The Scarlet Cord and the Cross of Christ

Reflecting on Claims from Early Church Fathers on Joshua 2:18

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Rahab, a former prostitute in Jericho, wanted a sign of assurance that she and her family would be spared when the Israelites came to overtake the city. So two Israelite spies gave her a sign. They said, “Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household” (Josh. 2:18).

The sign of the scarlet cord would mark her home for deliverance. When judgment came to Jericho, it would pass over the home of Rahab.

In the early centuries of the church, there were theologians who said that Rahab’s scarlet cord was not just hanging from a window, it was also pointing forward to what Jesus would accomplish on the cross. Let’s take a look at who said what and why.