by means of fire and brimstone, the Lord thus making it manifest that He does not forsake those that hope in Him, but gives up such as depart from Him to punishment and torture.[1] For Lot's wife, who went forth with him, being of a different mind from himself, and not continuing; in agreement with him [as to the command which had been given them], was made an example of, so as to be a pillar of salt unto this day.[2] This was done that all might know that those who are of a double mind, and who distrust the power of God, bring down judgment on themselves,[3] and become a sign to all succeeding generations.
Chap. xii.—The rewards of faith and hospitality. Rahab.
On account of her faith and hospitality, Rahab the harlot was saved. For when spies were sent by Joshua, the son of Nun, to Jericho, the king of the country ascertained that they were come to spy out their land, and sent men to seize them, in order that, when taken, they might be put to death. But the hospitable Rahab receiving them, concealed them on the roof of her house under some stalks of flax. And when the men sent by the king arrived and said, "There came men unto thee who are to spy out our land; bring them forth, for so the king commands," she answered them, "The two men whom ye seek came unto me, but quickly departed again and are gone," thus not discovering the spies to them. Then she said to the men, "I know assuredly that the Lord your God hath given you this city, for the fear and dread of you have fallen on its inhabitants. When therefore ye shall have taken it, keep ye me and the house of my father in safety." And they said to her, "It shall be as thou hast spoken to us. As soon, therefore, as thou knowest that we are at hand, thou shalt gather all thy family under thy roof, and they shall be preserved, but all that are found outside of thy dwelling shall perish."[4] Moreover, they gave her a sign to
- ↑ Gen. xix.; comp. 2 Pet. ii. 6–9.
- ↑ So Joseph. Antiq. i. 11, 4; Irenaeus, Adv. Hær. iv. 31.
- ↑ Literally, "become a judgment and sign."
- ↑ Josh. ii.; Heb. xi. 31.
