Rahab Ties the Scarlet Cord

Joshua 2:1-24

The Big Idea

Rahab acted courageously and followed the agreed instructions. God’s story includes caring for others, keeping promises, and faith shown through action.

The Bible Story

Rahab Helps the Spies

Joshua 2:17-21 describes the conditions of the agreement between Rahab and the two unnamed spies. Rahab must tie the scarlet cord in the window, gather her family inside the house, and keep the spies’ mission secret. The promise of protection applies to Rahab and those gathered inside the house, according to these instructions. Rahab agrees and ties the cord in the window. In the wider account, she had protected the spies and helped them escape, while they promised to spare her household if the conditions were kept. The scarlet cord is presented as the agreed sign; this passage does not give it additional symbolism.

Themes

A promise of protection Courage in protecting others Faith expressed through action Following agreed instructions Recognition of the LORD’s power

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Rahab ties the scarlet cord in her window as the agreed sign. The two spies’ instructions can be represented through simple gestures toward the cord and the house, while family members gather inside.

Talk together

Talk about it

Why did Rahab gather her family inside the house?
What instruction did Rahab follow with the scarlet cord?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with Joshua 2:17-21 when teaching older children about courage, protection, promises, and following instructions. Read the passage first, then ask children to notice exactly who was included in the agreement and where they were gathered. Avoid adding symbolism to the cord or discussing the later destruction of Jericho in this scene.

Source note