The Scarlet Cord

“Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.” - Joshua 2v18

Rahab is an interesting Bible character. A prostitute in Jericho, she is an amazing picture of God’s all sufficient grace. We know that she was saved by faith according to Hebrews 11 and that he faith was manifested and verified by here works from James. We also know that she was a part of the Messianic line.

What set this woman apart? She had heard of the mighty God of Israel. What she had heard about His power led to believe that He was the true God, so she acted on her faith and helped the two Israelite spies. In return they promised that she and her family would be spared. To signify which was hers she agreed to hang a scarlet cord out the window. When the scarlet cord was seen, she would be delivered.

Scarlet is an interesting choice of colours. It of course reminds us of the blood that was spread on the doorposts for the first Passover. The scarlet as well reminds us that it is only the blood of Christ that ensures our deliverance in the day of judgement. Praise God for this reminder of the perfect Scarlet Cord of Redemption.