Rahab

Joshua 2

It is quite common for someone to be, sometimes unfairly, judged because of their past.  Perhaps during a period of their life they were involved in some sinful and/or illegal business, whether with drugs, alcohol, or any manner of carnal business.  Maybe they were associated with some disreputable people or held a questionable job.  They may be unfairly judged by others, and they also may judge themselves harshly, thinking that even God would never accept them, as they are too sinful.  Is anyone just too sinful to come to God for salvation?  And if they do, is anyone’s past too bad to ever be used by God for any ministry?  To those who judge others, or who judge themselves as being too sinful for God’s use, I would recommend that they read today’s Scripture and take a look at the life of this Biblical character.

Our Scripture opens with the children of Israel about to enter the land of Canaan, the land that the Lord God had promised their fathers.  They were preparing to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land.  The first target would be the city of Jericho, just opposite their position along the river.  Joshua decided to send two spies to check the city out and bring back a report (vs. 1).

Shortly after entering Jericho the two men met with a woman named Rahab, a woman who the Scripture says was a harlot or prostitute.  Let’s take a closer look at this woman.  The 1st century Roman-Jewish historian Josephus, along with some other early Rabbinic teachers and other Biblical scholars have said that Rahab or her family ran an inn in Jericho, and that likely Rahab offered other “services” for an additional fee.  This would make sense, as spies at that time would likely go to an inn with a tavern, as that would be a good place to gather information.

Word got out to the king of Jericho that there were Jewish spies in the city.  He figured they might be staying at Rahab’s, and wanted her to give them up (vs. 2-3).  However, Rahab has seed-sized faith in the God of Israel, and she decided to hide the spies.  She took them to the roof and hid them with the grain stalks on her roof (vs. 4-7).  After the king’s men left Rahab told the two Hebrew spies how the city has heard all about the Israelites from the day they came out of Egypt until then, and how Yahweh had taken care of them and fought for them.  She shared how they were terrified of their people, and then shared with them her faith in Yahweh, acknowledging that He is God of heaven and earth (vs. 11).   As Rahab lets them safely escape she asks that her life, and that of her family, be spared when they conquer Jericho (vs. 12-13).  They made that promise and later kept it.

Despite her background, Rahab demonstrated remarkable faith in the God of Israel.  She acknowledged Yahweh’s sovereignty, giving a powerful testimony of faith, a faith that moved her to act by hiding the spies and helping them safely escape.  Those actions demonstrated that her faith was real, not just empty words.  Centuries later in the New Testament James referenced her as an example of faith in action (James 2:25), and she is mentioned in “Faith’s Hall of Fame” (Hebrews 11:31).

Through the grace and mercy of God, Rahab, who was a prostitute and a Gentile Canaanite, served as a witness to the truth, and a role model of faith.  We are not accepted because we are great, but because of God’s compassion and mercy.  God accepted Rahab when she heard of Him and responded in faith.

Rahab’s inclusion in God’s plan, despite her sinful past, underscores the theme of redemption.  It showcases God’s grace and willingness to save anyone who turns to Him in faith.  Rahab’s scarlet cord (vs. 17-21) was symbolic of her commitment to repent of her sins, and turn from her pagan lifestyle to become one of God’s children.

The Lord God honored Rahab’s faith in a very special way by allowing her to be the ancestress of the royal line of David, and even greater, the ancestress of the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).  God’s grace extends to all who come to Him in faith.  He can use anyone for His purposes, no matter what their past is like, just like He did with Rahab!