What did Rahab do to help the Israelites?
Aug 15, 2021 · Whether we remember her as Rahab the harlot or innkeeper, she was a Biblical heroine. We may be able to understand the chronology of the story by examining whether Rahab lived on the wall of Jericho or in the city’s casemate. The structure of the city wall varied in different periods in ancient Israel.
Why did the two men promise to protect Rahab and her family?
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.
How did Rahab protect the spies of Joshua?
Jan 04, 2022 · At the battle of Jericho, the walls of the city fell down, and the people of Jericho were defeated. Rahab’s family, however, was spared: “But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day ...
What happened to Rahab and Moses 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 is the importance of 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
Why is it important for the Israelites to enter the promise land?
The concept of the Promised Land is the central tenet of Zionism, whose discourse suggests that modern Jews descend from the Israelites and Maccabees through whom they inherit the right to re-establish their "national homeland".
What promises do the spies make to Rahab and her family?
— Joshua 2:9-13, King James Version. After escaping, the spies promised to spare Rahab and her family after taking the city, even if there should be a massacre, if she would mark her house by hanging a red cord out the window.
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 happened when the Israelites reached the Promised Land?
For 40 years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, eating quail and manna. They were led into the Promised Land by Joshua; the victory at Jericho marked the beginning of possession of the land. As victories were won, the tracts of land were assigned to each tribe, and they lived peacefully with each other.
When did the Israelites enter the Promised Land?
During the transition from the Late Bronze to the Early Iron Age—probably about 1250 bce—the Israelites entered Canaan, settling at first in the hill country and in the south. The Israelites' infiltration was opposed by the Canaanites, who continued to hold the stronger cities of the region.
How do you explain Rahab to a child?
0:513:46Rahab Bible Story for Kids - Joshua 2 | Sharefaith Kids - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipShe was an immoral and careless woman who attracted a steady stream of people sharing in herMoreShe was an immoral and careless woman who attracted a steady stream of people sharing in her lifestyle.
Who sent the spies to Jericho?
Bible Gateway Joshua 2 :: NIV. Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. "Go, look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho." So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. The king of Jericho was told, "Look!
How long did Rahab tell the spies to hide?
three daysRahab followed their instructions to the letter, just as the spies followed Rahab's advice. After hiding for three days in the hills, the spies escaped detection and returned safely to Joshua, reporting to him what had transpired and what they had observed.
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).
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.
Who is Boaz's mother?
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 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.
Why did Joshua spare Rahab?
Rahab’s family, however, was spared: “But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho— and she lives among the Israelites to this day” ( Joshua 6:25 ). Rahab’s name would later be mentioned in three important places in the New Testament.
What did Rahab say to the spies?
In her conversation with the spies, Rahab declared her faith, saying, “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” ( Joshua 2:11 ).
Why did Joshua send two spies into the city?
Before Israel’s battle against the city of Jericho, Joshua sent two spies into the city to investigate ( Joshua 2 ). When these two spies’ presence was discovered, the spies hid in Rahab the harlot’s house to avoid capture.
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.
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.
Who was Rahab's husband?
Only Rahab and her family were spared. Ultimately, Rahab married Salmon, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah. Her son was Boaz, the husband of Ruth. Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, is her direct descendant. Rahab was a young Canaanite prostitute and as such not a very likely candidate for a heroine of the faith.
Was Rahab intelligent?
It is clear that Rahab was perceptive, intelligent and well informed. Rahab identified the spies for what they were, hid them, and had a plausible story ready with which to deceive the king’s agents. Rahab didn’t deny that she had entertained the men.
Was Rahab a pagan?
She was a citizen of a wicked city that was under God’s condemnation. Rahab was part of a corrupt, depraved, pagan culture. She had not benefited from the godly leadership of Moses or Joshua. However, Rahab had one asset—she had heard from the many men she came into contact with that the Israelites were to be feared.
What does the Bible say about salvation?
But the Bible tells us, concerning Jesus Christ, that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" ( Acts 4:12 ).
Was Rahab a prostitute?
Rahab was a young Canaanite prostitute and as such not a very likely candidate for a heroin e of the faith . Jericho was one of the principal seats of idol worship, being especially devoted to Ashtaroth, the goddess of the moon. Here was centered all that was the vilest and most degrading in the religion of the Canaanites.
What did Rahab believe?
Rahab put her faith in the God of the Israelites. Later, the people of Jericho surely shook with fear when they learned that Jehovah had miraculously stopped up the Jordan River, allowing Israel to cross over on the dry riverbed.
What did Rahab say about God?
Rahab then revealed something of even greater importance to us. She said: “Jehovah your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”. ( Joshua 2:11) The reports she had heard about Jehovah were enough to teach her at least this much: Israel’s God was worthy of her trust. She put her faith in Jehovah.
Why did Joshua send the spies to Jericho?
Their commander, Joshua, had sent them to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of Jericho. This was the first city of Canaan that Israel was to invade and perhaps the strongest of them all. Joshua wanted to know just what he and his men would be facing. The spies no doubt chose Rahab’s house deliberately.
Where did the spies hide in the caves?
There were many caves along the steep slopes to the north of Jericho where the spies could hide until it was safe to return to the Israelite camp with the good news that they had acquired from Rahab.
Who was Rahab married to?
After the battle, Rahab was allowed to dwell near the encampment of Israel. In time, Rahab became part of the Jewish people. She married a man named Salmon. Their son, Boaz, grew up to be a man of remarkable faith.
What does the Bible say about faith?
We can learn an essential truth about faith from Rahab. As the Bible puts it, “faith follows the thing heard.”. ( Romans 10:17) She heard reliable reports about the power and the justice of Jehovah God, so she put her faith and trust in him. Today, we have far more knowledge about Jehovah available to us.
What does the story of Rahab show?
Rahab’s story shows that none of us are insignificant to Jehovah. He sees us all, he reads our hearts, and he is delighted when he finds a spark of faith like the one that lit up the heart of Rahab. Her faith moved her to action. As the Bible says, she was “declared righteous by works.”.
Who led the Jews to the Promised Land?
The Jews finally entered the Promised Land of Canaan after wandering 40 years in the desert. Moses had died and they were now led by Joshua, a mighty warrior. Joshua secretly sent two spies to scout out the fortified city of Jericho. Rahab ran an inn built on the Jericho city wall where she hid the spies on her rooftop.
Why did Joshua spare Rahab the prostitute?
But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho-- and she lives among the Israelites to this day. (NIV) Hebrews 11:31. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
What does the red cord on Rahab's window represent?
Some scholars believe the red cord Rahab hung from her window represents sacrificial blood, the blood of animals in the Old Testament and the blood of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Rahab had heard stories of how the Lord delivered the Jews from the hand of their enemy.
Where did Rahab hide the spies?
Rahab ran an inn built on the Jericho city wall where she hid the spies on her rooftop. When the king of Jericho learned the men had been to Rahab's house, he sent orders for her to turn them over. She lied to the king's soldiers concerning the whereabouts of the spies and sent them off in the opposite direction.
Who is Jack Zavada?
Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". Rahab was one of those unexpected characters in the Bible.
What did Rahab know about the Israelites?
Rahab had heard about the Israelites and she was afraid of them. Rahab understood that the God of Israel, a very powerful God (really THE ONLY GOD) was about to give the city into the hands of the Israelites.
Why did Israel not trust God?
God’s intention all along was to bring them into the Promised Land, but this was delayed by 40 years because of Israel’s sin. Israel did not trust God, even after they had seen all of God’s Miracles.
What did the Israelites cry out to the Lord?
The Lord then used Moses to part the sea and made a way for the Israelites to cross over on dry land.
How did the Israelites enter the Promised Land?
In the same manner that the Israelites entered the wilderness, they left the wilderness. After mourning for Moses at the foot of the Mountain (Mt . Nebo), where he had died, the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. In order to enter the land, they had to cross the Jordan River. This was the rainy season and the Jordan was flooded.
Where did the Israelites meet God?
The Israelites then entered the wilderness (desert), and it’s here where they met God . Not long after the Israelites entered the Wilderness, they arrived at Mt. Sinai, a Mountain, to receive the ten commandments, God’s laws, God’s Word, God’s plan for the Tabernacle.
Who was Moses' apprentice?
Joshua , Moses’ apprentice of sorts, was the one selected to bring the people into the land. Joshua secretly sent in two spies to check out the Promised Land and the powerful city of Jericho. Jericho was a major Canaanite city.
What did God feed the Israelites?
In the desert, the Israelites faced hardships such as starvation, thirst, hypothermia and terrible enemies, but God fed them with manna from Heaven, He brought water from the Rock for them to drink, He sheltered them from the hot desert sun with the pillar of cloud and warmed them at night with the pillar of fire.
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.
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 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.
Where did Rahab hide the spies?
But they were, and when Jericho’s king demanded Rahab turn over the spies, she bravely hid them in piles of flax on her roof, telling the king’s men they’d already fled. That night, as the two spies were safely hidden on her roof, Rahab made a bold claim and request.
What was the first city in Israel?
After wandering 40 years, Israel was poised to take the land of Canaan and the first city in its sights was Jericho. Joshua sent two spies into Jericho who went into the house of Rahab, a prostitute whose home was on Jericho’ s walls. Subscribe for a FREE. 100 Days with Christ Bible Study.
Who is the father of Judah and his brothers?
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron,
Who is the father of Judah?
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Matthew 1:1-5.