The Word for Today with Ray

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Hearts Melting - Joshua 2:11

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and she “hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof. And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed”, and in chapter two and verse eleven of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared how the woman said, “our hearts did melt” where we read,

And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

The verse reads, “And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, …” Joshua began with the words, “and as soon as we had heard these things” which means “and at the time and moment we, Rahab and the people in Jericho, listened and gave attention to the powerful works of Jehovah God”, “our hearts did melt” or “our, Rahab and the people of Israel’s, souls, minds and wills dissolved, wasted away and grew fearful”, “neither did there remain” which means “no and not in any way did there arise, come on the scene and raise up” “any more courage in any man” or “no longer a continuance or persistence of wind, breath and spirit within any person whether male or female”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” said the souls and minds of the people within Jericho became fearful and they were without any spirit after they heard about the powerful acts of Jehovah God on behalf of the people of Israel.

The verse continues, “because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” Joshua added the words, “because of you” or “on behalf of you, the people of Israel”: “for the LORD your God” which means “because, since and on account that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God and the people of Israel’s Supreme Deity”, “he is the God” or “he, Jehovah God, exists as the Supreme Deity” “in heaven above” which means “within the sidereal heaven where God dwells and other spiritual beings”, “and in earth beneath” whose name means “and within the world that is underneath Heaven” . Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” continued to tell the “two men of Israel” how the souls and minds of the people in Jericho were made fearful because Jehovah God worked on their behalf. God is omnipresent which means He is in every place at the same time. He is with us, and His desire is to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into the truth and help us to live within that truth as He provides for and protects us even as He did the children of Israel. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8)

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover more of what “Rahab” said to the two men of Israel who were spies in Jericho. She spoke of the fear that came upon the people of Jericho after they “heard” about the powerful acts of Jehovah God, and they were no longer bold and resolute because of the people of Israel. They also understood that Jehovah God, who was Israel’s Supreme Deity, exists as the Supreme Deity in “Heaven” and upon the “earth”. This same God desires to have a personal intimate relationship with all of us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us so we may be guided into all truth and empowered to live in that truth as His witnesses within the world.

Next time the writer or Joshua shares how the woman told the two men, “swear … that you will also show kindness unto my father's house”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Hearing How the LORD Dried Up the Red Sea - Joshua 2:10

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot concealed two men who were spies from Israel, and she “hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof. And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you”, and in chapter two and verse ten of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared how the woman said, “we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea” where we read,

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.

The verse reads, “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when you came out of Egypt;” Joshua began with the words, “for we have heard” which means “because, since and on account that we, Rahab and the people of Jericho, have listened to with attention, interest and understanding” “how the LORD” or “the way Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “dried up the water” which means “withered and made without moisture” “of the Red Sea” or “the large body of water known as the Red Sea” “for you” which means “on behalf of you, the people of Israel”, “when you came out of Egypt” or “at the time and moment that you, the people of Israel, existed and departed from Egypt whose name means land of the Copts and is a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” told the “two men” from Israel that she and her people attentively listened to how Jehovah God made the “Red Sea” to be without moisture on behalf of the people of Israel at the time they exited “Egypt”.

The verse continues, “and what you did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.” Joshua added the words, “and what you did” or “and that which you, the people of Israel, fashioned, accomplished and performed” “unto the two kings” which means “toward the two royal rulers and leaders” “of the Amorites” or “belonging to the Amorites whose name means a sayer and was one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt”, “that were on the other side Jordan” which means “who existed and dwelt upon the opposite side of the Jordan whose name means descender and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”, “Sihon” whose name means “warrior” and was “the king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and was defeated by Moses in Transjordan”, “and Og” whose name means “long-necked” and was “the Amorite king of Bashan and one of the last representatives of the giants of Rephaim‘, “whom you utterly destroyed” or “that you, the people of Israel, completely banned, dedicated and consecrated for destruction and exterminated” . Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” told the “two men from Israel” that she and her people were aware of how Jehovah God exterminated “Sihon and Og” who were the royal rulers and leaders of the “Amorites”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Rahab” and the people of Jericho were aware of Jehovah God’s power and might working among the people of Israel. He parted the “Red Sea”, and He defeated the royal rulers named “Sihon and Og” who were over the Amorites on behalf of the people of Israel. (See Exodus 14:21-31) “Rahab” knew the city of “Jericho” and the people there could be the next to be defeated. We shall see how she made an appeal for herself and her family in our next few verses, but for now, let us also be aware that God is able to defeat any foe He desires, but His plan is to save all who will submit to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead as their “Savior and Lord”. When we submit to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth so we are aware of God’s ability to provide for and protect all who believe and trust in Him. (See John 16:13)

Next time the writer or Joshua shares how the woman told the two men, “our hearts did melt”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The LORD has Given You the Land - Joshua 2:9

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and when the king’s men were attempting to find them, she told them, “it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I do not know: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof”, and in chapter two and verse nine of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared how the woman, “said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land” where we read,

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

The verse reads, “And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, …” Joshua began with the words, “and she said unto the men” which means “and she, Rahab, uttered, declared and proclaimed to the two male spies from Israel”, “I know that the LORD” or “I, Rahab, perceive, understand, discern and distinguish that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “has given you the land” which means “has granted, bestowed and assigned to you, the people of Israel, the region, district and territory”, “and that your terror” or “and that your, the people of Israel’s, dread, horror and fear” “is fallen upon us” which means “exists as cast down, settled and lie prostrate on us, the people of Jericho”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” told the two men from Israel that she was aware that Jehovah God granted them their territory and that fear has settled upon them.

The verse goes on to say, “… and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.” Joshua continued with the words, “and that all the inhabitants” or “and that each, every and the whole of the people who remain, dwell and abide” “of the land” which means “pertaining to the region, district and territory” “faint because of you” or “are softened, dissolved and dissipate on account of you, the people of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” told the “two spies” that everyone in the city of Jericho were fearful on account of the people of Israel.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Rahab” talked with the “two men who were spies” from Israel whom she concealed upon her rooftop. She told them that she was aware that Jehovah God gave the people of Israel their territory, and this caused the people of the land to be fearful. God’s power was demonstrated through the people of Israel, and we shall see how His reputation preceded the people of Israel entering the promise land. God’s power is demonstrated today when a person yields their life to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. At the point we put our faith and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth, secure our hearts and minds and help us to know His desire to use us in His Kingdom.

Next time the writer or Joshua shares how the woman says, “we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Coming Up to the Men on the Roof - Joshua 2:8

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and she told the king’s men who were attempting to find them, “it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I do not know: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate”, and in chapter two and verse eight of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua said, “before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof” where we read,

And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;

The verse reads, “And before they were laid down, …” Joshua began with the words, “and before they” which means “and in advance and prior to the time they, the two men of Israel” “were laid down” or “existed in rest, repose and relaxation” the following occurred. Joshua or the writer began to share what happened in advance of the “two men” of Israel being relaxed and in repose.

The verse continues, “… she came up unto them upon the roof;” Joshua added the words, “she came up unto them” or “she, Rahab, arose and ascended to them, the two men” “upon the roof” which means “on the housetop”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” ascended to where the “two men” were hidden on the housetop in advance of their full rest.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how “Rahab” continued to care for the “two spies” from Israel. When the king’s men departed the city of Jericho to pursue the “two men” from Israel, the gates were closed and “Rahab” ascended to the housetop to where the “two men” were hidden. There is more about what she did in our next verse, but for now let us realize there was a process to this rescue of the “two men”. God used these normal activities to protect the “two spies” of Israel, and He often works that way in our lives as well. God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to lead, guide and watch over us as we fulfill His will for His purposes and Kingdom.

Next time the writer or Joshua says the woman, “said unto the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Pursuing the Two Men - Joshua 2:7

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and she told the king’s men who came looking for them, “it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I do not know: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof”, and in chapter two and verse seven of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua said, “the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords” where we read,

And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords:

and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.

The verse reads, “And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords:” Joshua began with the words, “and the men” which means “and the male human beings dispatched by the king” “pursued after them” or “ran and followed after them, the two men of Israel” “the way to Jordan” which means “on the road, journey and course toward Jordan whose name means descender and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)” “unto the fords” or “to the passings, crossings and transit route”. Joshua or the writer shared how the king’s “men” ran and followed after the “two men” of Israel on the path toward the “Jordan River” until they reached the crossing routes within it.

The verse goes on to say, “and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and as soon as they which pursued after them” or “and when they, the king’s men, who ran after and followed them, the two men of Israel” “were gone out” which means “departed and left”, “they shut the gate” or “they, the people of the city of Jericho, closed the port and opening to the city”. Joshua or the writer said when the men dispatched by the king departed the city, the portal to the city was closed.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the king’s men believed “Rahab’s” story about the two men from Israel leaving the city. They obeyed her instruction to “run after” them, and when they left the city, the “gate” was closed. Once again we see God’s plan of salvation for the Jewish people unfolding. God promised the people of Israel would enter and possess this “land”. Jericho was the first city they were to conquer, and because He fulfills His word, these “two spies” were preserved. In like manner, God wants to have an intimate personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to empower us to live according to that truth so we too fulfill His purpose and will for our lives.

Next time the writer or Joshua says, “before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

To the Roof of the House - Joshua 2:6

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote how Rahab the harlot hid two men who were spies from Israel, and she told the king’s men who were seeking them, “it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I do not know: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them.”, and in chapter two and verse six of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua said, “she had brought them up to the roof of the house” where we read,

But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax,

which she had laid in order upon the roof.

The verse reads, “But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, …” Joshua began with the words, “but she had brought them up” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover she, Rahab, led them, the two men of Israel” “to the roof of the house” or “to the housetop belonging to the abode, habitation and dwelling place”, “and hid them” which means “and concealed in secret the two men of Israel” “with the stalks of flax” or “by the use of the timber, stock, planks and sticks with fibre used as material for garments”. Joshua or the author shared how “Rahab” led the “two men” of Israel to the housetop of her dwelling place and concealed them within the timbers and planks of fiber material.

The verse continues, “… which she had laid in order upon the roof.” Joshua added the words, “which she had laid in order” or “that she, Rahab, set, arranged and arrayed in an orderly fashion” “upon the roof” which means “on the housetop”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” concealed the “two men” of Israel under the wooden “flax” that she arranged in an orderly fashion upon her rooftop.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer how “Rahab” led the “two men of Israel” to the housetop and concealed them beneath wooden “stock” she had arranged in an orderly fashion. We can imagine what it must have been like for those “two men” as they lie quietly beneath the wooden coverage. God’s plan was coming together, and because He promised to give the people of Israel this territory, He would fulfill His plan. God has promised us everlasting life with Him in Heaven, and when we yield ourselves to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide the leading of His Holy Spirit who will insure that we keep in alignment with Him even if it means being concealed in secret until we inherit our everlasting home with Him.

Next time the writer or Joshua says, “the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Men Went Out - Joshua 2:5

In the book of Joshua, the author or Joshua wrote, “Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in here to night of the children of Israel to search out the country. And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to you, which are entered into your house: for they be come to search out all the country. And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, there came men unto me, but I did not know where they were”, and in chapter two and verse five of the book of Joshua, the writer or Joshua shared Rahab told the king’s men, “the men went out” where we read,

And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I do not know: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them.

The verse reads, “And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out:” Joshua began with the words, “and it came to pass” which means “and it happened and occurred” “about the time of shutting of the gate” or “around the moment for the closing of the door or port to the city”, “when it was dark” which means “at the time and moment it was obscure and toward night”, “that the men went out” or “that the male human beings left and departed”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” told the king’s officers the “two men” departed through the portals of the city as it was getting to be nighttime.

The verse goes on to say, “where the men went I do not know: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them.” Joshua continued with the words, “where the men went” or “to what location or place the men exited and departed” “I do not know” which means “I, Rahab, am unaware and without knowledge”: “pursue after them quickly” or “follow, chase and run after them, the two men, in a swift and hurried fashion”; “for you shall overtake them” which means “because, since and on account that you, the royal ruler’s men, will reach and take hold of them, the two men”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Rahab” also told the “king’s men” that she was unaware of the “two men’s” destination, and she encouraged them to chase after them in a hurried fashion because they would reach and take hold of them.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer how “Rahab” continued to mislead the men dispatched to her by the royal ruler. Although “Rahab” continued to deceive the king’s men, she was being used by God to preserve these men. God has a plan, and He is going to work it out. It is interesting to consider that “Rahab” was not a Hebrew and would have been considered to be a pagan Gentile. God wants everyone to be saved, Jew and Gentile (See Romans 1:16; 2:10), and whosoever believes and trusts in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit to be guided into the truth and be used like these “two men and Rahab” in His Kingdom to fulfill His purposes and will.

Next time the writer or Joshua says, “she had brought them up to the roof of the house”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…