Rahab was a prostitute in the city of Jericho. As a prostitute,
she lived on the edge of society, one stop short of rejection. Her house, built
right into the city wall, provided both lodging and favors to travelers. It was
a natural place for the Israelite spies to stay, as they would be mistaken for
Rahab's customers.
Stories about the Israelites had been circulating for some time,
but now it was evident that the Israelites were about to invade. Living on the
wall, Rahab felt especially vulnerable. Yet while she shared the general mood of
fear with the rest of Jericho's population, she alone turned to the Lord for her
salvation. Her faith gave her the courage to hide the spies and lie to the
authorities. Rahab knew her position was dangerous; she could have been killed
if she were caught harboring the Israelites. Rahab took the risk, however,
because she sensed that the Israelites relied on a God worth trusting. And God
rewarded Rahab by promising safety for her and her family.
God works through people - like Rahab - whom we are inclined to
reject. God remembers her because of her faith, not her profession. If at times
you feel like a failure, remember that Rahab rose above her situation through
her trust in God. You can do the same!
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Rahab's Strengths and Accomplishments
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* Relative of Boaz, and thus an ancestor of David and Jesus
* One of only two women listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11
* Resourceful, willing to help others at great cost to herself
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Rahab's Weakness and Mistake
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* She was a prostitute
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Lesson from Rahab's Life
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* She did not let fear affect her faith in God's ability to deliver
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Vital Statistics
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* Where: Jericho
*Occupations: Prostitute/innkeeper, later became a wife
* Relatives: Ancestor of David and Jesus (Matthew 1:5)
* Contemporary: Joshua
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Key Verse
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"By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not
killed with those who were disobedient" (Hebrews 11:31).
Rahab's story is told in Joshua 2 and 6:22, 23. She is also mentioned in
Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; and James 2:25.