Why is Rahab in the Bible so Important?
What’s holding you back from fulfilling your destiny? Stop listening to the lies, you are NOT UN-redeemable. In fact, if God can redeem a prostitute and place her perfectly in Jesus’ lineage, He can take a tattered life and spin it into something divine, just like Rahab in the Bible. No matter what your background, your true purpose is waiting for you. Rahab in the Bible is an amazing character saved spiritually and physically by God.
The Story of Rahab in the Bible
If you don’t believe me that He has a plan for you, let’s examine the story of Rahab in the Bible. Rahab was a Canaanite harlot from the city of Jericho.
Her one decision to believe in Israel’s God reveals not only the story of a woman’s redemption from her past but the power of God’s incredible mercy and grace.
Who is Rahab in the Bible
This prostitute decided to leave her pagan ideas, job, and culture just like Ruth. Instead, she trusted in God and fulfill her destiny and begin a line of descendants that are truly remarkable. Let’s get started on this journey on Who is Rahab in the Bible as we start from reprobate to redeemed.
Where is the Story of Rahab in the Bible
If you study Joshua 2, you’ll discover the story of Rahab and some surprises. The leader of the Israelites, Joshua, sent out 2 spies to Jericho as they planned to take over their rights to the city. These 2 spies spent the night in her brothel, where Rabah lived, on top of the wall of Jericho. The king of Jericho was looking for them and discovered he might find them there. So, Rahab hid them on the roof, in the stalks of flax.
Before they went to bed, she spoke to the 2 Jews. They became the messengers of the Word. She believed in their God. She knew that the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea when they came out of Egypt and what they did to the two powerful kings of the Amorites.
She admitted that once this Red Sea story broke out, their hearts melted and no more courage was found in any man because of their God. So, she begged them, since she showed kindness, that they would remember her and her family and give her a ‘true token’ when they take over the city. They agreed to redeem her family and began to slide down a scarlet cord through the window down the walls of Jericho.
What Did Rahab Do in the Bible
As she began to let them down the cord, they promised Rahab that if she would bind a line of scarlet thread in the window, they would pass over her house and not destroy her and her family. So when the Israelites came to possess the land, while her city was destined for destruction – she would be delivered, her life transformed, simply because of a scarlet cord hanging in her window.
Rahab in the Bible Verse
This scarlet cord represents the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it points toward the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. In fact, all of the Bible leads us to Jesus Christ and His blood redemption.
Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.
And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him. Joshua 2:18-19
Why is Rahab important in the Bible?
Rahab is important on so many levels as a woman. For those who don’t think they are important to God, she dispels that lie many women tell themselves. If you don’t think you deserve to have a happy, fulfilled life in Christ because of your past, it’s not true. If you don’t believe you can make a difference because of past bad decisions, get in line, my friend. We’ve all done things we regret but that doesn’t mean we can’t fulfill our destiny! Let’s start today on being the virtuous woman God wants us to be!
What does Rahab symbolize?
Rahab represents sinners like you and me. Many of the great saints of faith in Israel were women like Sarah, Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Ruth, Hannah, and Anna. It doesn’t matter what sins you’ve committed, as long as you believe in the Savior of the World.
How Many Times is Rahab Mentioned in the Bible?
Rahab is mentioned in the Bible 10 times in the King James Version (KJV). Here is a list of all 10 Rahab Bible Verses:
- Joshua 2:1
- Joshua 2:3
- Joshua 6:17
- Joshua 6:23
- Joshua 6:25
- Psalm 87:4
- Psalm 89:10
- Isaiah 51:9
- Hebrews 11:31
- James 2:25
Who Did Rahab Marry
From harlot to heroine, Rahab became a godly wife and mother in Israel. Rahab married Salmon, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah. They became the parents of a boy named Boaz. And her son would one day marry a widow woman by the name of Ruth (Ruth 4:5,10).
And, so it begins, the line of Jesus. Ruth in the Bible shows another clear picture of redemption, a pagan girl who faithfully followed God’s leading and ultimately became part of the story of Jesus’ birth.
Rahab in Jesus Genealogy
How is Rahab related to King David? God raised up a prostitute to become the great, great, grandmother of King David. Rahab married Salmon, who is recorded as having a son name Boaz in Matthew 1. Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed who had David’s father, Jesse.
And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias. Matthew 1:5,6
From the line of Rahab came the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ! Wow,what a heartfelt message about God’s glorious grace through the genealogical introduction to the birth of Jesus!
Characteristics of Rahab
As we have seen the transformation of a harlot unfold, we can also be assured that we can all be restored from the House of Shame to the Hall of Fame!
Rahab was a pagan destined for spiritual darkness and degradation. Yet, she was delivered from darkness because of her faith in God’s power, she changed the trajectory of her life’s path.
Rahab was amazingly one of the two women (besides Sarah) mentioned in the Hall of Faith of Hebrews 11. In addition, the Bible tells us she was justified in James 2:25, or made pure in the sight of God.
Here is a list of godly traits Rahab revealed in her story:
- Faithful – By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31
- Believer – She believed in God and his judgment upon her pagan city.
- Obedient – Rahab immediately helped two of God’s men by hiding them and helping them escape.
What is your takeaway from Rahab’s message today? Every day is a new day, and it’s your time to shine the light of Jesus Christ. What is He asking you to do today? Rahab believed the message that the 2 spies delivered. Do you believe His Word? It’s time for you to trust that God has come to rescue you from doubts, fears, worries, whatever sins they may be. Are you ready to fulfill your destiny? Trust in Him, and He will provide your path to righteousness.
