. 00:14:34 Speaker 5: How do we know you will not give us up? And that this isn't the ploy to delay us here while your men send for the guards. 00:14:41 Speaker 1: Before she could answer them, one of her serving girls interrupted. She seemed nervous. 00:14:47 Speaker 3: Pardon me. 00:14:48 Speaker 8: I don't mean to interrupt, but I've been instructed to fetch you. Rahab. 00:14:53 Speaker 3: There's a representative of the King's guard here. 00:14:55 Speaker 5: To see you. 00:14:57 Speaker 1: Rahab looked meaningfully at the two men. 00:15:00 Speaker 9: You need to decide right now. I mean to honor my word. 00:15:03 Speaker 1: Salmon looked to Caleb to take his lead. After a moment, he nodded reluctantly. Raehabs sprang into action and gestured for them to follow. Salmon's heart hammered, and he was in awe of this dazzlingly bold woman who maintained a calm, composed exterior. He couldn't tell if the sensation surging through his body was fear or exhilaration, perhaps both. She led them to the roof. The hallways and stairs mercifully empty. Muffled voices and laughter seeped from behind closed doors. No one gave a second thought to a harl at escorting two strangers upstairs. On the far side of the roof, stalks of flax lay drying, ready to be spun into linen. It appeared to be another source of income. Salmon was again impressed by Raehab's resourcefulness and tenacity. 00:15:57 Speaker 5: It was clear that. 00:15:58 Speaker 1: She didn't intend to be a dealer of pleasure forever. She was building wealth as a way out. The building's height and position seemed enough to shield them from prying eyes, but Rahab appeared to be one who didn't take chances. She motioned for the men to hide behind the flax. 00:16:15 Speaker 9: Stay. I will come back when it's safe. 00:16:18 Speaker 1: As she turned to leave, Caleb grabbed her shoulder. 00:16:21 Speaker 5: I don't understand the kindness you're showing us, but but thank you, Rayhab. God bless you and have courage. 00:16:32 Speaker 1: Rahab's face softened. She was touched by both the blessing and the sincerity of his word. She hurried down to meet the king's representative, surely planning whatever story her clever mind could concoct. Salmon prayed she would be true to her word, and he prayed that the king's men would believe it. Several hours later, Rayhab returned, and Salmon was profoundly believe that she had done what she had promised. He was once again captivated by her beauty, only enhanced by the moon's soft glow on the roof. 00:17:09 Speaker 9: They're gone. I sent them away, chasing a lie. They will not look for you here. 00:17:14 Speaker 1: Salmon and Kayeleb breathed a sigh of relief, and Kleb asked what they had both been thinking in those long tens hours she had been gone. 00:17:24 Speaker 6: Why did you help us? 00:17:26 Speaker 9: Let's just say I'm a fan of yours of me? 00:17:30 Speaker 3: Why we barely know each other? 00:17:33 Speaker 5: She's talking about our people, son, get a grip. 00:17:38 Speaker 9: I heard of the miracles of your God, the parting of the Red Sea, the victories in Moab against impossible odds. Many here dismiss these stories as exaggerations, but I know the truth. I believe your God is God of heaven above and earth below. I believe you will take this city and claim the land. 00:17:58 Speaker 5: How can we thank you, Rahab? 00:18:01 Speaker 9: I ask only one thing. Swear by your God to show kindness to my family. Promise me a sign that my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them will be spared and saved from death when you march against us. 00:18:15 Speaker 1: Salmon was astonished. This proclamation of faith only amplified her beauty and boldness. 00:18:22 Speaker 3: We will give our lives for yours. Just please don't report our mission. If you keep your promise, we will in turn promise to show kindness and faithfulness to you when the Lord gives us the land. 00:18:35 Speaker 4: Thank you. 00:18:36 Speaker 9: I cannot truly express what your kindness would mean to my family and me. Now follow me, I will show you a way out of the city. 00:18:43 Speaker 1: Breathless at the way she beamed at him, Salmon returned her smile, and though the lighting was dim, he could have sworn he saw her blush in response. Under the cover of darkness, the trio descended the ladder, and Rahabis called them into her private chamber. She produced a rope hidden in the folds of her skirt and revealed a window that peered out above the mighty outer wall. 00:19:09 Speaker 4: Of the city. 00:19:10 Speaker 1: As Salmon helped her secure the end of the rope inside the room, she quickly warned them. 00:19:16 Speaker 9: From here, go to the hill country so the men pursuing you won't find you. Hide there for three days until they return. Afterward, go on your way. 00:19:25 Speaker 1: Caleb hesitated, his attention, drawn by a pile of fabric and raw material in the room with them. 00:19:31 Speaker 5: Hang a scar the cord in this window so we can keep our oath to protect your family when we enter the land. Bring all your family into your house. Anyone who leaves will be responsible for their own death. If anyone inside is armed, we are at fault. But if you reveal our mission, the oath is void. 00:19:53 Speaker 9: Let it be as you say. 00:19:55 Speaker 1: Salmon, feeling caught up in the evenings, Adrenaline boldly closed distance between himself and rahab and took her hand. She blinked in surprise as he pressed his lips to the back of her hand and inclined his head, bowing respectfully before her. 00:20:13 Speaker 3: Your faith sets you apart, prahamb Because of your faith, you will be saved and have. 00:20:19 Speaker 5: Hope for the future. 00:20:20 Speaker 3: Our pads will cross again, I'm as sure of it. 00:20:24 Speaker 1: Salmon nodded, swiftly turned and descended the rope. He and Caleb darted to the hills under the cover of night. As they ran, Caleb's hand found Salmon's back. 00:20:36 Speaker 5: Way to redeem yourself with that last line. Nice recovery. 00:20:51 Speaker 8: If today's reading moved you, The Pray dot Com app is where you can go deeper with daily prayers, Bible plans, and more. 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