The unbelief of the Israelites, and the faith of Rahab

During the exodus from Egypt, the Israelites witnessed firsthand

all the miraculous deeds that God performed before their eyes in the land of Egypt,

including the acts against Pharaoh, his servants, and all his land (Deut. 29:2).

Yet, despite witnessing these events, they did not believe in God and even scorned Him (Num. 14:11).

On the other hand, Rahab, a Canaanite woman living in the land of Canaan,

only heard about the miracles God performed for the Israelites,

such as the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Amorite kings

Sihon and Og on the other side of the Jordan (Josh. 2:10-11).

Nevertheless, she believed in the God of Israel, acknowledging

that He is the God in heaven above and on earth below, as she declared,

"Truly, your God, the Lord, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath" (v. 11).

How could it be that the Israelites, who witnessed firsthand

all the miraculous deeds God performed in Egypt, did not believe in Him,

while Rahab, who only heard about these events, could believe in God?

Two Bible verses come to mind:

• Romans 10:17 - "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
• Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."

These verses emphasize that faith comes from hearing the word of God

and is ultimately a gift of God's grace.

Rahab's faith demonstrates that belief in God does not necessarily require firsthand

witnessing of miracles but can come through hearing and receiving God's word with an open heart.