Rahab

*Rahab’s story is told in Joshua 2; 6:22-23

Who is Rahab?

  • The first thing to know about Rahab is that she was a prostitute living in Jericho. Her profession may seem unbecoming for a biblical heroine, but it’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique journey.
  • Rahab is also known as the woman who harbored the Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout out the city of Jericho (Joshua 2). She hid them in her house and lied to the king’s men to protect them.
  • Significantly, she is also an ancestor of Jesus Christ as mentioned in the book of Matthew (Matthew 1:5).

Rahab’s Strengths and Accomplishments

  • Rahab had courage. Despite the risk of harboring spies and lying to the king’s men, she did it anyway, demonstrating a boldness that was admirable.
  • She had faith. Rahab confessed her belief in the God of Israel and acted upon it, even though it meant betraying her own people (Joshua 2:11).
  • Rahab played a vital role in the fall of Jericho, contributing to the victory of the Israelites (Joshua 6).

Rahab’s Weaknesses and Mistakes

  • Rahab was a prostitute. This was a morally questionable profession, and it’s likely that her choices led her to this path.

Lessons from Rahab’s Life

  • Grace and redemption are for everyone. Regardless of our past, God is always ready to welcome us back, just like He did with Rahab.
  • Courage is critical. Rahab teaches us to stand up for what we believe in, even in the face of great danger.
  • Faith in action is powerful. Rahab didn’t just say she believed; she acted upon her faith and it had profound consequences.

Key Verses

  • Joshua 2:11, NIV: “When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”
  • Joshua 6:25, NIV: “But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.”
  • Matthew 1:5, NIV: “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.”