The Scarlet Cord of Redemption From Rahab, How God Uses the Unlikely on YouVersion

Then, since Rahab’s house was built into the town wall, she let them down by a rope through the window. “Escape to the hill country,” she told them. “Hide there for three days from the men searching for you. Then, when they have returned, you can go on your way.” Before they left, the men told her, “We will be bound by the oath we have taken only if you follow these instructions. When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members—your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives—must be here inside the house. If they go out into the street and are killed, it will not be our fault. But if anyone lays a hand on people inside this house, we will accept the responsibility for their death. If you betray us, however, we are not bound by this oath in any way. I accept your terms,” she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window. - Joshua 2:15-21 NLT

The scarlet cord hanging from Rahab’s window was more than just a marker for the Israelites. The hanging cord was a visible declaration of her faith and a symbol of redemption. By placing it in her window, Rahab put her trust in God’s promise to save her and her family from destruction, even as Jericho faced judgment.

This scarlet cord draws a beautiful parallel to the blood of Jesus, shed for the redemption of all who believe. Just as the Israelites were spared during the first Passover by marking their homes with the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:13), Rahab’s home was marked by the scarlet cord. And just as Rahab’s family found refuge under the symbol of her faith, we find refuge in the sacrifice of Christ. Ephesians 1:7 reminds us, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”

Rahab’s story is a testament to God’s grace. Despite her past, she was not only saved but also welcomed into the people of Israel and became part of the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). This shows us that redemption is not limited to the “qualified” or the “deserving.” Romans 3:23–24 assures us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

If you’ve ever felt like your sins are too great or your past is too messy for God to redeem, Rahab’s story is a reminder that His grace is greater. God doesn’t just forgive. God restores, transforms, and uses us for His purposes. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1 NLT

The scarlet cord invites us to see redemption as a work of God’s grace, not our own efforts. Just as Rahab trusted in God’s promises, we too must trust that Jesus’ sacrifice is enough to cover our sins, mark us as His, and draw us into His story of salvation.