Who is a Jew? This is an important question for those wanting to immigrate to Israel. It had been the policy of the Israeli government to admit Jews from a few small communities on the Arabian Peninsula (who look like Jews) but not the Jewish Lemba people of Africa (because they do not). Genetic markers indicate, however that the Lemba are ethnically Jewish, while those of the Arabian Peninsula are not. But is genetics the determining factor?
It isn’t where God is concerned. In the events surrounding the destruction of Jericho in Joshua 2-7, two characters feature prominently. One is Rahab, a gentile prostitute. The other is Aachan, a Jew and member of Joshua’s army. Rahab, in order to save her family from coming destruction, hides, then lies about the two Hebrew spies. Aachan, in order to prosper his family, hides then lies about booty taken in the destruction of Jericho. Rahab, the gentile prostitute, is welcomed into the community and becomes a foremother of King David and through him, of Jesus. Aachan, the Israeli serviceman and his entire family are executed – completely obliterated from the community. Why the difference? What is the Jericho divide that separates them? What allows the gentile prostitute to be welcomed into the community, while the Israeli service man is cast out?
The Jericho divide is defined by one word – faith.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies. (Hebrews 11.30-31)
Although not a Jew, and although she lived in one of the best fortified cities in history, Rahab had absolute faith in Yahweh’s ability to do what he purposed, and she acted on the faith. Although he was a Jew, and had seen God’s mighty deliverance of Israel from Egypt, Aachan doubted God’s ability to detect his sin. He acted on faithlessness. That is the Jericho divide.
Therefore, be sure, that those who are of faith are children of Abraham…those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. (Galatians 3.7,9)