The scarlet cord in Joshua was a prophetic sign of the power of the blood of Jesus to save man from his sin.
Joshua 2:21, “Agree,” she replied. “‘Let it be as you say.’ So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.”
There are many strange customs that have been associated with red thread. In Poland, mothers put a red thread on their infants’ cradles to keep off unknown dangers; and in China they tie a red thread round their children’s wrists as the best safeguard against demons. Sticks with bits of red colored cloth attached to them occur on every difficult mountain pass throughout India, to insure safety to the traveler.
Was Rahab’s using of the scarlet cord a superstitious gesture, or did it have spiritual importance. I believe the scarlet cord in this passage has special importance spiritually. When Israel invaded Jericho, the only thing that was not destroyed was Rahab’s house and the occupants in it. The scarlet cord of Divine deliverance winds its way through the pages of God’s Word!
The song writer said, “What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus? What can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus? Oh, precious is the flow that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know nothing but the blood of Jesus.” The scarlet cord in Joshua was a prophetic sign of the power of the blood of Jesus to save man from his sin. Thank God for the blood of Jesus Christ.