In the biblical narrative, the name "Rahab" is not only associated with the Canaanite woman who aided the Israelite spies in Jericho but is also used symbolically to refer to Egypt. This symbolic usage is found in several passages throughout the Old Testament, where Egypt is depicted as a powerful yet ultimately defeated entity. The name "Rahab" in this context conveys themes of pride, chaos, and eventual downfall, aligning with the broader biblical portrayal of Egypt as an adversary to God's people.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 87:4 : "I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me—Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—'This one was born in Zion.'" In this verse, Rahab is listed among nations that are known to God, highlighting Egypt's historical significance and its interactions with Israel. The mention of Rahab alongside other nations underscores Egypt's prominence and its role in the biblical narrative.

2. Psalm 89:10 : "You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm." Here, Rahab is depicted as a defeated foe, symbolizing Egypt's subjugation by God's power. This imagery reflects the Exodus event, where God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, demonstrating His supremacy over Egypt's might.

3. Isaiah 30:7 : "Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still." In this passage, the prophet Isaiah criticizes Judah's reliance on Egypt for military aid, describing Egypt as "Rahab Who Sits Still," a metaphor for ineffectiveness and inaction. This critique serves as a warning against placing trust in worldly powers rather than in God.

4. Isaiah 51:9 : "Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in days of old, as in generations of long ago. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced the monster through?" This verse calls upon God's power to act as He did in the past, referencing the defeat of Rahab as a symbol of God's victory over chaos and oppression, often associated with Egypt.

Theological Significance:

The use of "Rahab" as a symbolic name for Egypt carries deep theological implications. It serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and judgment, illustrating His ability to humble the proud and protect His covenant people. Egypt, as Rahab, represents the forces of chaos and opposition to God's purposes, yet it is ultimately subdued by His sovereign will.

In the broader biblical context, the portrayal of Egypt as Rahab reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of opposing God's plans. It also highlights the recurring biblical motif of God as a deliverer, who rescues His people from bondage and leads them to freedom. This symbolic use of Rahab underscores the transient nature of earthly powers in contrast to the eternal and unchanging nature of God's kingdom.Psalm 87:4
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
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Psalm 89:10
You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; you have scattered your enemies with your strong arm.
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Isaiah 30:7
For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.
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Isaiah 51:9
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Are you not it that has cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?
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Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
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