§. 184. Of Rahab not perishing with others.
AMong many other evidences of Gods mercy to this penitent, one is thus ex∣pressed, a 1.1 She perished not with them that believed not. This phrase, She perished not with, is the interpretation of one Greek word, which is a double compound.
Of the simple b 1.2 verb, and of the c 1.3 first composition, See Chap. 10. v. 39. §. 151. d 1.4 The other preposition, which maketh it a double compound, signi∣fieth, with; and hath reference to others, which are said, not to believe: so as she was preserved from a common destruction.
By her not perishing, is meant her preservation from death, Under it is com∣prised not only the preservation of her person, but also of all that were with her in her house. Iosh. 6. 23, 25.
The manner of her preservation was this,
- 1. When the walls of the Citie fell down, and thereby a way was made for* 1.5 the whole Army to enter into the Citie, Ioshua sends to her the spies, who knew where her house was, and promised preservation to her, and all in her house. This is a worthy president for Generalls, and other Commanders to r•…•…tifie the Engagements of such as are imployed by them.
- 2. The Spies that were preserved by her, readily goe, and accomplish what she had made them promise and swear. This is a good example for such as have received kindness: especially when they are bound by promise and oath, to a par∣ticular retribution.
- 3. All in her house are saved; so as Covenant and Oaths, are to be performed to the full.
- 4. They were for a time left without the Camp of Israel: to shew, that all to whom external favour is shewed, are not presently to be made partakers of all the priviledges of the Church. There must be a time for such as have been of a false Religion, to give good evidence of their true Faith and repentance.
- 5. She and hers dwelt for ever among the Israelites: so as true Converts, though strangers, after good proof, are to be accounted as those who are born in the Church.
1. Quest. Why is no mention made of her Husband and Children?
Ans. It is probable, that she being an Harlot, had neither Husband, nor Child.* 1.6
2. Quest. How is this, that she perished not, attributed to her faith, seeing it was an act of Ioshua and the Israelites?
Answ.
- 1. Her faith made her expect preservation.
- 2. It made her shew that kindness to the Spies, which was the procuring cause of her preservation.
- 3. It made her capitulate with them about her preservation.
- 4. It made her bind them by promise and oath to save her.
- 5. It made her tye the scarlet thred to her window as a sign.
- 6. It made her withall her kindred to abide in her house, whereby she and they were saved.
This fruit of faith giveth a proof, that faith may keep believers from common* 1.7 destruction. Thus Noah, and they that were with him in the Ark, were preser∣ved from the general Deluge. See more hereof in the Plaister for the Plague, on Numb. 16. 45. §. 12, 13, &c.* 1.8
Under this preservation, all those that were in Rahabs family were preserved, (Iosh. 6. 22, 23.) It giveth proof, that they who belong to believers, may reap much good by them. Act. 27. 24. Luk. 19. 9. Act. 16. 15, 31.
This ariseth not from any desert of faith, but meerly from that respect which God beareth to believers.
- 1. This teacheth such as belong to believers.
- 1. To bless God, for that lot that is fallen unto them▪
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