This article highlights the transformative story of Rahab, a woman from the Bible who, despite her past, demonstrated extraordinary faith by helping Israelite spies in Jericho. Her courageous act not only saved her family but also placed her in the lineage of Jesus, showing that God can redefine anyone regardless of their past. The story of Rahab serves as a powerful reminder that faith can lead to redemption and a new identity as God’s beloved.
[Original Post Date: March 18, 2021]
When considering women of the Bible, who first comes to mind? Most often, we immediately list off Mary, Esther, Ruth... legendary females with a reputation preceding them, well known for influencing generations and even changing the course of human history through their faith and prayerful actions. It's unfortunately easy to overlook the women in Scripture without noble titles or books named after them. So, what about a woman whose title carried shame, who made money through disgraceful means, who strayed far from biblical morality and righteousness, who knew nothing of God? This woman, through one leap of faith, created one of the biggest plot twists in the Bible and saved her entire family from destruction. Without hesitation, she stepped up when God called on her, and as a result, she was placed into the direct lineage of Jesus.
This woman's name was Rahab.
The story of Rahab begins in Joshua chapter 2, where Rahab is introduced bluntly yet non-judgmentally as a prostitute. Rahab lived just within the walls of Jericho, a town in Canaan designated to be destroyed and conquered by the people of Israel for the Lord. When spies were sent to Jericho on behalf of the people of Israel, they came upon Rahab's home, which functioned as a way station of sorts to collect information. Rahab welcomed these men and hung on their every word, gripped with the widespread knowledge that they were of the same people who had seas parted for them (v. 2:10). Trying to survive each day branded with a label symbolizing shame and uncleanliness, Rahab suddenly found unspeakable hope in the God these men spoke of reverently and served boldly.
When the king of Jericho sent for the spies' capture, Rahab knew her options: turn them in and be seen as a heroine by the town that had only ever looked down upon her, or risk her life (and that of her family) by hiding and helping the spies. In a moment of action fueled by a faith she was only just becoming acquainted with, Rahab led the soldiers of Jericho away from the spies while fulfilling God's plan.
When Jericho inevitably falls, only Rahab, her family, and her home remain.
“It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” Hebrews 11:31, NLT
Rahab answered God's call without hesitation; she never paused to question whether she was qualified or "good enough" to do so. A moment of faith unfolded into a legacy of heroism because she not only chose to believe but also to act. Rahab exemplifies the fact that God will qualify us for whatever He calls us to do in His Name. He will not wait to call us until we feel “ready” or memorize enough Bible verses or find a convenient spot in life.
Like Rahab, we are surrounded daily by distractions, idols, and otherworldly things that become easy to place our faith in because they are tangible and accepted as the societal norm. Despite living immersed in these surroundings and familiarities her entire life, Rahab leaned into God's calling to go against the grain, and establish faith anew in Him instead. This act of choosing to obey a God she did not yet deeply know over a king and laws she had always followed was rebellious. Rahab's scandalous title as a prostitute likely came with its own set of even more scandalous nicknames and slanders from townspeople; she left all of this behind in the crumbling remains of Jericho as she and her family walked away free and bursting with faith in the God of Israel who saved them.
The only label Rahab carried from that point on was Beloved.
Rahab's past defined her until God redefined her.
“This means anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT
The last mention of Rahab in the book of Joshua tells us she "has lived in Israel to this day" (v. 6:25), but the beginning of the New Testament gives us another detail to her story. Matthew 1 begins by listing the genealogy of Jesus, and verse 5 mentions "Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab". Now we know Rahab not only became a wife and mother, but she also received a biblical shout-out in Jesus's lineage; only four women are listed in this extensive family tree. Rahab's life was transformed by her faith, and it changed absolutely everything.
What or who defines you?
What label do you most often give yourself?
What choices, big or small, are you facing today? How can you respond in faith?
Tune into God's voice; rest in His love for you. His grace is sufficient, and He will equip you with His armor when you step out in faith. Like Rahab, you are brave, strong, and more than whatever worldly title you hold. Most of all, you are Beloved.
