We are not told how the king of Jericho found out that the two men who entered Rahab's house were Israelites or that they were spies who had come to Jericho to gather information. Perhaps they had been noticed and followed when they came through the gates of the city. Or it may have been true that some of Joshua's officers were talking too much.

The king's knowledge was limited, as we can notice. So it is with our adversary. He has some information but his knowledge is limited. However, Christ's knowledge is not limited.

And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: (Joshua 2:4)

To hide the two spies and to lie to the king's messengers were high crimes against the government of Jericho. Every true saint keeps the laws of his government.

But there come times when Christians are required to disobey the secular government. Let us never take refuge in a false show of righteous obedience and patriotism. When the government begins to lead us away from stern obedience to Christ, we then are ready to go to prison or to death rather than to disobey God.

There is no government on the earth that is "Christian." All are controlled by men in whom is working the spirit of disobedience to God. The government may allow the saints to live in peace. If it does, thank God. We will obey every law, being more diligent to obey the laws of the land than are the unsaved.

If that government begins to direct us away from the Lord we will obey God and disobey the government. We are citizens of Heaven. Our first allegiance is to the Kingdom of God.

Rahab deliberately committed treason, providing important military information to the enemy of her country. Her homeland was destroyed as a result.

Also, she lied. But the Holy Spirit declares that Rahab was acting in faith!

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. (Hebrews 11:31)

There is a time to disobey the government. There is a time to deceive. There is a time to smuggle the Scriptures and people across international borders in the name of the Lord God of Heaven.

Rahab was rewarded richly. She and her family were saved. In addition she became the mother of Boaz who married Ruth the Moabitess. Boaz and Ruth were ancestors of King David and of Jesus of Nazareth.

In the days of tribulation that are ahead, the peoples of the earth will have the opportunity to hide and nourish the Spirit-filled remnant, protecting the saints from the face of Antichrist (Revelation 12:16).

The nations that help the Lord's brothers during seasons of persecution will inherit eternal life. The nations that do not assist the Lord's brothers, His witnesses, will be turned away into everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46).

To be continued.