Rahab
Rahab (Hebrew: רָחָב) was a woman who sheltered the Israelite spies. Though a Gentile, she acknowledged the God of Israel as the true God and played a decisive role in the fall of Jericho.
| Rahab | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Period | Exodus era (15th century BC) |
| Family | Husband: Salmon Child: Boaz (great-grandfather of David) |
| Birthplace | Jericho |
| Major achievements | Hid the Israelite spies |
Historical Background
After about 400 years of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were delivered through the power of the Passover and began their journey toward the land of Canaan.
At the end of the forty years in the wilderness, Moses—who had led Israel since the Exodus—died, and Joshua succeeded him as leader. God commanded Joshua to advance into Canaan, promising to be with him as He had been with Moses.[1] Preparing to enter the land, Joshua planned the reconnaissance of Jericho, the first fortified city guarding the entrance to Canaan.
Acts
Protection of the Spies
He sent two spies from Shittim to survey the city. They entered Jericho and lodged at Rahab’s house. Soon, however, the king of Jericho learned of their presence and sent soldiers to capture them. Rahab hid the spies on her roof and misled the soldiers by saying the men had already left at dusk, just before the city gate was shut.
That night, she told the spies that she knew the LORD had given the land to Israel and that fear had fallen upon the people of Jericho. She had heard how God parted the Red Sea and defeated the Amorite kings, and she confessed her faith in the God of heaven and earth. Rahab pleaded for the safety of herself and her family in return for protecting the spies. They agreed and promised that her household would be spared when Israel attacked Jericho, on the condition that she tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign.
Rahab then lowered the spies down by a rope so they could escape. They returned safely to Joshua and reported all that had happened (Joshua 2).
Deliverance at the Fall of Jericho
When Israel crossed the Jordan River and laid siege to Jericho, God commanded the people to march around the city once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day. After the final march, the priests were to blow the trumpets, and the people were to shout. On that day, Joshua instructed the spies to ensure the safety of Rahab and everyone in her household. When the priests sounded the trumpets and the people raised a great shout, the walls of Jericho collapsed. The city was then captured and completely destroyed. In accordance with Joshua’s command, only Rahab and her family were spared, because she had hidden the spies. Afterward, Rahab and her relatives lived among the Israelites (Joshua 6).
According to later biblical tradition, Rahab married Salmon of the tribe of Judah and became the mother of Boaz, the great-grandfather of King David. Through this lineage, Rahab entered the genealogy of Jesus Christ.[2][3][4]
Evaluation in the New Testament Era
The New Testament commends Rahab for her faith and her righteous actions. In the Epistle to the Hebrews, Paul places her alongside exemplary figures of faith, such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as one who acted in faith despite her background.[5] The Epistle of James also cites Rahab as evidence that “faith without works is dead,” noting that she was considered righteous because she welcomed the spies and helped them escape safely.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ "Joshua 1:1–5".
- ↑ Rahab, Bible Hub
- ↑ Rahab, King James Bible Dictionary
- ↑ "Matthew 1:5–6".
- ↑ "Hebrews 11:7–31".
- ↑ "James 2:25".