Rahab’s story is told in Joshua 2; 6:22-23
Rahab: A Story of Courage and Faith
Have you ever wondered if one brave choice could change your life forever? That’s exactly what happened to a woman named Rahab in the Bible.
Rahab lived in the city of Jericho, and while she didn’t seem like someone who would become a hero in God’s story, that’s exactly what she became. Her story shows how faith, courage, and kindness can make a huge difference—no matter where you start in life.
Who Was Rahab?
Rahab was a woman who lived in Jericho, a large and powerful city. She wasn’t part of God’s people, the Israelites. In fact, she came from a group of people who didn’t worship God at all. She also had a job that gave her a bad reputation—she worked as a prostitute or innkeeper. In her time, people would have looked down on her.
But God saw something more in Rahab.
Rahab’s Brave Choice
One day, two spies from Israel came to Jericho. They were sent by Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, to check out the city before they tried to take it. These spies ended up at Rahab’s house.
When the king of Jericho heard that the spies were in town, he sent men to find them. Rahab had a choice to make. She could turn the spies in—or she could help them.
Rahab chose to hide the spies on her roof and send the king’s men in the wrong direction. She put herself in danger to protect them. Then she made a request: “Please promise me that when your people come to take the city, you’ll save me and my family.”
The spies agreed. They told her to hang a red cord in her window so they’d know where she lived. When Jericho was destroyed, Rahab and her family would be safe.
Rahab’s Faith in God
Why did Rahab help the spies? Because she had heard about the amazing things God had done for the Israelites—how He parted the Red Sea and helped them win battles. She said something powerful:
“The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”
(Joshua 2:11)
Even though she had never seen these things for herself, Rahab believed. She trusted that God was real and powerful. That faith led her to take a risk—and God honored her courage.
Rahab’s Reward
When the Israelites marched around Jericho and the walls fell down, Rahab’s house was still standing. Just like the spies promised, she and her family were kept safe.
But her story didn’t stop there.
Rahab became part of the Israelite people. She left behind her old life and started a new one. She eventually became the great-great-grandmother of King David—and was even listed in the family line of Jesus (see Matthew 1:5).
Rahab is also praised in the New Testament. In Hebrews 11, she’s listed as a woman of great faith. And in James 2, she’s mentioned as someone who showed her faith through her actions.
What We Can Learn from Rahab
Rahab’s story is short, but it teaches us a lot:
- God can use anyone—even those with a messy past.
- Faith sometimes takes courage—Rahab risked her life to do what was right.
- One act of kindness can change everything—Rahab’s actions saved her whole family.
- God welcomes those who trust Him—no matter where they come from.
Final Thoughts
Rahab’s life didn’t look like it would be part of God’s big story. But because of her faith and courage, she played an important role in history.
Maybe you feel like your past isn’t perfect. Or maybe you wonder if God could ever use you. Rahab’s story reminds us that God sees our hearts, not just our past. He welcomes anyone who turns to Him and trusts in Him.
Reflection Question:
Is there something you feel God is calling you to do that requires courage? Like Rahab, you never know how your step of faith might impact your life—or even the lives of others.