After telling Joshua not to be afraid, God reveals to him what the fear of his name has done to the Canaanites. Rahab tells the spies the hearts of the people of Jericho are filled with fear because they recognize Jehovah is Lord of all (v. 11). The spies return to report that "the people are melting in fear because of this" (v. 24).

Rahab, far from being fearful, shows great courage in helping the spies, and boldness in letting it be known that she is on the Lord's side. In doing so she exhibits a healthy "fear of the Lord" that makes her respect him and want to follow him, rather than shy away from him and his people. Her faith, exhibited by the hanging of the red cord, and her subsequent conversion to Judaism led to her becoming an ancestor of David and of Jesus (see Matthew 1:5).

A respectful fear of God is at the core of a heart that loves and serves him. It produces a desire to please him, and always reminds us that we will one day give account for what we have done with what he has given us (see 

2 Corinthians 5:10).

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise" (Psalm 111:10 NIV).

Jim Jensen