Her house couldn’t have been at a better location. From the wall of the city she could scout for potential customers who upon seeing her beautiful smile, striking eyes and alluring figure, couldn’t resist what she offered. She managed to beat the competition because of her strategic location and dazzling beauty. Life was difficult for a girl like her who was born into poverty in this wealth worshiping city. She had to survive and help her family by selling the only thing she knew how to sell.
On this eventful day, she looked outside brazenly inspecting the masses streaming in and out of the city. She knew most of these men who looked at her with scorn sneaked into her house enveloped in darkness soliciting for her services. Some of these men commanded respect at the King’s Court but whom she lost respect for because she knew their secret deeds. As pretty as her eyes were, they couldn’t conceal the sadness in them. Deep down she knew she wasn’t made for this. There was something more to life than this. Something more fulfilling. She couldn’t figure it out yet.
Her thoughts were interrupted by two men strolling around the city with inquisitive eyes. She locked her eyes on the taller of the two.Despite his merchant garments, she couldn't help but notice his focused eyes, his well chiseled face, his strides, his muscular outline which immediately gave him and his similarly formed companion away as soldiers. These were men on a mission, she could tell. Because of the experience of her profession, she could easily discern when men were up to no good. Her curiosity turned into worry and worry into fear. The tall soldier’s head slowly tilted upwards till his eyes met hers. She unconsciously curved her lips into a smile as their eyes locked. He flashed back a smile. Was that fear she had felt just a microsecond ago?
The men, as if right on cue, made their way through the crowds entering the city of Jericho straight into her house. She could discern they were on a more important mission than partaking of her services. She observed them as they came, then it suddenly dawned on her. Why didn’t she notice it before? The gait, the faces, the sun-tanned complexion! She could now detect the accent they were so desperately trying to conceal in their voices as they came nearer. These were Israeli spies!
She heard of how they broke through Pharaoh’s clutches and advanced into the Middle Eastern desert vanquishing all who dared oppose them. Jericho was doomed! The feeling of fear returned again. She knew none could stand against these forces backed by Yahweh, the God whose stories she read in awe. The God whom she believed had more power than these useless Canaanite gods whom she had devoutly worshiped but they seemed oblivious of her plight. The God whom she thought was the only chance for her wretched life. This was it! Suddenly the fear melted away and was replaced with joy as she conceived a risky plan.
She welcomed them into her exquisitely furnished house just like any other customer. The tall one looked around cautiously. He then bellowed with what was obviously a made up accent, “My name is Ahaz and this is my friend Jopaz. I have come from a distant land to look for trade prospects in this mighty city of yours”. She burst out laughing, “I’m no fool”, she said,” I know who you are. You are Israelis who have come to take our land. The whole city’s trembling with fear because of what you’ve done to our neighbours.” She smiled as she saw his bold eyes widen with panic. “Fear not”, she said, “For I’m on your side. I’m tired of living like this. I want a fresh start. A new way of life. Your way. How about we told each other real names now? Mine’s Rahab.”
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