Joshua 2:10

For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

Joshua 2:10 (KJV)

Context

Joshua had sent two spies to Jericho, and Rahab, a Canaanite woman, hid them on her roof. In this verse she tells them what she and the people of Jericho have heard about the LORD’s mighty acts. Her words are not a casual report but a confession of faith, spoken by someone outside the covenant community of Israel.

Meaning

Rahab first mentions how the LORD dried up the Red Sea for Israel when they came out of Egypt. That event, which happened about forty years earlier, was still well known in Canaan. She then refers to Israel’s defeat of Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan, whom Israel utterly destroyed. These victories showed that the God of Israel was not only powerful over nature but also over powerful armies and kings.

The phrase “utterly destroyed” indicates complete judgment, a theme that foreshadows the conquest of Canaan. Rahab’s knowledge of these events reveals that God’s fame had spread throughout the region, and the people of Jericho were afraid. In the next verse she says that their hearts melted and their courage failed because of what they had heard.

Biblical connections

Rahab’s confession echoes the response of other nations who heard of God’s works, such as the Canaanites in Joshua 5:1. Her faith also connects to the New Testament, where she is commended for her faith in Hebrews 11:31 and mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5. These references show that God’s power is not limited to Israel and that even a foreigner can come to acknowledge Him.

Application

Rahab’s example teaches that faith can arise from hearing and believing the testimony of God’s deeds. She acted on what she heard, aligning herself with Israel and seeking mercy for her family. Her story encourages readers to trust in the God who reveals His power through history and to respond with obedient faith, regardless of their background.

Reflection

Joshua 2:10 reminds us that God’s works are a witness to the nations. The same God who dried up the Red Sea and defeated the Amorite kings is sovereign over all history. Rahab’s confession challenges us to consider whether our own words and actions show that we truly believe in the LORD’s supremacy, and to remember that God honors those who put their trust in Him.