Biblical Theology

Biblical Theology

Share this post

Biblical Theology
Biblical Theology
The Scarlet Cord and the Cross of Christ

The Scarlet Cord and the Cross of Christ

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

Mitch Chase's avatar
Mitch Chase
May 15, 2025
∙ Paid
5

Share this post

Biblical Theology
Biblical Theology
The Scarlet Cord and the Cross of Christ
1
1
Share

This post is for paid subscribers. If you’ve been encouraged by the content of this Biblical Theology site, and if you’d like to have complete and unending access to hundreds of archived articles, consider supporting this newsletter.

Check out my new book, Walking the Way of the Wise, available here from IVP Academic.

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.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Mitch Chase
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share