of Egypt: that he had enabled them to destroy Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites, and to take possession of their land : and that he would infallibly accomplish his promises to them, in the total subjugation of the Canaanites. All this is evident from the very words of our text. Now, if we consider how contracted were the views even of the pious Israelites at that time, this faith, strong and assured as it was, was truly wonderful: it might justly be said of her, as of another Canaanitish woman, " O woman, great is thy faith! I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."
But here arises a question of considerable difficulty : How can we reconcile the falsehoods winch she uttered with the professions which she made, and with the commendations given her in the Scriptures? To solve this difficulty, commentators have had recourse to various expedients; some extenuating, some justifying, and some altogether condemning her con- duct. But we apprehend that the true solution must be found in the strength and assurance of her faith : she herself said, not, " I fear," or, " I believe" but, " I knoiv that the Lord hath given you the land." She was fully assured that it was in vain to fight against God : that, if these two spies were put to death, it would make no difference whatever as to the issue of the contest: that the whole city and all its inhabitants would infallibly be destroyed: and that the only possible way of securing herself and family would be to submit to the God of Israel, and to unite themselves to his people. To what pur- pose then would it be to deliver up the spies ? it would not save one single life : it would only be to continue fighting against God, and to bring on herself and all her family that destruction which it was now in her power to avert. By con- cealing the spies she, in fact, could injure nobody; but by giving them up, she would sacrifice, both for herself and family, all hopes of life either hi this world or the world to come. At the same time that this view of the matter gives the easiest solution to the difficulty, it serves to explain the commenda- tion given to her by the Apostle James : " Was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the mes- sengers, and had sent them out another wayb?" Yes; she did by this act evince the reality and strength of her faith, and prove, that she had determined to cast herself entirely, both for time and for eternity, upon the mercy of the God of Israel.
If it is asked, whether faith in God will produce, or even countenance, falsehood ; we answer, No : but that question does not fairly belong to the subject: let it be asked, whether Elisha was justified in deceiving the Syrian army, and leading them from Dothan, whither they had come to destroy him, to
b Jam. ii. 25.