Joshua 2:11
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. 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.
Reports of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt had reached Jericho, and on hearing how He had dried up and opened the Red Sea and given Israel victory over Sihon and Og, the hearts of its people melted so that no courage remained in them. The tidings that spread terror were of the Lord drying up the Red Sea before Israel and of the victories over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, leaving Jericho without spirit to resist. The confession that Israel's God is God in heaven and on earth arose from this knowledge of Jehovah's power.
The known signs of that power also included His judgments upon Egypt and the defeat of Midian and of Gilead and Bashan, with the opening of the Red Sea set among them. The crossing of the swollen Jordan then gave the surrounding nations clear evidence that the living God, King of heaven and earth, was with Israel and would not abandon them. News of God's acts for Israel in this way melted Canaanite courage and filled them with fear.
The verse confesses that the Lord, Israel's God, is the only true God and supreme sovereign ruler, God in heaven above and in earth beneath, holding divine authority. Reports of His mighty acts led to recognizing Him as ruling both heaven and earth. This acknowledgment of His divine authority is the heart of Rahab's words.
Many in Jericho shared Rahab's conviction about God, knowing Jehovah's power and recognizing Him as God over heaven and earth, yet they refused to obey what they knew. The knowledge of Jehovah that reached Rahab led to her salvation, for by faith she acknowledged Him and did not perish with those who disbelieved. What others rejected became in her the ground of faith that saved her from perishing with the unbelieving.
Rahab was a Canaanite who turned from idolatry to worship the true God and joined Israel. Her turn from idolatry to worship and her union with Israel show that people from other nations could turn to God and become part of His chosen people. Her words show how God's power became known among other nations. Israel was to reveal His character so that people everywhere would be drawn to Him, while the fear that melted Canaanite courage prepared the way for Israel's victory.