Value in Unexpected PlacesRead Joshua 2:2–11, Hebrews 11:31 , and James 2:25 . What do thesetexts tell us about Rahab?________________________________________________________________________________________________________Central to Rahab’s story is the lie told to protect the spies. In considering her lie, we have to realize that she was embedded in a societythat was extremely sinful, which finally led to God’s decision to judgethat society (Gen. 15:16 , Deut. 9:5, Lev. 18:25 –28). While it is true thatthe New Testament commends her faith, a careful analysis of the NewTestament references to Rahab’s act reveals that none endorse everything about her, and none validate her lie.Hebrews 11:31 confirms her faith in casting her lot with the spiesinstead of choosing to hold on to a corrupt culture. James 2:25 commends her offer of lodging to the two Israelite spies and for giving themdirections on how to return by a safe route. In the middle of a decadent,corrupt culture and Rahab’s own sinful lifestyle, God, in His grace, sawa spark of faith through which He could save her. God used what wasgood in Rahab—which was manifest faith in Him and in her choice tobelong to His people—but never commended everything she did. Godvalued Rahab for her exceptional courage, for her brave faith, for beingan agent of salvation, and for choosing Israel’s God.After seeing what was happening, she declared, “ ‘For the Lord yourGod, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath’ ” (Josh. 2:11 ,NKJV). It’s significant to hear a Canaanite woman acknowledging thatYahweh is the only God, especially on a roof where, in her pagan religion,prayers were usually offered to what they believed were celestial deities.The expression of Rahab is previously found only in the context ofGod’s exclusive right to receive worship (Exod. 20:4, Deut. 4:39 , Deut.5:8). Her words bear witness to a premeditated, conscientious choice toacknowledge that the God of the Israelites is the only true deity. Her confession demonstrates her understanding of the close relationship betweenGod’s sovereignty and the judgment under which Jericho is doomed.Her moral choice recognizes that, in light of Yahweh’s judgment,there were only two possibilities: to continue in rebellion against Himand be annihilated, or to choose to surrender in faith. By choosing theGod of the Israelites, Rahab became an example of what could havebeen the destiny of all the inhabitants of Jericho had they turned toIsrael’s God for mercy.What does this story teach us about how God must have ourultimate allegiance?