We find it as a surprise that Rahab and the Canaanites are terrified of the Israelites, since the Israelites have been in the wilderness for forty years terrified of the Canaanites. But, when you consider the mighty events and the report that has preceded the Israelites over the last forty years then Rahab’s fears are understandable, and actually expected.

Rahab indicates the people of Jericho had knowledge of the Exodus when she says “came out of Egypt” (which most likely included information about the ten plagues that destroyed Egypt) and the parting of the Red Sea (which would have included the knowledge that the Egyptian military had been destroyed during that encounter with Israel.) Rahab also mentions probably the most terrifying news to reach Jericho and the other Canaanite cities – Israel’s complete destruction the Amorites and their kings, Sihon and Og, during the last few months.

Rahab then indicates knowledge of the Lord and identifies him as “the Lord God…God in heaven above and on the earth below.” And, her actions show she has faith. Knowledge is information that a personal faith must be based in. But, knowledge of the truth and an understanding of the facts do not demonstrate faith. Some knowledge and a level of understanding are necessary for faith. (For without knowledge, facts, information, understanding there is nothing to believe and nothing to have faith in.) But, Rahab demonstrates her faith by what she does when she protects the spies of Israel and assists them in their mission. Rahab demonstrated her faith by what she did, not by what she knew. All of Jericho apparently knew the same information since Rahab says, “all who live in this country are melting in fear.” But, their knowledge did not produce faith. The Canaanites merely held information that terrified them. Rahab had information and acted positively towards it. James, the brother of Jesus, says the same thing in the New Testament:

“But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder…You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?...was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?” – James 2:14-26

God’s Covenant with Abraham is foundational for proper biblical interpretation.
This Abrahamic Covenant is introduced in Genesis 12:1-4; detailed in Genesis 15:18-21.

The Abrahamic Covenant can be outlined like this:
A. Personal Promises to Abraham (Gen.12:2)
1. “I will make you a great nation” – the nation of Israel
2. “I will bless you” – God gave Abraham great possessions
3. “I will make your name great” – Abraham was honored and feared in his day; Today the three major world religions claim Abraham as the father of their faith.
B. Universal Promises to All People (Gen.12:3)
1. The Lord would “Bless those who bless” Abraham – no nation or individual can survive while opposing Israel
2. “All peoples on earth will be blessed through” Abraham – the Lord would give truth, hope and a savior through Israel.
3. “I have made you a father of many nations” (Gen.17:5) – Abraham was not only the father of Israel, but also, Edom, Midianites, the nations of Ishmael (Gen.25:12-18) and all of his six sons through Keturah (Gen. 25:1-6)
C. National Promises (Gen.15:18-21)
1. Abraham’s son Isaac would become a great nation, chosen by God
2. A specific land area was given to Abraham’s and Isaac’s nation as an everlasting possession (Gen12:7; 13:15-17; 15:7-8; 17:8; 24:7; 26:3; 8:13-14; 35:12; 48:4; 50:24.)