The Courage of Rahabعينة

The Lowly Role Model

Some folks are defined by their occupations, and that’s clearly the case with Rahab. The truth is, her job was practically her last name. Rahab-the-Harlot.

She was the sort of woman everyone talked about but not to, especially not in public. Prostitutes were social outcasts—ostracized moral lepers, tolerated but in no way honored. Even the men who beat a path to her door at night turned their backs on her by the light of day, as did the rest of Jericho.

Her establishment, situated as it was by the city gates of Jericho, undoubtedly served many a weary traveler. Business at Rahab’s place was undoubtedly brisk. But by any label, Rahab’s vocation was a lowly one, with no husband to provide for her or to protect her worldly goods or her worldly self.

Given these truths, one might ask why two righteous Israelite spies landed at a harlot’s doorstep in advance of Joshua’s attack on the city. Where better to lie low than in a place with lots of traffic, where questions weren’t asked, and strangers came and went at all hours? Perfect.

The king not only anticipated them—rumors had been flying for years about the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea—his men had spotted them. So he sent a message ordering Rahab to bring the men out. The messengers didn’t need to specify which men. Everyone in town would have identified the duo as Israelites by their accent and appearance. Rahab was faced with a difficult choice.

In every life story, including our own, decisions are made in haste that determines the course of eternity. Indeed, the winds of change were blowing across Rahab’s doorstep at that very moment. Brave, fearless Rahab risked life and limb to hide two men she’d barely met. And not only hide them—she lied for them. Why?

In the coming days, we’ll look at what we can learn from this courageous outsider and outcast.

Have you ever felt like a pariah in your circles? How does that affect your faith? Your courage?