Rahab, a Canaanite woman and a resident of Jericho, initially known as a prostitute, plays a pivotal role in aiding the Israelite spies sent to scout Jericho.
Despite her societal status and the impending destruction of her city, Rahab’s courageous decision to shelter the spies reflects her unwavering faith in God’s plan and leads to her remarkable transformation.
Through Rahab’s story, we witness the transformative power of faith and the boundless grace of God. Her faith-driven actions, marked by bravery and trust in God’s promises, not only secured her safety but also positioned her among the lineage of Jesus Christ, as highlighted in the genealogy found in the New Testament.
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Rahab in the Bible Verses
Joshua 2:1 (NIV)
“Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. ‘Go, look over the land,’ he said, ‘especially Jericho.’ So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.”
Joshua 2:1 introduces Rahab, a Canaanite woman known as a prostitute, living in Jericho. Despite her profession, Rahab’s role in the narrative becomes pivotal as she aids the Israelite spies.
This verse marks the beginning of Rahab’s story and her significant involvement in helping the spies gather information for the impending conquest of Jericho.
Joshua 6:25 (NIV)
“But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.”
Joshua 6:25 reflects Rahab’s redemption and salvation. Despite her past, Rahab’s act of courage in sheltering the Israelite spies leads to her and her family’s rescue when Jericho falls. This verse highlights Rahab’s transition from a condemned life to being spared and accepted among the Israelites. Her faith and actions marked her as righteous, and she becomes an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:31 (NIV)
“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”
Hebrews 11:31 includes Rahab in the “hall of faith.” Here, she is commended for her faith demonstrated through her actions of hospitality and protection towards the spies.
Despite her societal status and cultural background, Rahab’s faith in God’s power led her to make a courageous choice, aligning herself with God’s people.
James 2:25 (NIV)
“In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?”
James 2:25 emphasizes Rahab’s righteousness because of her actions. Her hospitality and assistance to the spies were evidence of her faith and justified her righteousness before God.
This verse underscores the importance of deeds aligning with faith, highlighting Rahab as an example of faith in action.
Matthew 1:5 (NIV)
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.”
Matthew 1:5 mentions Rahab in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. This verse highlights Rahab’s significance in the lineage of Christ, linking her with Boaz and ultimately with King David and Jesus.
Despite her past, Rahab’s faith and actions secured her a place among the ancestors of the Messiah, emphasizing God’s grace and inclusion of those who repent and believe.
Joshua 2:6 (NIV)
“But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.”
Joshua 2:6 illustrates Rahab’s quick thinking and bravery. When the king’s men came searching for the spies, Rahab hid them on her roof under flax stalks.
This action demonstrates Rahab’s courage and determination to protect the Israelite spies, risking her safety and defying the authorities of Jericho.
Joshua 6:17 (NIV)
“The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared because she hid the spies we sent.”
Joshua 6:17 underscores Rahab’s agreement with the Israelite spies for her safety and that of her family.
In this verse, Rahab’s house becomes a place of refuge, marked by a scarlet cord, ensuring their protection during the conquest of Jericho. It demonstrates the fulfillment of the promise made to Rahab as she and her family are saved from destruction.
Joshua 6:23 (NIV)
“So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel.”
Joshua 6:23 narrates the fulfillment of the promise made by the Israelite spies to Rahab. As Jericho was destroyed, Rahab and her family were spared and brought out safely.
This act shows God’s faithfulness in honoring Rahab’s faith and her role in aiding God’s people.
Matthew 1:5-6 (NIV)
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.”
Matthew 1:5-6 continues Rahab’s mention in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Here, Rahab is acknowledged as Boaz’s mother, connecting her lineage to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus.
This genealogy highlights God’s grace and redemption, showcasing how He used Rahab, a former Canaanite prostitute, in the lineage of Jesus, emphasizing His inclusive plan of salvation.
Hebrews 11:30-31 (NIV)
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”
Hebrews 11:30-31 further commends Rahab for her faith. This passage not only highlights the fall of Jericho but also emphasizes Rahab’s faith in God, which spared her from destruction along with her family.
It illustrates Rahab’s place among the faithful and her significant role in the victory of Jericho due to her trust in God’s promises.
Joshua 2:6 (NIV)
“But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.”
Joshua 2:6 portrays Rahab’s quick thinking and resourcefulness. When the king’s men came searching for the spies, Rahab hid them on her roof under flax stalks. This action displays Rahab’s bravery and strategic mindset. By concealing the Israelite spies, she risked her own safety, defying the authorities of Jericho.
Rahab’s choice to protect the spies, even under the threat of punishment, demonstrated her unwavering commitment to aiding God’s people. This act of sheltering the spies reveals Rahab’s courage and determination in assisting those aligned with God’s purposes.
Joshua 6:17 (NIV)
“The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared because she hid the spies we sent.”
Joshua 6:17 emphasizes the fulfillment of the promise made by the Israelite spies to Rahab. As Jericho faced destruction, Rahab’s house was designated as a place of refuge.
This verse underscores the significance of Rahab’s faith and her agreement with the spies for her safety and that of her family. It marks Rahab’s household with a scarlet cord, ensuring their protection during the conquest of Jericho. The sparing of Rahab and her family amid the city’s destruction highlights God’s faithfulness in honoring the promises made to those who demonstrate faith, even amidst challenging circumstances.
Joshua 6:23 (NIV)
“So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel.”
Joshua 6:23 narrates the fulfillment of the promise made by the Israelite spies to Rahab. As Jericho was destroyed, Rahab and her family were safely brought out. This act demonstrates God’s faithfulness in honoring Rahab’s faith and her role in aiding God’s people.
The rescue of Rahab’s entire family, in fulfillment of the agreement made by the spies, signifies God’s protection over those who align themselves with His plans. Rahab’s transition from a condemned life to being spared and accepted among the Israelites reflects God’s grace and redemption for all who turn to Him in faith.
Matthew 1:5-6 (NIV)
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.”
Matthew 1:5-6 continues Rahab’s mention in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Here, Rahab is acknowledged as Boaz’s mother, connecting her lineage to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus.
This genealogy highlights God’s grace and redemption, showcasing how He used Rahab, a former Canaanite prostitute, in the lineage of Jesus. It emphasizes His inclusive plan of salvation, encompassing individuals from diverse backgrounds and demonstrating His redemptive power in transforming lives.
Hebrews 11:30-31 (NIV)
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”
Hebrews 11:30-31 further commends Rahab for her faith. This passage not only highlights the fall of Jericho but also emphasizes Rahab’s faith in God, which spared her from destruction along with her family. It illustrates Rahab’s place among the faithful and her significant role in the victory of Jericho due to her trust in God’s promises.
Her actions, rooted in faith, resulted in her deliverance and place among those commended for their faith in Hebrews’ hall of fame. Rahab’s faith-driven choices made her an example of faith in action and demonstrated God’s redemptive work in the lives of individuals who believe and act upon their faith.
Hebrews 11:30 (NIV)
“By faith, the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.”
Hebrews 11:30 references the fall of Jericho, attributing it to faith. This verse acknowledges the faith of the Israelites in following God’s instructions to conquer Jericho, including Rahab’s pivotal role. Although Rahab’s faith is not explicitly mentioned here, her participation in the events leading to Jericho’s fall indicates her faith-filled action. Her collaboration with the Israelite spies and her household’s protection during the city’s destruction underscore her trust in God’s plan.
Matthew 1:5 (NIV)
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.”
Matthew 1:5 continues Rahab’s mention in Jesus’ genealogy, emphasizing her lineage in the ancestry of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This genealogy underscores God’s grace, inclusivity, and redemptive plan. It highlights Rahab’s significant role in the lineage of Jesus, displaying God’s transformative power and His acceptance of individuals from diverse backgrounds into His redemptive story.
Joshua 6:22-23 (NIV)
“Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, ‘Go into the prostitute’s house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.’ So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belonged to her.”
Joshua 6:22-23 narrates the fulfillment of the promise made by the Israelite spies to Rahab. It demonstrates the spies’ adherence to their commitment to Rahab, ensuring the safety of her entire household. This act underscores the significance of honoring promises and the faithfulness of God’s people in fulfilling their obligations, leading to the rescue of Rahab and her family.
Joshua 6:25 (NIV)
“But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.”
Joshua 6:25 illustrates Rahab’s remarkable transformation. Despite her past as a prostitute in Jericho, Rahab’s courageous act of sheltering the spies led to her and her family’s rescue when Jericho fell. This verse highlights Rahab’s transition from a condemned life to being spared and accepted among the Israelites, illustrating God’s grace and redemption for those who show faith.
Luke 11:31-32 (NIV)
“The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.”
Luke 11:31-32 references Rahab indirectly, using her as an example of faith and action. Jesus compares the faithfulness and responsiveness of certain historical figures to those in His present audience. Rahab, although not named directly, serves as an illustration of someone who responded in faith to God’s work, contrasting with the lack of faith among some contemporaries of Jesus.
Matthew 1:5 (NIV)
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.”
Matthew 1:5 continues to highlight Rahab’s lineage in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Mentioning Rahab as the mother of Boaz connects her ancestry to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus. This genealogy emphasizes God’s inclusive plan of redemption, showcasing how He incorporated Rahab, a former Canaanite prostitute, into the lineage of the Messiah. It demonstrates God’s grace and His ability to use individuals from diverse backgrounds in His redemptive purposes.
Hebrews 11:31 (NIV)
“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”
Hebrews 11:31 underscores Rahab’s faith and her significant role in the events of Jericho. Rahab’s trust in God was evidenced by her actions in sheltering the Israelite spies. This verse contrasts Rahab’s fate with the disobedient inhabitants of Jericho, emphasizing her deliverance due to her faith-driven choice. Rahab’s courageous act of aiding the spies, driven by her belief in God’s power, spared her from the destruction that befell the disobedient.
James 2:25 (NIV)
“In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?”
James 2:25 emphasizes Rahab’s righteousness resulting from her actions. This verse aligns Rahab’s deeds with her faith, highlighting her righteousness for harboring and assisting the Israelite spies. It stresses the significance of actions that correspond to faith, using Rahab’s example as someone considered righteous through her courageous actions. Rahab’s hospitality and assistance to the spies were reflective of her genuine faith, making her an example of righteousness through deeds.
Joshua 6:23 (NIV)
“So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel.”
Joshua 6:23 narrates the fulfillment of the promise made by the Israelite spies to Rahab. Despite the destruction of Jericho, Rahab and her family were safely brought out. This act showcases God’s faithfulness in honoring Rahab’s faith and her role in aiding God’s people. The rescue of Rahab’s entire family, in fulfillment of the promise made by the spies, illustrates God’s protection over those who align themselves with His plans.
Hebrews 11:30 (NIV)
“By faith, the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.”
Hebrews 11:30 attributes the fall of Jericho to faith. This verse acknowledges the faith of the Israelites in following God’s instructions to conquer Jericho, which included Rahab’s significant involvement. Rahab’s participation in sheltering the spies and her trust in God’s plan contributed to the victory over Jericho. Her faith-driven actions aligned with God’s purposes, marking her as a partaker in the faith that led to the downfall of the city.
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What Does the Bible Say About Rehab
Here are some key points about Rahab based on biblical accounts:
Rahab’s Faith: Rahab’s actions demonstrated her faith in the God of Israel. She acknowledges the might and deeds of the Israelites’ God and expresses belief that He will give them victory over Jericho (Joshua 2:9-11). Her faith and assistance to the spies are commended in Hebrews 11:31, a chapter often referred to as the “faith hall of fame.”
Redemption and Inclusion: Despite Rahab’s past as a prostitute and being a Canaanite, she and her family are spared from the destruction of Jericho due to her faith and cooperation with God’s people. Rahab’s story portrays God’s grace, redemption, and inclusion of those who genuinely turn to Him in faith, irrespective of their background.
Rahab’s Lineage: Rahab is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:5, where she is identified as the mother of Boaz, highlighting her inclusion in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This signifies God’s grace and the inclusion of unexpected individuals in His redemptive plan.
A Prayer Inspired by Rahab
“Heavenly Father,
We come before You, acknowledging Your boundless grace and mercy. Just as You showed Your compassion to Rahab, a woman of courage and faith, we seek Your guidance and strength in our lives today.
Grant us the courage to step forward in faith, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges. Help us to trust Your promises, just as Rahab trusted Your plan, knowing that Your ways are higher than our own.
Father, may we experience the transformative power of Your grace in our lives. Like Rahab, who found redemption and a new identity in You, mold us into vessels of Your mercy and instruments of Your love. Take our brokenness and transform it into a story of faith and restoration.
Teach us to extend grace to others, regardless of their past or background, as You did with Rahab. Help us see beyond societal norms and instead embrace Your inclusive love for all.
May Rahab’s story inspire us to step out in faith, knowing that Your redemption knows no bounds. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the promise of new beginnings through faith in You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”