Rahab Helps the Spies

Joshua 2:1-24; Joshua 6:24-25

Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called Joshua. Joshua was a great leader of God’s people, with God’s help.

God’s people were getting ready to go into the new land that He had promised them. Their leader was Joshua. He sent two men to look at the big city of Jericho. The men were called spies, and they went quietly into the city to see what it was like.

The spies came to the house of a woman named Rahab. She was kind to them and gave them a place to stay. But soon, the king of Jericho heard that spies from Israel were in the city. He sent soldiers to look for them!

Rahab hid the spies on her roof under bundles of tall plants so the soldiers would not find them. When the king’s men came to her house, she told them the men had already gone. The soldiers hurried away, and the spies were safe.

Then Rahab went up to the roof and said to the spies, “I know that your God is the true God. I have heard how He helped your people cross the Red Sea and win many battles. Please keep my family safe when you come back to this city.”

The spies promised her, “Hang a red cord in your window. When we see it, we will know that this is your house, and everyone inside will be safe.”

Rahab helped the spies escape through her window, and they ran back to Joshua. Later, when the walls of Jericho fell down, the spies remembered Rahab. They saw the red cord hanging in her window, and they made sure Rahab and her family were safe—just as God had promised.

God helped Rahab because she believed in Him and trusted His promise.

God loves everyone and keeps His promises. Rahab was brave and trusted God to help her family—and God did! We can trust God, too.


Dear God,

Thank You for helping Rahab be brave and for keeping her family safe. Thank You for loving everyone and for keeping every promise You make. Please help us to be brave and to trust You, just like Rahab did. We know You are always with us and that You take care of us because You love us so much. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20b, BSB

Paraphrase: Jesus said, “I am always with you.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. The Red Cord

Objective: To help children remember that God kept His promise to keep Rahab’s family safe.

Materials: Red yarn or ribbon, hole-punched paper windows (drawn or pre-cut), crayons, and tape or glue.

Activity: Give each child a piece of paper with a simple outline of a house and a window. Let them color their house and glue or tie a short piece of red yarn in the window. Explain that Rahab tied a red cord in her window to show she trusted God’s promise.

Talk About It: “Rahab put a red cord in her window to show she trusted God. God keeps His promises to us, too!”


2. Hiding the Spies

Objective: To help children understand how Rahab protected the spies and trusted God to keep her safe.

Materials: Small dolls or toy people (to be the spies), small boxes or soft blankets.

Activity: Tell the story of Rahab hiding the spies. Let the children take turns placing the toy “spies” under the blankets or inside boxes to hide them. Encourage them to be “brave helpers” like Rahab.

Talk About It: “Rahab was brave when she helped the spies. God helped her do the right thing.”


3. God Keeps His Promises

Objective: To remind children that God always does what He says He will do.

Materials: A small ball or soft beanbag.

Activity: Sit in a circle with the children. As you gently roll or toss the ball to each child, say together, “God keeps His promises!” Continue around the circle several times, letting each child say the phrase as they catch or roll the ball.

Talk About It: “God promised to keep Rahab and her family safe—and He did! God always keeps His promises.”


4. Rahab’s Song (Musical Activity)

Objective: To celebrate God’s love and faithfulness through singing and movement.

Materials: Simple rhythm instruments (shakers, bells, or tambourines).

Activity: Teach the children a short, joyful song to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” (Public Domain).

Song: “Rahab Trusted God” (to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”)

        Rahab trusted God that day,  
        God that day, God that day.  
        Rahab trusted God that day,  
        And He - kept her safe.  

        God keeps promises to you,  
        Me and you, me and you.  
        God keeps promises to you,  
        He is always near!

Encourage the children to sing, play their instruments, and dance gently as they celebrate God’s care and promises.

Talk About It: “Rahab trusted God, and He took care of her. We can trust God, too—He keeps every promise He makes!”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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