Women of the Word, February: Rahab #6

We hear about the Walls of Jericho, but what did they look like?  Rahab's home was built into the wall, so it was obviously large and sturdy, surrounding the city.  Here is one artist's rendering: 

by Damien F. Mackey

Rahab was told to let the scarlet cord hang from the window and bring all of her family into her home.  

The spies left Rahab and went into the hills for three days as to not be caught by their pursuers. After that time, they returned to Joshua and the Israelites. 

“The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.” Joshua 2:24

They wait another three days and then Joshua gives the command that they are to follow the Ark of the Covenant. I find it especially notable that he tells them to not get too close to the Ark! 

He told the priests to take the Ark and go on ahead.  Then God speaks to Joshua.  He tells him that he will exalt him in the eyes of Israel so they know that God is with him, just like he had been with Moses. 

Joshua was told to pick 12 men, one from each tribe of Israel.  And then God placed before them another miracle!  When the priests stepped into the Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant, the Jordan's water was cut off!  The entire nation marched right through the dry floor of the Jordan while the priests stood in the middle with the Ark. 

Think of the faith that it took to walk across that river, the water held in mid-air.  The sound of it hovering there, undulating with power. 

Were the people of Jericho trembling in fear?  Was the story of the Jordan being parted for the Israelite's passed from one person to the next?  What did their King say?  Were Rahab and her family staying strong in faith while all this was happening? 

They all made it safely across.  Every last one of them, just as God said they would. 

God told Joshua to choose 12 men, one from each tribe.  They were each to choose a stone from the middle of the floor of the Jordan and place them where the water was cut off as a reminder. 

Before we finish for today, I wanted to share something.  This is the junk journal I've been keeping for this Women of the Word study.  I have pictures of each Woman, her attributes, the list of songs I picked for each one, what they are known for.  I hope to have it overflowing by the end of the year! 

 Tomorrow we will see what happens to Jericho - and to Rahab and those she loves.