Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Rahab, a Canaanite woman residing in the city of Jericho, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative due to her actions during the Israelite conquest of Canaan. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, where she is depicted as a harlot who aids the Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the land. Rahab's actions, often described as treacherous to her own people, are pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for the Israelites. Biblical Account: The account of Rahab is detailed in Joshua 2. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, sends two spies to Jericho to gather intelligence about the city. Rahab provides shelter to these spies, hiding them from the king of Jericho's men who seek to capture them. In Joshua 2:4-6 , it is written: "But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, 'Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. I do not know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.' But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof." Motivations and Faith: Rahab's decision to betray her own people is rooted in her recognition of the God of Israel as the true God. Her declaration of faith is found in Joshua 2:9-11 : "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." Covenant with the Spies: In exchange for her assistance, Rahab requests protection for herself and her family when the Israelites attack Jericho. The spies agree, instructing her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign for the Israelite forces to spare her household. This agreement is honored, as described in Joshua 6:22-23 : "But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the land, 'Go into the prostitute’s house and bring out the woman and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.' So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel." Theological Implications: Rahab's actions, while treacherous to her own people, are seen as an act of faith and obedience to God. Her account is a testament to the belief that faith in the true God transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. Rahab is later commended in the New Testament for her faith. Hebrews 11:31 states, "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient." Additionally, she is included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:5, highlighting her significance in the redemptive history. Legacy: Rahab's legacy is one of faith and redemption. Her account illustrates the transformative power of faith and the inclusivity of God's covenant. Despite her initial identity as a Canaanite and a harlot, Rahab becomes an integral part of the Israelite community and the lineage of the Messiah. Her actions, though seen as treacherous from a human perspective, align with the divine purpose and demonstrate the sovereignty of God in using unexpected individuals to fulfill His promises. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 2:1And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. Nave's Topical Index Library Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556 The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... A Cloud of Witnesses. Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church. Resources What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Merovingian Dynasty? What was its influence on church history? | GotQuestions.org Who was Abner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Treachery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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