Living purposefully for Christ starts with laying down all that was, and clinging to all that He is. The biblical story, however, suggests a . They keep their head level when chasing prey. Belarusian. Rahab is a harlot or prostitute living in Jericho, a Canaanite city. An old man named Noah, who was really old. And so if you ask me, "How could God possibly use me? She falls smack in the middle of the children of Israels march to conquer the Promised Land. In this story, Rahab is a prostitute who lives in Jericho. Whereas many Bible passages in both the Old and the New Testament indicate that lying is sinful, 1 critics of the inspiration of the Bible contend that the biblical teaching on this subject is contradictory. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Joshua 2:8-11. (NIV) Hebrews 11:31. - Let's Talk Bible Study | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the story of Rahab and learn more about her courageous faith. Rahab was a courageous woman who lived in Jericho just before the Israelites invaded Canaan [1493 BC or 2553 years after Creation]. Rahab; the girl lost in an incredibly sinful life. It took a lot of courage to defy a king. Rahab is praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. How can she save her family from the invading Israelites? She had to decide what she believed about God. And until that point in this space where I am not-still-a . You might think from her profession that she was destined to die an early death, to fade away into shame, the disgraced woman. We wouldnt have had that awesome story of Rahabs faith in the Bible. Moses birth place was Egypt and the names of his parents were Amran and Jochebed. Rahab married Salmon and had children. God still uses those who have reverent fear of Him. Rahab lived in Jericho, and by her allying herself with God's people she was laying her life on the line. There it is: "Your God is God." Unmistakably a statement of fact and a confession of faith. You are the tallest when you first wake up. How could it be that Rahab the prostitute became Rahab, the mother of Boaz? These were her people and this was her King. The name Rahab is most likely a shortened form of a sentence name rb-N, the god N has opened/widened (the womb?). Yet, this is the woman whose door the two spies chose to knock on. Rahab the prostitute knew her only chance for survival was to ask the spies to protect her. Pigs' orgasms last for 30 minutes. Esther is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman. She didnt just let go of some things, she abandoned EVERYTHING. Sometimes we get this idea that to escape from the things that separate us from God we need to slowly wean ourselves off of them. Rahabs livelihood was her security. A snail can sleep for three years. Definitely look into the Midrash! The rabbis viewed Rahab as a worthy convert to Judaism, and attested that Rahab married Joshua following her conversion; their descendants included the prophets Jeremiah, Hilkiah, Seraiah, Mahseiah, Baruch, Ezekiel and the prophetess Hulda, [22] although there is no report in the book of Joshua of the leader marrying anyone, or having any family Im glad your faith was boosted by Rahabs story. By hiding them on the roof (under stalks of flax)of her house, Rahab was able to protect them from being discovered by the soldiers who were searching for them. And she did it in a moment. This tells me that God allotted each of us a measure of faith. She is Known as one of the women of the bible, many women copied the Faith Rahab. Wouldnt the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son? (from here on out well refer to it as the Promised Land). In this historical fiction, author Diana Wallis Taylor offers a beautiful story of intrigue that suggests Rahab was a descendent of Ephraim, one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. Thank you for posting, truly helpful. Find a digital copy of the Rahab study here. Rahab is mentioned in the New Testament in the Letter of James and in the book of Hebrews. In Rahabs case, it wasnt any of those things. A terrific study does it ever say how did she become a harlot in the first place. 4. So here we are 40 years later, a new generation of Israelites (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, none of the Israelites from the previous generation were still alive). Rahab wasnt content where she was. The cool thing about encountering God is that the identity we have in Him transcends the broken person we were before Him. Read More How to Make A Jesse Tree?Continue. When we read the story of Rahab we assume that she was a Canaanite. For many of us, our identity is our hang-up. Rahab herself draws the conclusion: "I know that the LORD Yahweh has given you the land." And further that "He is the God in the heavens above and the earth beneath" (vs. 9, 11). She is also the author ofHalloween: Harmless Fun or Risky Business? Where is Rahab mentioned in the New Testament? This applies to other affiliate links on this website as well. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Rahab chose to have faith that God existed and that He was faithful to deliver the land He had promised to His people. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way (James 2:25)? We assume that if imperfect people can think so lowly of us how much worse we must be seen in the eyes of a perfect God. We see this played out throughout history, and it continues to happen today. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. Id love to find out where you got that from. Rahab hid the Israelite spies and helped them escape. We dont typically hear the word abandon being used to describe positive behavior. History Thanks for sharing your experience with me , I used to think Rahab was only a prostitute and she wanted to sleep with the Christian spies. She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. 23. Even though the people disobeyed Him, He still had mercy on them and allowed them to enter the Promised Land. 1. In return, the spies promised to spare her and her family when Jericho was destroyed. Rahab is considered to be a righteous woman in Scripture, And todays #Biblical #Womanhood example is #Rahab pic.twitter.com/q7hBfXIRWl, The Book of Judges does not mention Rahab by name, but she is likely the harlot who dwelled in Jericho mentioned in Judges 2:1.[9]. She pleaded for the lives of her family. Would the kings men have found the spies if they had decided to search the house? Joshua 2:1-24 #AllinAugust pic.twitter.com/QdFkTkkfYX. When the Israelites come to Jericho to conquer the city, Rahab hides the Israelite spies and helps them to escape. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon, and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. It could be that Rahab was coerced into her lifestyle. And as soon as we heard, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the, This is one of my favorite chapters to work through in the Rahab Bible Study, For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, who you utterly destroyed. Ad revenue is generated off of page views. She trusted in him for the righteousness she could not produce in her own life: 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. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. The scarlet cord is a reminder that even those who are considered sinners can be forgiven and have a place in Gods kingdom. Obedient Rahab was obedient to Gods commands, even when it put her in danger. Rahab and her family were saved from destruction when the Israelites conquered Jericho. It also shows how God can use anyone, even someone with a checkered past, to further his purposes. He and his wife, Mae, reside in Western North Carolina. So lets take a moment to consider them here. This is a BIG DEAL. Rahab is best known for her role in helping the Israelite spies escape from Jericho, and for her subsequent marriage to Salmon, an Israelite. So how did she become one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ? This could mean that she simply provided them with lodging and food, or it could imply that she engaged in sexual activity with them, . Second, Rahab specifically mentions her father and mother in her conversation with the spies. When the Israelite spies came to her city, she could have easily turned them over to the authorities. I can forget my past and move forward in God. Fun Facts about Rahab Villacres's Birthday. 95 Fun Facts That Will Amaze You By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer Published August 19, 2020 American flags left on the moon will eventually get bleached white by the sun. As they began yet another march around the city, the dust rose in their wake and the blare of horns again pierced the air. The program, called Acoustic Kitty, involved surgically implanting batteries, microphones and antennae inside cats. Third, Rahab takes great risks to help the spies, including hiding them in her own home. As Christians, we will need to spend time in His Word doing the work to learn more about His character. 3. Rahab hid the Israelite spies before they crossed the Jordan River. The more common introduction (the reason people are shocked that shed have the honor of being in the lineage of Jesus): Rahab was a prostitute. Rahab helped the Israelite spies escape after their mission was complete. It must have been an interesting time to be alive because though there would have been fear, a lot of persons would have stubbornly stuck to their old ways. in Elementary Education at San Diego State University and was an elementary school teacher for twenty-two years. 4. He promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, and He kept that promise by sending them into the Promised Land. If she did not have any family in Jericho, it is unlikely that she would have put herself in such danger. Your email address will not be published. Ruth is not a whore but a Moabite, a member of a despised people. We often think it takes a lot of courage to be brave but the best definition of bravery is doing what needs to be done, not because you dont have any fear but in spite of it. The Great Wall of China is not actually visible from space. Then they heard about the Israelites. She had grown up in Jericho (according to the Midrash she had been there for nearly 40 years, possibly more). As if that wasnt enough risk, Rahab goes on to help the spies create a strategic and safe return home (Joshua 2:14-16). Rahabs story is one of my favorites! It would have been hard to step into the identity God had planned for her. This has really open up my eyes to the goodness of God. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Rahab Woman of Jericho will give you insight into what life may have been like for the people who remained in the camp while the Israelite army fought their enemies. According to the Bible, the walls of Jericho were destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites when they invaded the city (Joshua 6:1-27). Rahab married Salmon and had a son named Boaz. She identified the spies for what they were, hid them, and had a convincing story ready with which to deceive the king's men. 24. After all, she was an outsider, a woman of ill repute, and someone who should have been their enemy. But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho--and she lives among the Israelites to this day. What are the 9 Admirable Characteristics of Rahab? What I admire so much about Rahab is that she took the reckless route. 4. 7. Its deemed irresponsible. Women in that position often struggled to provide for themselves (the book of Ruth draws great attention to this). Despite her profession, she was a woman of faith who put her trust in the God of Israel. This time around, instead of sending a group of spies to scout out the land, Joshua sent only two. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country. Joshua 2:1-2. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Theres so much to learn <3, So happy to hear that Judy! Xhosa. 64. Rahabs profession may have been seen as shameful by some, but she is still remembered as a heroic figure in biblical history. 2. Rahab - Lockyer's All the Women of the Bible - Bible Gateway Read the Bible Reading Plans Advanced Search Available Versions Audio Bibles Study Tools Scripture Engagement More Resources Explore More Newsletters Devotionals Bible Gateway App Bible Audio App Bible Gateway Blog Bible Gateway Plus Store Bibles Deals More How people view us is our stumbling block and often times we associate Gods view of us with mans view of us. The book of Esther is one book everyone will enjoy . Third, this story teaches us about Gods mercy and grace. Here's a cool video that will provide you with more language facts about the weirdest languages in the world. This was in keeping with Gods command that all the inhabitants of Canaan be destroyed. #purposedbook Click To Tweet, For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, who you utterly destroyed. Know Godwhat do you know and believe about God? We first meet Rahab in Joshua chapter 2. If she didn't, they'd be free from their promise to her. Download our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets and join us! 6. She chose to believe in the God of the Hebrews over the gods of her own people. But reading your article I find that there are some ADDITIONAL things I needed to know. The outer layer of skin is also replaced every month. These colors are historically an important symbol of France. So how did she become part of the greatest story ever told? Answer: True According to Matthew 1:5-6, Rahab was the great-great grandmother of David. When she was bargaining with the spies for her life, she wasnt selfish about it. Get our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets! I always thought that too! What is the Biblical / Historical Description of the Wall of Jericho? Here are 15 interesting facts about the US you can now add to your list. Rahab was a prostitute woman. I agree! 4. Of course, the Canaanites were infamous for cultic prostitution related to idolatrous worship. Courageous Rahab was courageous, as she hid the spies and lied to the kings soldiers. What was the Purpose of the Scarlet Cord? Historians believe that the Wall of Jericho was actually built around 8,000 years ago during the Neolithic period. All the content of this blog {including} images are property of Tanner Ministry Outlets, LLC. Righteous Rahab was righteous, as evidenced by her later conversion to faith in God. In the Book of Joshua, Rahab (a heroine nonetheless known as "Rahab the Harlot") assisted two Israelite spies in escaping out a window and down the city wall of Jericho. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the study Gloria! Joshua knew that he needed divine intervention to defeat Jericho, so he asked God for guidance. Honeybees navigate by using the sun as a compass. Your nails also follow the same principle - hair and nails are both made of the protein keratin. When they came back and gave an evil report, He was just in His punishment of them. It portrays a lack of commitment or diligence; sometimes to a task and other times towards a person or relationship. formId: '63050dacce6421efe0a560d4', Ultimately, she was used by God to play a role in forming the lineage of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A fairly popular one at that. First, Rahab demonstrates the power of faith. If this is so apparent to a common prostitute, why do the people of Jericho resist this all . Interestingly, Boaz went on to marry Ruth, another woman who was not originally from the tribe of Judah. 2. God flooded the earth because he regretted creating humans. 8. Humility creates an atmosphere where God alone is exulted. Im just constantly amazed the more I learn. Her only other option would be to seek out another people group and cling to them. This is a misunderstanding of Gods grace. Know yourselfwhat if Rahab hadnt accepted that she couldnt save herself from the invading army? When the Israelites were finally ready to occupy the land which had been promised for more than 400 years, God brought them to the city of Jericho. 101 Fun Facts 1. CHAPTERS: 4 VERSES: 85 If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. He lived for 120 years. She wouldnt have made it into the lineage of Christ. Are you ready to dig deep into the story of Rahab? Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus. As such, Raphael most likely spent his formative years in contact with the court. Joshua 2:10-11. You can find the story of Rahab in the Bible in Joshua chapters two and six. Thus, we must not be surprised that Joshuas advance team knew to go to Rahabs Place. Some branches of Jewish tradition emphasize Rahab as merely an innkeeper. He speaks His own words. "By faith Rahab the prostitute escaped the destruction of the disobedient, because she welcomed the spies in peace." HEBREWS 11:31 Background After 40 years of struggle, Israel stood poised to enter the Promised Land. The woman who had been called a harlot became a godly wife and mother in Israel. Who came to rescue the earth from God's destruction? "Paul to TimothyII Timothy 2: 2KJV, We have Ads Running on this site. RAHAB peered from her window as the light of dawn streamed onto the plain surrounding Jericho. Her name was Rahab. So if youre feeling like youre not good enough or youve made too many mistakes, remember Rahabs story and know that there is always hope with God. Too often our opinion of God is based on what other peopleour family, pastor, church members, the worldsays about Him. Yet, in an instant, she abandoned her people and her king. Among the many stories that are interwoven in that wonderful section of the Bible, the woman of the scarlet cord takes her honored place. And she did it in a moment. Both Deuteronomy and Leviticus record detestable practices of life and worship (including sexual perversions) that were the norm for Canaanite peoples. }); While the Canaanites were living large and partying doing all the things that were grotesquely sinful things (child sacrifices, idol worship, pagan rituals including but not limited to sexual perversions), God was faithfully bringing the Israelites to the land He had promised them in Genesis 15:18-21 and Exodus 33:1-3. Rahab is a Canaanite prostitute who becomes faithful to the God of Israel, hiding two Israelite spies when the king of Jericho sends men to capture them. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. A woodpecker's tongue actually wraps all the way around its brain, protecting it from damage when it's hammering into a tree. Are you ready to dig in? No matter what our past may look like, we can always find new life and purpose in Him. As the Israelites prepare to invade the city of Jericho, Joshua sends two spies to gather intelligence. Diana Wallis Taylor is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including such novels asHadassah, Queen Esther of Persia; Lydia, Woman of Philippi;Mary, Chosen of God;Ruth, Mother of Kings;Mary Magdalene; andJourney to the Well. Actually, lets rephrase that. The name of God is not mentioned in the book- this is the only book of the Bible in which God is not named. Rahabs story is told in the Book of Joshua, chapters 2 and 6. These things require a steady work ethic and a life source in order to thrive. Rahabs faith in God engrafted her into a new family. Rahab was spared when Jericho was destroyed. The wall was built to protect the city from invaders. Rahab recognized the God of Israel. There are a few pieces of evidence that suggest she did. Its widely believed that she was sold as a child and like most people in those situations, couldnt find a way out. )She was a "harlot", and probably combined the trade of . Rahab is a very important figure in the Bible, appearing in both the book of Joshua and the New Testament. It's funded by membership dues, non-member donations, bequests and major gifts and donations from its 275 chapters. pic.twitter.com/X8oPHr9usC. From the line of Rahab came the Messiah of Israel, the Savior of the world, our God and King, the Lord Jesus Christ. It will give you a glimpse into what life may have been like for those first families who had to settle the land while the army remained on the move. Had two sons who were wicked, so the Lord put them to death. Rahab was a prostitute. Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, Go, view the land, especially Jericho., So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. He wasnt made by human hands. In Rahab's day, it was normal for women to be bought and sold for sex (or even marriage). And it highlights the one thing that is life with God. 9. 3. Rahab was also a Canaanite, who were the hated enemies of Israel. Rahabs story is a great example of the power of faith and obedience. This was especially important at night when the gates would be closed and only those with the proper credentials would be allowed to enter. Rahab let go of some of the biggest pieces of her life. As an Amazon affiliate I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Rahabs story isnt long though its longer than many stories in the Bible, but what little there is of the story is profound. Whenever the Army of Israel entered Canaan, Rahab acted according to a prearranged plan and hung out a scarlet cord from the window of her establishment. }); The power of covenant in the Bible can be summed up by the fact that the God of the Bible is the only God who publicly and privately keeps His covenants. COPYRIGHT 2023 Tanner Ministry Outlets, LLC. Joshua 2:1-24 #AllinAugust pic.twitter.com/QdFkTkkfYX Calvary Baptist (@calvaryrockmart) August 2, 2022, While Rahab is the topic of this message she is the perfect picture of how Gods grace can change a life forever. 3 Profound Reasons Idolatry is a Sin, 23 Encouraging Bible Verses About Endurance, Consider Your Ways: 3 Simple Tips for Introspection, 4 Simple Ways to Share the Faith With Your Family. Not only that, but this unknown God would save her family as well so she wouldnt live the rest of her life mourning them. 1. Thanks so much! What if Rahab the harlot wasnt a Canaanite? You may get so hung up on the idea that theres a harlot in the lineage of Christ that you may never fully stop to consider the lessons we can learn from Rahab. How many persons would have thought to hide someone under stalks of flax (Joshua 2:6)? What if she was actually the descendant of Joseph, a member of the Ephraimite tribe? The Forgotten Mothers of the Bible. We talk about making an impact finding purpose in life but seldom do we realize that to walk out the things God created us for often requires us to abandon things of this world that define us; the culture we live in, our own ideologies, status, and even how we view ourselves. Like Rahab, we have to determine what we will believe about God. When they entered the wilderness they crossed the water of the Red Sea, That Miracle made the inhabitants of the land melt. Thank you for catching that! Strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges. Download our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets and join us! Hence, it is strange that a Harlot, a Canaanite, and a liar is known as a distinguished Bible figure. The city was well fortified and had high walls, so the Israelites could not just march in and take it. They were also places of judgment. Thus, we read of Rahabs identity in the New Testament: By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies (Hebrews 11:31 ESV). window.fd('form', { Moses Aaron Facts for 9-13 Year Olds Categories: Men in the Old Testament, Moses Aaron is Moses' older brother. Let's dive into the fun world of interesting facts and see what we can learn about. Operating an inn by the city gate and entertaining caravans and travelers from around the world must have been like living next to the CNN headquarters! She began as a Canaanite Prostitute and from her faith and a scarlet rope saved her entire family. In many ways, the gates represented the border between civilization and the wilderness. It describes a toxic one, or more relate-ably a toxic person. The fact that Rahab was willing to risk her life to help the Israelites shows that she had faith in their God. The sun makes up more than 99% of the mass in our solar system. She operated two coffee house/used bookstores and later retired from a private Christian college as Director of Conference Services. If you wish to use an image or any other content of this blog, contact connect@lotanner.com prior to using the content. Shutterstock. Abraham met with God at the city gate of Hebron (Genesis 18:1), and when Moses wanted to meet with God, he had to go outside the camp and wait by the city gate (Exodus 33:7). The verses state Salmon was the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, and go on to state Boaz was the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. UK. Book: Rahab, Woman of JerichoAuthor: Diana Wallis TaylorGenre: Biblical FictionPublisher: Whitaker House Publication Date: August 4, 2020Print Length: 234 pages. All for the HOPE of a new life, with the One True God and His people. She and her husband became the parents of a boy named Boaz. Rahab was from Jericho. The peoples beloved leader Moses is dead and Joshua, the new guy in charge, sends two spies to check out the land of Jericho which is the first barrier between the Israelites and Canaan. 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Rahab put her life at risk several times while helping the spies. The city of Jericho was the first city that the Israelites conquered when they entered the Promised Land. Rahab was afraid of Hebrew God.women are very intelligent.first God is great he never considered her corector.he used her in his plan.praise God. But she knew that she needed to trust God at that moment and so she did. Image credit: BublikHaus/Shutterstock. But there's more to the story of Rahab so much more. Where in The Book of Judges is the account of Rahab Found? When playing with female puppies, male puppies will often let them win, even if they have a physical advantage. Second, Rahab reminds us that anyone can be saved by Gods grace. Its evident in Joshua 2:8-11 that Rahab has little to no confidence in the life shes been living and the gods her people worship. The answer can be found in Rahabs character. So glad we could answer some of those questions for you! Forgive my blunt language but when it all boiled down to it, that was the choice Rahabs family had to make: To save her familys lives, Rahab managed to convince her whole family two things: The story of Rahab is about one womans courage and her actions that saved her entire family. Moonquakes. There is also an account of Rahab (Rahabs Story) in the Hebrew Bibles historical books, where she appears as a Canaanite woman who aided Joshuas spies in Jericho and was saved from destruction along with her family. Canaan was well known for sexual perversions and abuses. Thats how the entire line of Abraham started! 5. As a result, Rahab became an important part of biblical history, and her story is a reminder of the power of faith. 5. Rahab is one of five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus. Miraculously, at his cue, the walls of Jericho came crashing down, and the Israelites were able to march into the city and claim it as their own. 65. Christian Truth. This is what set the God of the Bible apart from the false gods of other nations. The rabbis imagine her as a superhumanly seductive woman who knows the secrets of all the men in Jericho, as well as the ultimate example of repentance.