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The Cord of Hope

Feb 2

Examining where a word makes its first appearance in the Bible is a fascinating way of delving into its understanding and purpose within God’s word; however, it is not always easy to find. Like most languages, Hebrew and Greek often have several words with similar meanings, so the English word under examination might not always reveal first usage. Such is the case with the word hope.

In most English versions, hope makes its first appearance in Ruth 1:12, where Naomi uses the word to convey her hopelessness in having more sons. However, the concept of hope is found much earlier than this in the Hebrew Bible and is expressed in the form of confident waiting. This is illustrated in Noah confidently waiting aboard the ark for God’s salvation.

One of the primary Hebrew words translated into English as hope is first used in the days of Israel’s conquest of Canaan. As Joshua prepared to destroy Jericho, a resident of the city asked for salvation. Rahab was a Gentile prostitute yet was aware of the God about to destroy her city. Committing treason against her people, she hid two Israelite spies who had come to Jericho. After letting them know how her people were terrified of this God who was coming against their city, she stated, “And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (Joshua 2:11). In fearful anticipation, she asked for salvation and her request was given conditional affirmation. Salvation would come if she gathered her family into one location, told no one else of what was happening, and gave a sign revealing her location. The spies told her, “Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household” (2:18). The Hebrew word translated as cord is translated as hope in over thirty other Old Testament references. The commonality of cord and hope seems to rest on the concept of tension; as tension is applied to a rope, tension is present in hopeful anticipation that a desired result will occur despite the hopeless circumstances into which it is born.

Rahab’s cord illustrated her hope. By all rights, she had no claim for salvation. She was among a people who long ago had turned away from the true God and instead chose to worship and serve what was inferior. Her chosen profession was of moral disrepute, and the marching orders for destruction of her city had been given. Still, tension with her present circumstances did not erase hopeful anticipation toward this great God who came as an enemy; Rahab hoped He would be her Savior and save He did! Not only did He allow the deal His spies struck with her to be honored, He allowed her a place in the midst of His people and, most of all, a place in the lineage of His coming Son (Matthew 1:5)! A scarlet cord demonstrated her hopeful anticipation that God would save her from dire circumstances.

The children of God share much in common with this ancient woman of faith. Having turned to sin, there is no rightful claim for God’s salvation. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). Just as the people of Jericho lived their last days in dreadful anticipation of what their circling enemies’ trumpet blare would unleash, those who are dead in sin should dreadfully anticipate what will be unleashed when the final trumpet sounds. However, for those wise enough to recognize that the God of judgment wants to be the God who saves, there is hope. In this, they do well to look at Rahab’s example.

Rahab came to terms with God. Being a Gentile, she likely labored under very limited knowledge, yet she was able to discern what God could do. Understanding this, she did not want to stand in opposition but rather in unison with this God; this led her to seek Him. When she heard the conditions of salvation, she did not hesitate! Keeping quiet, gathering her family, and unfurling the cord of hope was done in full tension that God would save. This pattern remains for those who seek God’s salvation. Unlike Rahab, those of modern times can read the entirety of God’s revealed plan. Still, they must come to terms with God, understanding that while His promised judgment will come, He prefers for all to find His salvation (I Timothy 2:4). They must also seek deliverance from those bent on destruction and come out from among them (II Corinthians 6:17). For certain, they must faithfully follow his plan for salvation. Appreciating His grace and mercy, turning away from sin, confessing full belief in Jesus, and being baptized for forgiveness of sins should be joyfully carried out in hopeful anticipation of the great promise of salvation He has made.

Do you share in Rahab’s hope? If so, salvation awaits!

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