This chapter has some interesting issues. Like we saw in Exodus 1, we have someone telling a lie and, it appears, being rewarded for it. Take a look at the comments on Exodus 1, if you didn’t already see them. We also see a fulfillment of something we didn’t read in Deuteronomy 28. Rahab helped the spies because she had seen how God protected Israel, and she wanted to have God’s protection for herself. We also see that God was willing to accept a woman who was not from Israel and who was a prostitute, so long as she turned to God in faith (Hebrews 11:31). In fact God gives her great honor by putting her in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5!
With the talk of blessings and curses based on obedience to God, it’s easy to lose sight of the emphasis on God accepting people based on faith. When we focus too much on people doing the right things, we can begin to think God doesn’t love people who do bad things. Nothing could be further from the truth! Turning to God in faith is a simple decision with life-changing results which lead to an eternity with God.