Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. Whenever the Army of Israel entered Canaan, Rahab acted according to a prearranged plan and hung out a scarlet cord from the window of her establishment. Thus, she and her family were saved.
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What did Rahab do in the Bible?
However, less well known is the account of Rahab recorded in Joshua 2:1–24, 6:2–5, and 6:20–25. Just as the Israelites' faith in God led to their victory, Rahab's faith saved her family and played a key role in the Israelites' success over Jericho. ... Rahab is the first Gentile recorded in the Bible as having converted to Judaism. In ...
What does the Bible say about rehabilitation?
Apr 01, 2019 · 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. You wouldn’t think she would have much chance of making the list of renowned ...
Who was Rahab of Jericho in the Bible?
Rahab Lived In Jericho. We learn in Joshua 2 that Rahab lived in the city of Jericho. Jericho was a mighty, fortified city in the land of Canaan. The inhabitants of Jericho were adversaries of the Israelites. Therefore, at first glance, Rahab seemed to be Israel’s enemy. However, if we continue reading her story in Joshua 2 we find that Rahab ...
How is Rahab like the midwife in the Bible?
Jan 04, 2022 · Rahab’s story is found in Joshua 2–6. This passage describes the conquest of the fortified city of Jericho by the Israelites. In its day, Jericho was the most important Canaanite fortress city in the Jordan Valley. It was a stronghold directly in the path of the advancing Israelites, who had just crossed the Jordan River ( Joshua 3:1-17 ).
What was Rahab known for 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.
Who is Rahab and what did she do?
Rahab (/ˈreɪhæb/; Hebrew: רָחָב, Modern: Raẖav, Tiberian: Rāḥāḇ, "broad", "large", Arabic: رحاب, a vast space of a land) was, according to the Book of Joshua, a woman who lived in Jericho in the Promised Land and assisted the Israelites in capturing the city by hiding two men who had been sent to scout the city prior ...
How did Rahab show faith?
The NT rightly commends Rahab for her faith, emphasizing what she did for the Israelite spies: "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient" (Heb 11: 31), and "Was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging ...
What is a harlot in the Bible?
noun. a prostitute or promiscuous woman.
Who were the 2 spies that went to Jericho?
Joshua and Caleb were the two spies who brought back a good report and believed that God would help them succeed. They were the only men from their generation permitted to go into the Promised Land after the time of wandering.
What does the name Rahab mean in Hebrew?
In Biblical Names the meaning of the name Rahab is: Large; extended (name of a woman).
Who led the Israelites into the Promised Land?
JoshuaAfter Moses, Joshua leads Israel upward into the promised land of Canaan. At 120 years of age, Moses bid his people farewell. In his last address — embodied in the book of Deuteronomy — he reviewed the soul-focusing, mind-elevating statutes and ordinances of "the Law."Oct 21, 2010
Is Boaz the son of Rahab?
Hebrew Bible The son of Salmon and his wife Rahab, Boaz was a wealthy landowner of Bethlehem in Judea, and relative of Elimelech, Naomi's late husband. He notices Ruth, the widowed Moabite daughter-in-law of Naomi, a relative of his (see family tree), gleaning grain in his fields.
Why is Ruth important in the Bible?
The book of Ruth demonstrates God's grace toward people. In fact, the meaning of the name Ruth is “grace.” In the story, Ruth received blessings from God that she did not merit. And, being a Moabite woman, she received God's blessings despite her status as a gentile woman.Sep 29, 2017
Who was bathing on the roof in the Bible?
BathshebaBathsheba was a daughter of Eliam and was probably of noble birth. A beautiful woman, she became pregnant after David saw her bathing on a rooftop and had her brought to him. David then ordered that Uriah be moved to the front-line of a battle, where he was killed.
What happened to Rahab after she escaped?
By placing a red cord out her window, Rahab secured her and her family's safety. When the city of Jericho fell, Rahab and her whole family were saved from the agreement of the spies and were included among the Jewish people.
What was Rahab's most remarkable deed?
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. You wouldn’t think she would have much chance of making the list of renowned biblical characters, but there she is.
Why did the men hide in Rahab's house?
That was her “trade.”. The men hid there because people would be accustomed to seeing strangers come and go at all hours of the night. We also can’t deny the fact that Rahab told a bald-faced lie.
Why is Jesus' genealogy in the Bible?
This genealogy is in the Bible because it lets us know that he had a background a lot like yours and mine. He called himself “the friend of sinners,” and he said he didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
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
Who is Rahab in the genealogy of Jesus Christ?
Rahab in the Genealogy of Jesus Christ. 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, ...
Who said the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord?
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest : “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord .” Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. ...
What did Peter say to the Gentiles?
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” But Peter began and explained it to them in order: “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. ...
What does the Lord say about the humble?
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.
What does Paul say about meekness?
I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ —I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, ...
What do the Gentiles want to do?
For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ...
How to be raised with Christ?
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ...
Why did Saul ask for letters to the synagogues?
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ...
Who is Rahab in Hebrews 11?
Rahab is one of two women recorded in Hebrews 11 (aka – The Hall of Faith). How did she become known in this way? Let’s take a look at the story of Rahab and the spies.
Who is Rahab's son in the Bible?
Matthew chapter 1 also reveals Rahab’s son in the Bible. After marrying Salmon, we see that Rahab bore him a son, Boaz. Salmon and Boaz are within the lineage of Christ.
What was Rahab known for?
Although Rahab has become known in God’s Word as being a resident of Jericho, and for her entanglement in harlotry, she is most commonly known for her faith!
What did the people of Jericho fear?
While the vast majority of the inhabitants of Jericho feared their own destruction, Rahab was beginning to understand the fear of the Lord.
Where did Rahab live?
Rahab Lived In Jericho. We learn in Joshua 2 that Rahab lived in the city of Jericho. Jericho was a mighty, fortified city in the land of Canaan. The inhabitants of Jericho were adversaries of the Israelites. Therefore, at first glance, Rahab seemed to be Israel’s enemy.
What does Hebrews 11:6 say about faith?
Hebrews 11:6 says that “without faith it is impossible to please Him…”. God honored Rahab’s faith by not only sparing her life, but also giving her a place among his people.
What does Proverbs 9:10 mean?
Proverbs 9:10 says that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. We can definitely see this principle played out in the life of Rahab. Her healthy fear of the Lord granted her the wisdom she needed to prepare for the preservation of herself and her family.
What does the Bible say about Rahab?
Many Bible commentators, eager to remove the stigma of the designation “harlot” from one included in the genealogy of Christ ( Matthew 1:5 ), have described Rahab as a hostess or tavern keeper.
Why was Rahab saved?
Second, Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was saved because of her faith in "God in heaven above and on the earth below" ( Hebrews 11:31 ). Likewise, Christians are saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
Why did the agents not dare to risk stopping to search Rahab's house?
The agents did not dare to risk stopping to search Rahab’s house because, if they did, the spies might get away. Finally, the Canaanite prostitute gives the two Israelites excellent advice. She tells them to hide in the hills for three days before attempting to cross the Jordan.
What did Rahab hear about the Israelites?
She heard the stories of their escape from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the wanderings in the wilderness, and their recent victory over the Amorites.
How does Rahab depict the church?
First, she was part of a pagan world system, a prostitute, who by her conversion was enabled to become a legitimate bride.
Where did the Israelites go to escape the city of Jericho?
Safely escaping the city, the two spies returned to Joshua and reported that the "whole land was melting with fear.". The Israelites crossed the Jordan into Canaan where they laid siege to the city of Jericho. The city was completely destroyed, and every man, woman, and child in it was killed. Only Rahab and her family were spared.
What did Rahab's faith enable her to do?
Fifth, Rahab’s faith enabled her to turn away from her culture, her people, and her religion and to the Lord. Commitment to a true faith in God may necessitate setting priorities that are contrary to those of the world, as we are exhorted to do in Romans 12:2. Finally, once we come to Christ, our pasts no longer matter.
Who is Rahab in the Bible?
Who Was Rahab in the Bible? Rahab is one of five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus (Tamar, Bathsheba, Ruth, and Mary are the other three). This surprises a lot of people because Rahab’s life wasn’t a pretty one, but it certainly belongs.
What did Rahab abandon to cling to God?
4 Things Rahab Abandoned to Cling to God. 1. Her Loyalties. “So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.”. Then the woman took the two men and hid them.
What does Rahab do to the soldiers?
Rahab leads the soldiers to believe the spies had come and gone. As if that wasn’t enough risk, Rahab goes on to help the spies create a strategic and safe return home (Joshua 2:14-16). All for the HOPE of a new life, with the One True God and His people.
How did Rahab put her life at risk?
Rahab put her life at risk several times while helping the spies. The first time is mentioned in Joshua 2:4-7 when soldiers came to her door demanding she brings the spies to them. Rahab leads the soldiers to believe the spies had come and gone.
What did Rahab know about the life she had been living?
She KNEW the life she had been living was a lie and she was desperate to find the truth. 2. Rahab was quick to abandon the life she had built for the HOPE of a new one. Rahab put her life at risk several times while helping the spies.
What did God promise the Canaanites?
While the Canaanites were living large and partying doing all the things that grotesquely sinful things (child sacrifices, idol worship, pagan rituals including but not limited to sexual perversions), God was faithfully bringing the Israelites to the land He had promised them in Genesis 15:18-21 and Exodus 33:1-3. (from here on out we’ll refer to it as the Promised Land). It had been 40 years since Joshua, Israel’s leader at the time, had set eyes on the promised land. They had the chance to occupy it once before under the leadership of Moses, but despite God’s promise fear got the best of them. Instead of occupying the land as instructed, they convinced themselves they weren’t strong enough and opted to return to Egypt; the land God had just freed them from (see Numbers chapters 13 & 14).
When is the next Rahab Bible study?
A Rahab Bible Study: Digging Deep Into the Life of Rahab. By Lo November 5, 2020. March 1 , 2021. Sometimes we get this idea that to escape from the things that separate us from God we need to slowly wean ourselves off of them. What I admire so much about Rahab is that she took the “reckless” route.
Who is Rahab in Canaan?
Rahab is midwife and mother to Israel in its beginnings in Canaan. Rahab lets the two men out through her window, which is in the town wall. She requests a return for her act of ḥesed (NJPS, “I have shown loyalty”). She asks that she and her family be spared once the Israelites attack Jericho.
What is Rahab's family?
The extended family in her household consists of her parents, siblings, and “all who belong” to her parents and siblings (2:13, cf. 2:18; 6:22-23), presumably nieces and nephews and possibly servants. The household was the most numerous unit of society in ancient Israel. As such, it was the foundational building block of the sociopolitical structure. When Rahab and her family survive the conquest of Jericho, they thereby become part of the nation Israel, a system of tribes not city states (like Jericho). Her household as the site of female authority (cf. the household of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4) is incorporated into the new sociopolitical order.
What was the most important unit of society in ancient Israel?
The household was the most numerous unit of society in ancient Israel. As such, it was the foundational building block of the sociopolitical structure. When Rahab and her family survive the conquest of Jericho, they thereby become part of the nation Israel, a system of tribes not city states (like Jericho).
Who saved the spies?
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.
What did Joshua do before the Israelites crossed the Jordan?
Before the Israelites cross the Jordan, Joshua sends men to scout out the land. Arriving in Jericho, they decide to spend the night at the house of the prostitute Rahab. When Jericho’s ruler tries to apprehend them, Rahab hides them and then helps them escape through the window, thus saving their lives. In return, she and her household are spared ...
Why was Rahab important to Israel?
The Importance of Rahab. Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. Whenever the Army of Israel entered Canaan, Rahab acted according to a prearranged plan and hung out a scarlet cord from the window of her establishment.
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.
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 was the pivotal moment in the story of the Ancient Near East?
But there came a pivotal moment in the story of the Ancient Near East when God’s judgment came to the unrepentant peoples of Canaan, fulfilling the covenant made with the Patriarchs . One thinks of Auden’s remarkable poem, “The Fall of Rome,” when the movement of herds on the European tundra marked the march of Goths and Visigoths:
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.
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.
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.
What is the Greek word for Rahab?
The Greek word used to describe Rahab is “porne” the word from which we get “pornography.” “Porne” is only used for immorality. This in no way mars the righteousness of God who used such a person in the fulfillment of His purposes. Instead this incident serves to bring His mercy and grace into bold relief.
How did God love Rahab?
God loved Rahab. He knew what was going on in her life. He was able to do something about it. But, God did not keep Rahab from losing the security of her home nor did He prevent her from having to go through the agony of watching the Israelites march around the city for 7 days. Remember, she didn’t know that plan. When she stepped out in faith, He met her there. She trusted Him to rescue her, and He did. God judged her by her heart—the inward woman, not by her lifestyle—the outward appearance. He not only saved her life, but He forgave her past and gave her a new future. She chose to trust Him rather than submit to fear. Likewise, God forgives your past and gives you a new future. And, in any and all situations, you can count on these truths…
How did God judge the woman?
God judged her by her heart— the inward woman, not by her lifestyle—the outward appearance. He not only saved her life, but He forgave her past and gave her a new future. She chose to trust Him rather than submit to fear. Likewise, God forgives your past and gives you a new future.
What does the Bible say about courage?
It takes courage to overcome the past. “So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there” (Joshua 2:1). The Bible doesn’t hide the failings of people and Rahab’s reputation was tainted by her sinful past. She had to put her past behind her in order to move forward in God’s plan for her life.
Why did Rahab confess her faith in God?
Rahab confessed her faith in God before anything was done for her. She couldn’t know for certain that her family would be spared, but she had faith.
Why did Rahab put her past behind her?
She had to put her past behind her in order to move forward in God’s plan for her life. When the city of Jericho was being taken, Rahab and her family were rescued and led out to a place outside of the camp. It takes courage to assume risk.
What is the opposite of fear?
Faith is the opposite of fear. “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 2:11). Rahab’s fear could’ve led her to turn the spies over—perhaps leading to their death. However, Rahab made the choice of faith in the face ...
What did Rahab's fear lead her to?
Rahab’s fear could’ve led her to turn the spies over—perhaps leading to their death. However, Rahab made the choice of faith in the face of fear and it led to the deliverance of her family. Faith requires action.
What is the meaning of Rahab's story?
Rahab’s story is one of sacrifice, redemption, and hope for each of us who want to be that hero or heroine in the Christian faith for our families and /or community.
What does it take courage to change the course of your life?
It takes courage to change the course of your life. “They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel” (Joshua 6:23). Rahab’s family had only pagan rituals and religion as their guide. Their life destiny took a completely different course from what they’d ever experienced in Jericho.
