Topical Bible: Women: Rahab, in Her Harlotry

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Topical Encyclopedia

Rahab is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, known for her role in the conquest of Jericho as recorded in the Book of Joshua. Despite her occupation as a harlot, Rahab is remembered for her faith and pivotal actions that contributed to the success of the Israelites. Her account is a testament to God's grace and the transformative power of faith.

Biblical Account

Rahab's account is primarily found in Joshua 2 and Joshua 6. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Joshua sent two spies to scout the city of Jericho. The spies entered the city and lodged at the house of Rahab, a harlot. The king of Jericho, upon learning of their presence, sent orders to Rahab to bring out the men. However, Rahab hid the spies and misled the king's men, saying, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from" (Joshua 2:4).

Rahab's actions were driven by her belief in the God of Israel. She confessed to the spies, "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen upon us" (Joshua 2:9). Rahab acknowledged the mighty works of God, including the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og. Her faith in the God of Israel led her to make a covenant with the spies, asking for protection for her family in exchange for her assistance.

The spies agreed, instructing Rahab to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign for her household to be spared during the impending destruction of Jericho. Rahab's house, built into the city wall, became a place of refuge for the spies, and her faith and actions secured the safety of her family when Jericho fell (Joshua 6:17, 25).

New Testament References

Rahab's faith is commended in the New Testament, where she is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:5 states, "Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse." Her inclusion in the lineage of Christ highlights the redemptive nature of God's plan, transcending human sinfulness and societal status.

In the Epistle to the Hebrews, Rahab is celebrated as an exemplar of faith: "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient" (Hebrews 11:31). Her faith is further emphasized in the Epistle of James, where her works are cited as evidence of her faith: "In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route?" (James 2:25).

Theological Significance

Rahab's account is a profound illustration of God's grace and the power of faith to transcend past sins and societal labels. Despite her background as a harlot, Rahab's faith and actions aligned her with the people of God, earning her a place in the sacred history of Israel and the genealogy of the Messiah. Her narrative underscores the biblical theme that faith, rather than heritage or past deeds, is the key to righteousness and inclusion in God's covenant community.

Rahab's life serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of faith and the inclusivity of God's redemptive plan. Her account encourages believers to look beyond societal judgments and recognize the potential for redemption and service in every individual, regardless of their past.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 2:1
And 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

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... the Angel Gabriel had made the annunciation to her. ... Joshua the son of Nun caused
Rahab the harlot ... Jesus satisfied four thousand men, besides women and children ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm