Topical Bible: Faith: Rahab

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Rahab is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, known for her remarkable faith and pivotal role in the conquest of Jericho. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, with additional references in the New Testament that highlight her faith and its impact on biblical history.

Background and Context

Rahab was a Canaanite woman living in the city of Jericho, a fortified city in the land of Canaan. She is described as a prostitute, which underscores the transformative power of her faith and the grace of God in her life. Despite her background, Rahab's actions demonstrate a profound belief in the God of Israel, setting her apart from her fellow citizens.

The Spies and the Scarlet Cord

In Joshua 2, Rahab's account unfolds as she encounters two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the land. Recognizing the divine authority of the God of Israel, Rahab chooses to protect the spies from the king of Jericho's men. She hides them on her roof and later helps them escape by letting them down through a window with a scarlet cord.

Rahab's declaration of faith is evident in her words to the spies: "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you" (Joshua 2:9). Her acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and her plea for mercy for her family reveal her trust in God's power and promises.

The Fall of Jericho and Rahab's Deliverance

As the Israelites, led by Joshua, prepare to conquer Jericho, Rahab's faith is rewarded. The spies had promised her safety in exchange for her assistance, instructing her to tie the scarlet cord in her window as a sign. When the walls of Jericho fall, Rahab and her family are spared, as recorded in Joshua 6:17: "The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the spies we sent" .

Rahab's deliverance is a testament to her faith and God's faithfulness. Her actions not only save her family but also integrate her into the community of Israel, as she and her descendants live among the Israelites.

Rahab in the New Testament

Rahab's faith is celebrated in the New Testament, where she is commended for her belief and actions. In Hebrews 11:31, she is included in the "Hall of Faith": "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient" . Her account serves as an example of faith that transcends cultural and moral boundaries, highlighting God's grace and redemption.

Additionally, Rahab is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:5, where she is listed as the mother of Boaz, making her an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, of Jesus. This inclusion underscores the transformative power of faith and God's ability to use individuals from all walks of life in His divine plan.

Legacy of Faith

Rahab's account is a powerful illustration of faith in action. Her belief in the God of Israel led to her salvation and integration into the people of God. Her legacy is one of courage, redemption, and the profound impact of faith on an individual's life and lineage. Rahab's faith continues to inspire believers to trust in God's promises and to act boldly in accordance with His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:31
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Rahab's Faith
... Rahab's Faith. A Sermon (No.119). Delivered on Sabbath Morning, March 1, 1857,
by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. ... Now, this was the faith of Rahab. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/rahabs faith.htm

The Rewards of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab.
... Chapter XII."The rewards of faith and hospitality. Rahab. On account of
her faith and hospitality, Rahab the harlot was saved. ...
/.../chapter xii the rewards of faith.htm

The Rewards of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab.
... Chapter XII."The Rewards of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab. On account of
her faith and hospitality, Rahab the harlot was saved. ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter xii the rewards of faith.htm

Rahab
... So Rahab's faith led her, as ours, if real, will lead us, to break with
old habits and associations contrary to itself. She ceased ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/rahab.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, having
received the spies with peace. And what shall I more say? ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

Hebrews xi. 28-31
... about seven days. By faith, the harlot Rahab perished not with them that
believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvii hebrews xi 28-31.htm

Faith
... the departure of the children of Israel;" "By faith the Red Sea was dried up;"
"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down;" "By faith the harlot Rahab was saved ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/faith.htm

Hope for the Heathen
... The knowledge of Jehovah that had thus come to her, proved her salvation. By faith
"Rahab perished not with them that believed not." Hebrews 11:31. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 31 hope for the.htm

Faith and Unbelief.
... Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise
also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxv faith and unbelief.htm

Passages from Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians on Martyrdom.
... was called the friend of God, and was the father of Isaac." "For hospitality and
piety, Lot was saved from Sodom." "For faith and hospitality, Rahab the harlot ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvii passages from clements epistle.htm