THE first of these-two houses was inhabited by Rahab, the harlot, and the second, Many years after, by Zaccheus, the publican; yet each was the center of special interest.
In the first the two spies, sent by Joshua, were hidden, and to its window was fastened the scarlet line by which they made their escape when sought for by the king; to the second came the Lord Jesus, in order to be, at once, the guest, and the Saviour of the sinful publican. These facts give special interest to these houses.
Faith had a large place in each, for both Rahab and Zaccheus, despite their previous histories, were marked by faith. It was by faith that Rahab received the spies (Heb. 11:3131By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. (Hebrews 11:31)); and Zaccheus, we read, was a son of Abraham (Luke 19:99And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. (Luke 19:9)). Further, a peculiar charm attaches to their faith, because the city where they dwelt was by no means honorable. Jericho was the first bulwark of the Amorites to oppose the march of Israel to their inheritance. Its massive walls presented a mighty barrier to the people of God. These walls had to fall, and their wicked defenders to be destroyed. The power of Satan must yield to the purpose of God.
And Rahab, conscious of all this, acted in the prudence of faith, receiving the messengers, caring for, and, in fact, identifying herself with them.
All she asked in return was a true token that she and her household should be spared when victory crowned the arms of Israel, and when God laid low the bold ramparts of Jericho.
Her request was granted, and the scarlet line, bound to the window of the house wherein her family was secured, proclaimed her faith.
Jericho was doomed, but Rahab provided against the doom! Oh! how good of God to make a way, of escape from impending judgment! That scarlet line on Rahab’s window tells of another provision, another true token, for all who are exposed to judgment of a more fearful kind. The blood of Christ is that true token.
Just as God said in Egypt, “When I see the blood I will pass over you,” and the first-born was spared; so now, when He sees faith in the precious blood of Christ, He declares the soul to be safe. That Wood cleanseth from all sin. Blessed provision!
The siege of Jericho proceeded quietly, and never before, nor since, has city fallen so mysteriously. Not a blow was inflicted, nor a mine exploded, yet the walls fell down flat! Silently the hosts of the. Lord marched round the city once a day, for six days, in the full blaze of daylight, retiring to their bivouac at night, and accomplishing nothing!
A harmless style of warfare the king of Jericho doubtless thought, as he witnessed the silent march of Israel at the sound of only the ram’s horn.
True, but it was the funeral march of Jericho!
On the seventh day this march was made seven times, and as the hosts completed their silent parade, Joshua gave the command to “shout”! At that moment the ominous silence was broken, and with a mighty shout from the ranks of the host, the proud walls of Jericho fell!
Then all that was within the city was given to the edge of the sword, and the city itself burned with fire, the very site being placed under a lasting curse.
So fell Jericho!
But Rahab was spared. Amid all the days of that extraordinary siege the line floated in her window, and when the other houses of Jericho fell hers remained standing on the very wall. The token was true, the oath was effectual, the pledge of security was unviolated.
“Thus Joshua saved Rahab, the harlot, alive, and her father’s household, and all that she had... because she hid the messengers which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho” (Josh. 6:2525And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. (Joshua 6:25)). It was the hiding of the messengers that made the difference between Rahab and the other citizens of Jericho, and caused her name to decorate the page of faith’s heroes.
Jericho had been rebuilt, and in the days of the Saviour it flourished as a balsam market town. Here lived Zaccheus, the publican, or tax gatherer, and to this place, on His errand of mercy, Jesus came.
Now, Zaccheus sought to see Him, but in as secret a way as he possibly could, for his character was such as made hind avoid the crowd.
He climbed into a sycamore tree on the road to Jerusalem, by which Jesus would leave Jericho, in order to see Him. He judged aright.
But when the Lord came to the place He looked up and saw him, called him by name, and said, “Make haste and come down, for today I must abide in thy house.”
On such gracious and unexpected terms Zaccheus made haste, came down, and received Him joyfully. And that day this house in Jericho, the house of a publican and a sinner, was honored by the presence of the Son of God! What an honor!
But after all, Jericho was worse than Jerusalem only in degree, and Zaccheus, the sinner, was but little lower than the best in that place. Had the Saviour come for the righteous, alas for the hopes of any; but if He came “to seek and to save that which was lost,” if He came to “save sinners,” then, thank God, there is hope for all.
He who entered in such perfect grace the house of the publican of Jericho, deigns to enter the heart of any. Grace seeks no merit.
And, if two thoroughly bad, people, dwelling in a thoroughly bad city, became the objects of grace why, dear reader, if you feel yourself as bad as they and your circumstances as unfavorable as theirs why should you not throw open the door of your guilty heart for such a guest as Jesus? Why not?
“Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream,
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.”
And if you feel that need (oh, it is a blessed feeling!), you are welcome to Him. “Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Let the houses of Jericho furnish a bright example, and give courage to your faith.
J. W. S.