How was Rahab living in faith?
Apr 28, 2011 · For her courageous faith, this woman with a bad reputation was enrolled among the faithful in the book of Hebrews—the only woman, besides Sarah, named there (Hebrews 11:31). James used Rahab as an example of how a character can be transformed by a living faith that yields works (James 2:25).
Was Rahab justified by works?
Rahab: Between Faith and Works. Although widely viewed, especially by its Christian interpreters, as scripture for an emerging religious sect, the Hebrew Bible has, I maintain, a much more ambitious agenda, serving as the blueprint for a new kind of nationhood. The New Testament authors adopted and adapted this blueprint in keeping with their ...
What does the Bible say about Rahab?
Rahab Justified By Works. James now picks out another Hebrew Bible character, Rahab, to prove his point on justification by works. Paul uses her also, but as an example of faith. "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace" (Heb. 11:31). Paul emphasizes the faith that prompted her to receive the spies.
How did Rahab get saved?
Rahab is mentioned as the mother of Boaz in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Boaz is the man who marries Ruth, the woman who clings to her mother-in-law even after the death of her first husband. In a famous declaration of loyalty (Ruth 2:16), she says: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.
What is significant about Rahab in the Bible?
Rahab Saves the Spies and Saves Her Family A Canaanite woman living in Jericho, Rahab is a prostitute who is also a biblical heroine. According to the narrative in Joshua 2, before the conquest of Canaan, Joshua sends two men as spies to see the land. They come to Rahab's house for lodging, information, and/or sex.Nov 15, 2017
What does Rahab symbolize?
Rahab (Hebrew: רַהַב, Modern: Rahav, Tiberian: Rahaḇ, "blusterer") is used in the Hebrew Bible to indicate pride or arrogance, a mystical sea monster, as an emblematic or poetic name for Egypt, and for the sea.
What are the characteristics of Rahab in the Bible?
Tikva Frymer-Kensky regards Rahab as "smart, proactive, tricky and unafraid to disobey and deceive her king". She also credits Rahab with being "one of Israel's early saviors" due to "her allegiance to God and Israel".
What does it mean to be justified by works?
justification by works in American English noun. Theology. the belief that a person becomes just before God by the performance of good works: the doctrine against which Luther protested in inaugurating the Protestant Reformation.
Who pleased God in the Bible?
Enoch pleased God because of his relationship with God, and the Lord said, “Enoch, this is what pleases Me most. Let's walk into eternity together.” What's interesting is that this is exactly what the Lord said about His Son, Jesus.Feb 26, 2016
What does James teach about faith and works?
According to James, the moral principles of good conduct such as love, honesty, faithfulness, and charity must be revealed in the life and work of a Christian. Without that, the faith of a Christian is useless. Thus, faith without work cannot save a person.Nov 12, 2021
Can you be saved by faith alone?
God's Word says that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not by our own efforts or works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace Alone. Faith Alone. Grace alone means that God loves, forgives, and saves us not because of who we are or what we do, but because of the work of Christ.
What does Paul mean by justification by faith alone?
According to the doctrine of The New Church, as explained by Emanuel Swedenborg, the doctrine of justification by faith alone is a false belief which forms the foundation of much of Protestant theology. Man must of his own volition justify himself, and yet believe that justification comes from God only.
Rahab: Demonstrating Courageous Faith
She had a reputation no woman would ever want: she was a harlot, a prostitute. But she was also a woman whose courage and faith in God would transcend her reputation and place her in the lineage of the Messiah.
About the author
Derrick G. Jeter holds a master of theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and served as a writer for the Creative Ministries Department of Insight for Living Ministries. He has authored or coauthored more than twenty-five books.
Who is Rahab in the Bible?
Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible. Em ory University. August 2020. Rahab has a long and complex afterlife in the history of biblical interpretation. For the rabbis, she represents the prototypical “righteous proselyte” who, despite her Canaanite descent and fame as a fille de joie, becomes a full member of Israel.
What is Rahab's profession?
Rahab’s profession of Yhwh’s power is one of the lengthiest and most forceful in the Hebrew Bible (see below). By drawing on the account, writers in the early church could buttress a soteriology that prioritized belief and confessions of faith.
What is hospitality in the Bible?
Practiced widely throughout ancient Mediterranean societies, hospitality is central to the moral vision of both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament and an important theme of Clement’s Epistle. [6] . When the king of Jericho learns about the spies at Rahab’s home, he sends soldiers to seize and execute them.
How long did the walls of Jericho fall?
In the preceding verse, we are told that “by faith, the walls of Jericho fell after the people marched around them for seven days .”. In keeping with the same line of reasoning, Rahab’s reception of the spies testifies to her faith inasmuch as the destruction of Jericho was still a future event.
What is the difference between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament?
To state the difference simply: The Hebrew Bible is a project of creating one nation, while the New Testament is a project of creating a community whose members hail from all nations. Likewise, the Hebrew Bible is about creating an identity that is capable of withstanding national defeat, while the New Testament is about creating an identity capable of withstanding Jesus’s death and delayed return.
Where was the first epistle written?
First Epistle of Clement. Written to the church at Corinth in the wake of a communal crisis, the First Epistle of Clement is one of the earliest Christian writings and is likely older than a number the New Testament books.
Did Rahab the Harlot perish?
The author declares that “by faith, Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who were disobedient because she had received the spies in peace” (11:31). As in Clement’s letter, faith is tethered to hospitality, even if the term philoxenia doesn’t appear here.
What does James say about Rahab?
I love the way the writer in James says that Rahab is credited with righteousness for her actions. Not her holiness, not her thoughts, but her actions based on a firm faith that God would prevail. Rahab offers a real-life example of how faith manifests itself in action and how action instills faith.
Why was Rahab saved?
We learn that she has been saved because of her faith and obedience to God (Hebrews 11:31) and she is considered righteous for her actions (giving lodging to the spies and sending the Canaanites in a different direction, James 2:28). Rahab is mentioned as the mother of Boaz in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
How does transformation happen?
Transformation often happens through action that reveals and develops faith, not passive belief. A great example is that of Rahab, who acts on behalf of God’s people and is transformed from pagan prostitute to matriarch of the faith.
What is the one thing I adore about Rahab?
The one thing I adore about Rahab is how she fiercely protects her family. She risks her life for them. The deal that she makes with the spies is centered on taking care of her mother, father, brothers, sisters, and their families.
What does Rahab do strategically?
Rahab strategically plots her course , admitting to seeing the spies but not revealing where they were when the king’s messengers came to visit. She diverts the government officials away from her home and to the surrounding wilderness outside of the city’s gates.
What does Rahab do to Naomi and Boaz?
As mother of Boaz, Rahab most likely passed along the need to protect the innocent and honor promises. Years later, when Ruth (a beautiful woman and Rahab’s future daughter-in-law) arrives with Naomi but unaccompanied by a male relative, Boaz asks his men to watch over her. This directive makes sure that no man takes advantage of Ruth. Later, when Naomi urges Ruth to bring up marriage to Boaz, he makes sure that the family honors Israelite promises. First, he presents the opportunity of marrying Ruth to a kinsman according to protocol, then he fulfills the promise by marrying her.
Why is Canaan important?
Canaan is important because the Lord had promised the land to the Israelites many years before. But Moses didn’t provide the leadership needed to claim this promised land. He sent spies who become scared of the enemy and spread fear that paralyzes his people. Their inaction comes to mean a lack of faith.
Who is Rahab in the Bible?
But her story goes far beyond simply being a harlot, or "loose woman". Rahab was also a Canaanite, who were the hated enemies of Israel.
What does the Bible say about the friend of sinners?
He called himself “the friend of sinners,” and he said he didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. He said, “The Son of man has come to seek and to save that which is lost.”. ( Luke 19:10) The same grace that Rahab experienced is now available to you and me.
Where did the spies hide in the Book of Joshua?
The spies hid in Rahab's house, which was constructed into the city wall.
Who is the father of Judah?
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse... Read the full lineage of Jesus in Matthew 1
Was Rahab a Canaanite?
Rahab was also a Canaanite, who were the hated enemies of Israel. The most remarkable deed of Rahab was actually telling a lie, to protect two spies of Joshua. Hence, it is strange that a Harlot, a Canaanite, and a liar is known as a distinguished Bible figure.
Why did Rahab fear God?
Because of Rahab fearing God, she was able to begin developing godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 15:33). Rahab feared God and as a result, her life and the life of her family was spared from the destruction of Jericho (Proverbs 10:27; 14:27). Like Rahab, dedicate your life to learning the right kind of fear towards God.
What is the significance of Rahab's story?
Rahab’s story illustrates that God’s purpose is not limited to your past. Joshua, now the leader of Israel, sent two spies to scout the city. In the course of event, these spies happened to come to the place of Rahab and the King of Jericho ordered for these men to be captured.
Where is Rahab from?
Rahab is a harlot or prostitute living in Jericho, a Canaanite city. Because of her faith, she and her family were spared from the total destruction of Jericho. Ultimately, she was used by God to play a role in forming the lineage of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Why is Rahab mentioned in Hebrews 11?
She is commended and mentioned in Hebrews 11 because of Rahab courageous faith and not her lying.
What is the city of Jericho?
The city of Jericho is one of the central and most prominent places for idol worship. The Canaanites are bent on worshiping Ashtaroth, the goddess of the moon. Rahab is living in the midst of the vilest and most abominable Canaanite religion, which she is part of. In our society today, prostitutes are looked down upon.
Is God merciful?
God is a very merciful God. Throughout the Bible, we have seen many descriptions of His undying mercy towards His people. Just to give an example, here’s what Lamentations 3:22-23 state:
Why did Rahab not have the right guide?
Because of this, she did not have the right guide and “instruction manual” to become a godly woman.
What does the Book of Joshua say about the first movement of the Conquest?
The Book of Joshua marks the moment and describes the first movements of the Conquest: “ And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, ‘Go, view the land , especially Jericho.’ And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there ” ( Joshua 2:1 ).
What is the scarlet cord of the covenant of God's grace?
How very beautiful to think that it is a scarlet cord of the covenant of God's grace that binds all of the Word of God together. And in Christ Jesus, the blood-stained crimson cross of shame became the gleaming symbol of salvation. Rahab’s faith in God engrafted her into a new family. Even more, Rahab was, soon, ...
Who recognized the God of Israel?
Rahab recognized the God of Israel. She trusted in him for the righteousness she could not produce in her own life: “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.
Who was the harlot in the Bible?
The woman who had been called a harlot became a godly wife and mother in Israel . She and her husband became the parents of a boy named Boaz. And that boy would one day marry a widow woman by the name of Ruth ( Ruth 4:5, 10). Thus, as God worked all things together for the good, using the humble and the most unlikely, God raised up a harlot to become the great-great-grandmother of King David. From the line of Rahab came the Messiah of Israel, the Savior of the world, our God and King, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no more touching story of God's glorious grace than the genealogical introduction to the birth of Jesus by faith through the line of Joseph in Matthew chapter 1. Among the many stories that are interwoven in that wonderful section of the Bible, the woman of the scarlet cord takes her honored place.
Did Rahab believe in God?
She not only believed in God but she also acted. For Rahab trusted in God who fulfilled the covenantal promise to Abraham that he would be given land from which would bring a nation, and a descendant, who would bless the earth.
Was Rahab a prostitute?
Of course, the Canaanites were infamous for cultic prostitution related to idolatrous worship. It may very well have been that Rahab was "a religious prostitute” in pagan practices. We only know what the Bible reveals.
