Rahab's Law: A Question Of Morality And Obedience

Rahab was a prostitute in the Canaanite city of Jericho who assisted the Israelites by hiding two spies sent to scout the city before its attack. The king of Jericho, upon learning of the spies, ordered them to be brought out to him. Rahab, however, protected them by hiding them on her roof and lying to the king's agents. She then helped the spies escape through her window, which was built into the city wall. In return, she and her family were spared the destruction of Jericho and became part of the people of Israel. Rahab's story is found in the Book of Joshua and is celebrated in the New Testament, where she is referred to as an example of faith and good works.

Rahab's profession as a prostitute

The Talmud and some Christian texts, such as the Epistle of James and the Epistle to the Hebrews, interpret Rahab as a prostitute. However, some rabbinic literature and other sources insist she was an innkeeper.

Some have argued that Rahab could have been both an innkeeper and a prostitute. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the spies chose to seek refuge in her home, as it may have been a good location for gathering intelligence.

Rahab's profession is not described negatively in the biblical text, and she is lauded as an example of faith and good works in the New Testament.

Rahab's faith in God

Rahab's faith was demonstrated through her actions. When she heard that the king of Jericho was searching for the Israelite spies, she hid them on her roof under bundles of flax and lied to the king's agents, putting her own life at risk. She made a deal with the spies to protect her family during the upcoming battle, asking them to distinguish her house by hanging a scarlet rope out of the window. Rahab's faith and actions not only saved her own life but also the lives of her entire family.

Rahab's faith and her subsequent inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ show that God honours those who respond to Him in faith, regardless of their background or past sins. Her story is a powerful example of God's grace and mercy, as well as the transformative power of faith in action.

Rahab's protection of the two Israelite spies

There are several possible reasons why the spies sought refuge in Rahab's house. Firstly, they may have been seeking the services of a prostitute. Additionally, a harlot's house was likely a good place to avoid detection, as a couple of travellers entering such an establishment would not arouse much suspicion. Rahab's house also offered a strategic advantage, providing the spies with a vantage point to gather information about the city's defences. Furthermore, Rahab herself, due to her trade, would have had valuable information about the city and its important men.

When the king's guards came to Rahab's house, she lied to them, sending them in the wrong direction and thus protecting the lives of the two spies. Rahab's faith in God and her desire to escape the wickedness of her world motivated her to side with the Israelites. She recognised the power of the Israelite God and acknowledged Him as the true God of heaven and earth.

In return for her help, the spies promised to protect Rahab and her family during the Israelite invasion. They instructed her to hang a red cord in her window, which would signal to the Israelite army to spare her household when they attacked Jericho. Rahab's actions not only saved the lives of the spies but also revealed her heart of faith. Her example demonstrates that no matter our past, God can use us in powerful ways when we believe in Him and live out our faith through action.

Rahab's family being spared

Rahab's family was spared because of her faith and her actions. Rahab was a prostitute in the city of Jericho who helped two Israelite spies escape during the conquest of Canaan. She had heard about how the Lord God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt and defeated mighty kings like Sihon and Og. Rahab confessed, "I know that the Lord has given you this land...for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below."

Rahab's confession of faith saved her life in the midst of a condemned city. She risked her life by hiding the spies and lying to the king's messengers about their whereabouts. She helped protect the spies because, as she told them, "the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." Rahab's faith and hospitality toward the spies were later commended in the book of Hebrews.

The Israelite spies promised to spare Rahab and her family during the upcoming destruction as an act of grace and faithfulness toward her. They gave her three conditions to be met:

• She must distinguish her house by hanging a scarlet rope out of the window.
• Her family must be inside the house during the battle.
• She must not later turn on the spies.

The scarlet cord symbolized the atoning blood of Christ, and Rahab's house, with the scarlet cord hanging out of the window, would be "passed over" and saved from destruction. Rahab's remarkable faith in the God of Israel aligned her with the people of God. She fully sided with the Israelites and married Salmon, a prominent Israelite leader. Rahab's family was spared, just as she had negotiated with the spies.

Rahab's inclusion in Jesus' lineage

Rahab, a prostitute in the city of Jericho, is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Rahab's inclusion in Jesus' lineage is intriguing given her background as a prostitute and a Gentile Canaanite woman. However, her great faith and courageous actions in aiding the Israelite spies showcase her transformation and alignment with God's people. Rahab's story serves as a testament to God's grace, forgiveness, and ability to use ordinary sinners for His glory.

Rahab's faith in the God of Israel was evident in her willingness to risk her life to hide the Israelite spies from the king's men. She confessed her belief that "the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:11). This confession, coupled with her actions, saved her life amidst the destruction of Jericho. Rahab's faith was further demonstrated in her negotiation for the protection of her family during the upcoming battle.

Rahab's marriage to Salmon, an Israelite leader from the tribe of Judah, further highlights her integration into the Israelite community. Their great-grandson, Boaz, descended from Salmon and Rahab. Boaz, a respected landowner, married Ruth, and their son, Obed, was the grandfather of King David. This lineage continued until Jesus Christ, who descended from David several centuries later.

Rahab's inclusion in Jesus' family tree is a powerful reminder of God's grace and His ability to transform lives. Rahab's courageous faith and assistance to the Israelite spies paved the way for her unlikely adoption into a revered family tree. Her story gives hope to all sinners that God can powerfully use and redeem those who trust in Him.

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