Who was Rahab in the Bible?

TL;DR:

Rahab was a harlot who placed her faith in God. Rahab shows us that God can work in and through anyone who follows Him.

Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho, played a crucial role in the Israelites' victory over the city, hiding their spies and securing safety for her family through her faith in God. Despite her unlikely background, Rahab's belief in the Israelite God led her to take bold actions, ultimately leading to her and her family's salvation. Her inclusion in Jesus' genealogy and recognition in Hebrews and James as an example of faith highlight her significance in biblical history. Rahab's story teaches us the power of God's transformative grace, demonstrating that forgiveness and faith can transcend our sin and lead to redemption. Her example challenges us to live courageously, trusting in God's sovereignty even in challenging circumstances, and reminding us that God can work through anyone who chooses to follow Him.

from the old testament

The account of Rahab is recorded in Joshua 2:1–24 and 6:1–25. Rahab's faith saved her family and played a key role in the Israelites' success over Jericho.
Forty years after the Israelites had left Egypt, they were finally able to leave the desert and enter the Promised Land. However, the Promised Land was under the control of other nations. The Israelite leader, Joshua, sent two spies to survey the land, especially the city of Jericho, before they sought to overtake it. The spies lodged at the home of a prostitute named Rahab. However, the Israelites' reputation from defeating the Egyptians and the Amorites preceded them, so when the king of Jericho heard that spies had come into his city, he sent men after them.
Rahab, a prostitute with a house on the outer wall of the city, believed in the power of the Israelites' God. She told the spies, "I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. … the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath" (Joshua 2:9, 11).
Recognizing their God, Rahab hid the spies on her rooftop and told the guards that they had already gone. Once it was safe, she arranged to help the spies escape if they promised to spare her family when they besieged the city. "'Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.' And the men said to her, 'Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the LORD gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you'" (Joshua 2:12–14). She lowered the spies by a rope out of her window and advised them to spend three days hiding in the hills until the guards returned to the city. The spies told Rahab if she put a scarlet cord in her window and kept all her family inside her house, they would be spared.
When the Israelites attacked Jericho, they killed everyone except Rahab's household, and she and her family joined the Israelites.

from the new testament

Rahab married Salmon from the tribe of Judah, their son Boaz married Ruth, and their descendant was Jesus' earthly father Joseph (Matthew 1:5).
In Hebrews 11, Paul lists Rahab as an example of faith (Hebrews 11:31).
James talks about Rahab's faith being proven by her actions (James 2:25).

implications for today

Rahab is the first Gentile recorded in the Bible as having converted to Judaism. In addition, she is a great example of the power of God to transform us from our sinful state into the person He wants us to be. She shows that with forgiveness there is no need to live in guilt and stay in our sinful ways. Rahab’s example encourages us to have faith, reminding us that God can work through anyone who chooses to trust and follow Him. Rahab's story challenges us to live out our faith courageously and to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He can bring about remarkable outcomes even in the most unlikely circumstances. It is very fitting that Rahab is part of the lineage of Jesus Christ whose sacrifice would reconcile both Jew and Gentile to God.

understand

Rahab's faith led to her family's salvation and played a vital role in the Israelites' victory over Jericho.
Rahab’s belief in God's sovereignty motivated her actions, as recognized in both the Old and New Testaments.
Rahab's inclusion in Jesus' genealogy highlights God’s redemptive plan including Gentiles too.

reflect

How does Rahab's story challenge your understanding of faith and redemption, particularly considering her background?
In what ways can you relate to Rahab's journey of transformation and the role faith played in her life?
How does your faith compel you to respond in action, as Rahab did?

engage

What aspects of Rahab's character do you find most inspiring or significant in her story? Why?
How does Rahab's inclusion in Jesus' genealogy impact your understanding of God's redemptive plan and His willingness to include unlikely individuals, specifically Gentile women with a sketchy past like Rahab?
Discuss the parallels between Rahab's faith and actions and how they resonate with contemporary challenges or situations where faith is tested. How can we apply Rahab's example to our own lives?