One of the remarkable and inspiring attributes of God is to take social outcasts and build his kingdom on the simple faith of these often despised individuals. Jesus was frequently accused of consorting with sinners and those ostracized by normal society. In John 4:4ff he confronts the “woman at the well,” a prostitute, and transforms her life. Some of his most ardent followers were tax collectors, men reviled in the ancient world. The story of the “harlot” Rahab in the Old Testament book of Joshua is one of the best examples of this transforming power.
Rahab Justified by Faith and Works
Rahab was a well known prostitute in the Amorite city of Jericho. It was in her house that the two spies of Joshua received hospitality and were hidden from the king’s guards under a pile of drying flax on the roof of the house. This act alone was treason and could have brought death to Rahab. Yet this woman of faith, despite her background and low community standing, recognized the God of Israel.
In Joshua 2.11 Rahab gives her declaration of faith: “…for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” Under cover of darkness, the spies were let down a rope for Rahab’s house was built into the city wall. With good directions, they returned to Joshua who then used their information to plan his attack.
Rahab had been given assurances that she and her family would be spared. The sign was the scarlet rope, hanging from the top of the house on the outside wall. In many ways, the scarlet rope is a reminder of the Passover during the final plague before the Exodus: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Ex. 12.13) Rahab and her family were saved and she world go on to marry one of the spies, bearing him children, one of whom was Boaz.
The Royal Line of Jesus
Boaz married Ruth and had children leading to the royal line of David. In Matthew 1.5, Rahab is mentioned in the ancestry of Jesus. For this reason, some scholars have disputed her occupation as “harlot,” preferring the alternate rendering of “innkeeper.” Yet both the Hebrew and Greek terms employed clearly mean harlot. It is also significant that one meaning of the name Rahab was “insolence.”
In the New Testament book of Hebrews Rahab is identified as a woman justified by faith (11.31) while James adds that she was justified by works as well (2.25). This makes her a role model for all people of faith. Further, Rahab was not selfishly interested in herself alone. Her deliverance included her entire family. These one-time idol worshipers turned from former practices and were adopted in the family of God.
The Meaning of the Story
To include Rahab in the ancestral line of Jesus sends a powerful message. As Jesus often stated, he came to minister to the sinner. This message has often been lost in contemporary religion. In some church congregations, being a sinner, let alone a notorious one like Rahab, would disqualify one from the sanctuary doors.
Contemporary churches prefer “sanitized” members whose good standing in the community enhances the worship community. Of course, such justifications are rationalized and outreaches to really bad sinners, such as prison ministries, are encouraged as long as felons don’t sit in the pews. No doubt Rahab would have strong words for such practices today.
Sources:
- New American Standard Bible (Chicago: Moody Press, 1973)
- Nathan Isaacs, “Rahab,” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Volume IV (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eeerdman’s Publishing Co., 1939)
- Herbert Lockyer, All the Women of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House [no publication date])
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