Rahab the Prostitute Protected Israel's Spies
Rahab's Faith Earned Her Recognition in the Lineage of Jesus
King David was an ancestor of Jesus, and Rahab was the great, great, grandmother of King David (Matthew 1:5-6). It is rare that women, especially Old Testament women gain recognition unless they are infamous, as Delilah and Jezebel, or, hold a special role in God's plan, like Deborah and Esther.
Rahab could have been infamous. She was a well known prostitute. Instead, she is remembered for her faith and trust in the God of Israel.
Rahab's Home in Jericho
Rahab's home/business was located on top of the ancient Wall of Jericho. Evidently, the wall at that time was built in such a fashion as to uphold businesses and residences.
She must have had a successful business, because Scripture implies/hints that she took care of her family. This was unusual in itself, because women of this time generally depended upon the men in the family for their care and sustenance. A woman without a man suffered harshly in poverty.
Rahab was not a Jewess. She was of the Amorite culture. This particular culture had earned God's wrath and discipline. It was about to be destroyed.
Israel's Fame
The destruction of Egypt's Pharaoh and his charioteers was well known within this culture.
The Amorites feared God, but did not fear nor respect God enough to forsake their evil, except for Rahab. God had reached the end of His tolerance.
Joshua's Spies Encounter Rahab
Like Moses before him, Joshua sent out two spies into Jericho. Upon entering the city they came across Rahab's residence. Why Rahab? Scripture doesn't explain. Perhaps through divine leadership, because God already knew the condition of Rahab's heart. He knew she would trust in Him.
The spies were evidently seen by someone, because shortly after they arrived officials knocked on Rahab's door inquiring about them. Rahab lied, feigning ignorance of their presence. In reality, she hid them under stalks of flax upon the roof of her house. Later, she allowed them to escape by lowering them to the ground through a window.
Rahab's Request
Rahab knew Israel would attack Jericho. She asked protection for her family. The spies directed her to hang a scarlet cord from the window of their escape, thus, when Israel's warriors saw it, they would not harm her or her family.
Conquest of Jericho
Per God's instructions, the Israel warriors were to carry the Ark of the Covenant and march around the city once a day for seven days, consecutively.
On the seventh day the Israel warriors were to march around the city seven times and then blow a ram's horn. Upon the completion of the instructions, the walls of Jericho fell, except that portion of the wall which provided the foundation for Rahab's residence.
Rahab's Faith and the New Testament
Rahab is honored in the New Testament for her faith, mentioned in, Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25. Once she sided with the Israelite spies, she abandoned her own faith, culture and her former profession.
It must be highlighted that she was not honored for her lie or her seedy career, but for her faith. This glimpse into her life perhaps was not only reflective of the blood on the doorpost which saved the first-born of Israel during their captivity in Egypt, but also gives a foreshadowing of grace as found in the New Testament. Perhaps also, a foreshadowing of the nature of the ministry of Jesus, who welcomed the outcasts of society.
Related Reading on Biblical Love Stories
Other Biblical love stories include Ruth and Naomi along with Abigail and David and David and Jonathan.
Source:
- John MacArthur, Twelve Extraordinary Women, Thomas Nelson Publishing, Nashville, Tennessee, 2005, pgs. 51-67.
Taking of Jericho
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Ark of the Covenant
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