Who Was Rahab in the Bible?
Rahab: A Woman of Jericho
Rahab is a remarkable figure in the Bible, appearing in both the Old and New Testaments. She is introduced in Joshua 2:1 as a woman living in Jericho, a Canaanite city, just before the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. Despite her pagan background, Rahab’s story is one of faith, courage, and redemption.
Rahab’s Encounter with the Spies
In the account in Joshua 2, Rahab’s house was situated on the city wall of Jericho. When two Israelite spies were sent to scout the land, including Jericho, they lodged at Rahab’s house. The king of Jericho learned of their presence and sent orders for Rahab to surrender the spies. However, Rahab hid the men and told the king’s messengers that the spies had already left the city.
Rahab then revealed to the spies her belief in the God of Israel, recounting how the fear of the Israelites had fallen upon her people because of the mighty works God had done for Israel, such as the parting of the Red Sea. She declared her faith, saying:
“I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt” (Joshua 2:9-10, NASB).
Rahab’s faith in the God of Israel prompted her to seek mercy for herself and her family. The spies agreed, instructing her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign for the Israelites to spare her household during the attack on Jericho (Joshua 2:18-21).
The Fall of Jericho and Rahab’s Salvation
When the Israelites eventually attacked Jericho, they followed God’s unusual battle plan, marching around the city for seven days before the walls fell. True to the agreement, Rahab and her family were spared and brought out of the city. Joshua 6:25 records:
“However, Rahab the harlot and her father’s household and all she had, Joshua spared; and she has lived in the midst of Israel to this day, for she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.”
Rahab in the New Testament
Rahab’s Faith Commended
Rahab’s faith and actions are highlighted in the New Testament as exemplary. Hebrews 11:31 commends her faith, stating:
“By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.”
James 2:25 emphasizes that her faith was demonstrated by her works:
“In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?”
These passages underline that Rahab’s faith was active and resulted in righteous deeds.
Rahab in the Genealogy of Jesus
Significantly, Rahab is included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:5 lists her as the mother of Boaz, who was the great-grandfather of King David:
“Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse.”
This inclusion highlights God’s grace and the expansive nature of His redemptive plan, embracing even a Gentile woman with a checkered past.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Faith in Action
Rahab’s story teaches modern Christians the importance of putting faith into action. Her belief in the God of Israel was not passive but led her to take significant risks to protect the spies. This active faith aligns with the teachings of James, who asserts that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Christians are encouraged to demonstrate their faith through acts of kindness, bravery, and obedience to God’s leading.
God’s Redemption and Grace
Rahab’s transformation from a Canaanite prostitute to an honored member of the Israelite community and ancestor of Jesus Christ illustrates the breadth of God’s redemptive power. It shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. This powerful message assures believers that regardless of their past, God can use them for His purposes if they turn to Him in faith.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Mercy and Sovereignty
Rahab’s story exemplifies God’s mercy and sovereignty. Despite her background, Rahab recognized the true God and sought His mercy, which was granted. This reflects God’s character as merciful and just, willing to forgive and accept anyone who turns to Him, as highlighted in Romans 10:13, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
God’s Inclusive Plan
Rahab’s inclusion in the lineage of Jesus underscores God’s inclusive plan of salvation. Her story shows that God’s love and redemption are available to all, regardless of their ethnic or social background. Galatians 3:28 affirms this inclusivity, stating, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
Rahab and the Lineage of the Messiah
Rahab’s place in the genealogy of Jesus emphasizes that the Messiah’s lineage includes Gentiles and those with imperfect pasts, highlighting God’s plan to save all humanity. Matthew 1:1-16 traces Jesus’ lineage through figures like Rahab, demonstrating that God’s redemptive work through Christ is comprehensive and all-encompassing.
A Foreshadowing of Salvation
Rahab’s scarlet cord, which marked her house for salvation, is often seen as a foreshadowing of the blood of Christ. Just as the cord saved Rahab and her family from destruction, the blood of Jesus saves believers from eternal separation from God. 1 Peter 1:18-19 speaks of this redemption, saying, “You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold… but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”
Conclusion
Rahab’s story is a profound narrative of faith, redemption, and God’s inclusive plan of salvation. Her transformation from a Canaanite harlot to a celebrated ancestor of Jesus Christ demonstrates the power of God’s grace and mercy. For modern Christians, Rahab’s example teaches the importance of active faith, the reach of God’s redemptive love, and the assurance that God can use anyone for His divine purposes. Through Rahab, we see a foreshadowing of the ultimate salvation brought by Jesus Christ, highlighting the continuity and depth of God’s redemptive work throughout history.