", 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,[22] and Baruch, Ezekiel and the prophetess Hulda, although there is no report in the book of Joshua of the leader marrying anyone, or having any family life. The soldiers sent to capture the spies asked Rahab to bring out the spies. Much has been said of Rahab’s deceit when confronted by the king of Jericho. When they look at the trappings, it’s all very intimidating to them. The flax that she spread on her roof and the scarlet cord she used as a sign indicated that Rahab manufactured linen and also dyed it. [5] The Hebrew Bible never connects Rahab to the Davidic line, thus it cannot be Matthew's source for including her in David's lineage. [6] A number of scholars have noted that the narrator in Joshua 2 may have intended to remind the readers of the "immemorial symbiosis between military service and bawdy house". Rahab would keep silent about their mission and the Israelites would spare everyone in her household when they invaded the city. For Rahab believed. Rahab had heard stories of how the Lord delivered the Jews from the hand of their enemy. Easton's Bible Dictionary (New and revised ed.). In conclusion, what are the lessons to be gathered from the harlot whom God used to fulfill His purpose? Rahab recognized the God of Israel. To hide spies was a crime punishable with death. The spies hid in Rahab's house, which was constructed into the city wall. Son: BoazGreat grandson: King DavidAncestor of: Jesus Christ, Joshua 2:11...for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Do We Have Freedom or Responsibility to Wear Face Masks during COVID-19? When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. As the result of her marriage to Salmon, one of the two spies whom she had saved, who “paid back the life he owed her by a love that was honourable and true,” Rahab became an ancestress in the royal line from which Jesus came as the Saviour of lost souls. Chapter 2. 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. “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31). Bible Verses About Healing He’s already made the first move. Rahab learned that following him will change your life forever. While her name came to be sanctified and ennobled, both Paul and James affix the label to her name, Rahab the harlot. Rahab, (Heb. She also credits Rahab with being "one of Israel’s early saviors" due to "her allegiance to God and Israel". The word "harlot" is undoubtedly repeated so that you and I will know that whatever we have done God will forgive us if we come to him by faith. But she would enter without Moses for he was dead. Rahab said to the spies: “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges. She was to hang a scarlet cord from her window as a sign, so the Jews could find and protect her. The Bible clearly tells us that lying is not acceptable in the eyes of God (Proverbs 12:22; Leviticus 19:11; Proverbs 6:17). It was the time of the barley harvest, and flax and barley are ripe at the same time in the Jordan valley, so that "the bundles of flax stalks might have been expected to be drying just then". He called himself “the friend of sinners,” and he said he didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. The spies came to her house, not to indulge in sin with Rahab, but to prepare the way for Joshua to take Jericho. [23] Rahab often is mentioned alongside Jethro (Yitro) and Na'aman as "positive examples" of the converts who joined Israel, and another midrash has Rahab acting as an advocate for all nations of the world. She declared her faith in the one true God. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. [4], The King James Version renders the name as Rachab, after its literal spelling in Greek, which differs from the spelling for Rahab in James and Hebrews.