The Choice to Serve God and Assist His People 87 each character and the particular meaning of each story. Rahab’s motive in assisting Israel is clear in her words. She feels the danger of the approaching confrontation with Israel, as they invade Canaan; she decides to help the spies and hopes that they will return the favor and save her. Rahab is a harlot and not an accepted member of society, which may explain her willingness to leave her own people and join another group (16). However, the narrative also emphasizes Rahab’s deep belief in God (17). In one of the most impressive statements in the Bible on faith, Rahab expresses the awe-inspiring quality of the monotheistic conception: I know that the LORD has given you the land, …As soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no courage left in any of us because of you. The LORD your God is indeed God in heaven above and on the earth below (Josh 2,9-11). In these words Rahab expresses the notion that God is sovereign. The narrator shapes Rahab’s words as a combination of two quotations from the Pentateuch, one from the Song of Moses at the sea of Reeds and the second from Deuteronomy. Josh 2,9 Exod 15,15-16 All the inhabitants of Canaan melted and that dread of you has fallen on us, Terror and dread fell upon them and that all the inhabitants of the land melt in fear before you. In the Song of Moses, the feeling expressed is that the greatness of the miracle will affect the nations of Canaan and they, too, will recognize the power of God. The presentation of Rahab as a person capable of quoting the Song of Moses shows that the miracle has affected her according to the statement in the Song, and she, indeed, recognizes the power of God. This acknowledgement of Rahab is in contrast to the behavior of the King of Jericho and his soldiers who pursue the spies. Rahab’s words are structured in a Deuteronomistic style and they quote Deuteronomy 4,39: Deut 4,39 Josh 2,9-11 Know therefore this day, I know that the LORD has given you the land… And consider it in thine heart, our hearts melted… That the Lord he is God The LORD your God is indeed God In heaven above and on the earth below in heaven above and on the earth below (16) See, e.g., E.J. HAMLIN, Inheriting The Land. A Commentary on the Book of Joshua (Grand Rapids – Edinburgh 1983) 17. (17) Campbell believes that the main idea of the story of Rahab is the moral choice that Rahab makes to adopt the covenant with God, and that accordingly she and her family join the covenant nation. See K.M. CAMPBELL, “Rahab’s Covenant: A Short Note on Joshua 2:9-21”, VT 22 (1972) 243-244. Some believe that Rahab’s decision is motivated merely by her understanding that she is in danger and this is the way to save herself and her family. See ZAKOVITCH, “Humor and Theology”, 90.