This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Joshua 2, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, sent two men to spy on the city of Jericho. The two spies secretly went to the city and decided to stay at the house of a woman named Rahab. Rahab was a prostitute, but she was kind to the spies and hid them on her roof when the king of Jericho found out about them.
Later that night, Rahab went up to the roof and told the spies that she knew God had given them the land, and that everyone in the city was afraid of them. Rahab explained that she and her family wanted to be saved when the Israelites conquered Jericho. She asked the spies to promise that they would protect her and her family, since she had been kind to them.
The spies agreed to her request and promised to save her and her family. Rahab helped them escape by letting them down through a window with a rope, and she told them to go into the hills and hide for three days until the soldiers stopped searching for them.
Before the spies left, they made a deal with Rahab. They told her to tie a red cord in her window, so that when the Israelites attacked the city, they would see the red cord and know to spare Rahab and her family. The spies said that anyone who stayed inside Rahab’s house would be safe, but if anyone left the house, they would be responsible for their own safety.
The spies then went back to Joshua and told him everything they saw and heard in Jericho. They said that the people in the city were afraid of the Israelites and that God had given them the land. Joshua and the Israelites went on to conquer Jericho, but they saved Rahab and her family, just as they had promised.
Biblical Lessons
- God can use anyone to accomplish His plans, even a person like Rahab.
- Rahab’s kindness and bravery saved the lives of the spies, and God rewarded her for it.
- The spies kept their promise to Rahab, even though she was a prostitute.
- God is in control, and He can make the impossible possible.
Related Stories
Twelve Memorial Stones from the Jordan
Must-Read Christian Books
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Cost of Discipleship
A penetrating look at Jesus' call to follow Him, contrasting cheap grace with true, costly discipleship.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
Explains and defends the doctrines of grace and God's sovereign election from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
Reformed Dogmatics (Single Volume Abridgement)
A rich, Reformed systematic theology that is deeply biblical and Christ-centered.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon
The Hiding Place
The story of Corrie ten Boom's faith and forgiveness in the midst of Nazi persecution.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon