Rahab is one of the most intriguing and surprising characters in the Bible. She was a prostitute who lived in the city of Jericho, which was about to be conquered by the Israelites. She risked her life to hide two spies sent by Joshua, the leader of Israel, and helped them escape from the king of Jericho. In return, she asked them to spare her and her family when they attacked the city. The spies agreed and told her to tie a scarlet cord on her window as a sign of their covenant. Rahab did as they said, and when the walls of Jericho fell, she and her family were saved by the Israelites.
Rahab’s Faith and Courage
Rahab’s story is remarkable for many reasons. First, she was a Canaanite, a people who were enemies of Israel and worshiped idols. She had no reason to trust or help the Israelites, who were about to destroy her city and her people. Yet, she confessed that she believed in the God of Israel, who had done mighty deeds in Egypt and beyond. She said to the spies:
“I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 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 2:9-11)
She also showed great courage by hiding the spies from the king’s soldiers, who searched her house. She lied to them and said that the spies had left the city at nightfall. She then let them down by a rope through her window, which was on the city wall. She advised them to hide in the hills for three days until the pursuers returned. She also asked them to swear by the Lord that they would spare her and her family when they came back.
The spies agreed and told her to tie a scarlet cord on her window as a sign of their covenant. They also warned her not to tell anyone what she had done or to leave her house when they attacked. Rahab did as they said, and when the walls of Jericho fell, she and her family were saved by the Israelites.
Rahab’s Legacy and Lineage
Rahab’s story does not end there. She became part of Israel and married a man named Salmon, who was from the tribe of Judah. According to DoorToEden, she gave birth to a son named Boaz, who later married Ruth, a Moabite woman who also showed great faith and loyalty to God and Israel. Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David, the greatest king of Israel.
Rahab’s choice also led her to be part of God’s plan for salvation. She is one of only four women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:5-6. She is also praised for her faith and works in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25, where she is called “righteous” and “justified”.
Rahab’s story shows us that God can use anyone for his purposes, regardless of their background or reputation. She also shows us that faith and courage can overcome fear and doubt. She is an example of God’s grace and mercy, as well as his power and sovereignty.
Conclusion
Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho, but she became a heroine of faith who helped the Israelites conquer the city. She also became part of King David’s family line, as well as Jesus Christ’s genealogy. She is remembered as a woman who believed in God and acted on his behalf. She is related to King David as his great-great-grandmother.
