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Obeying by Faith

If you don’t think there’s controversy in the Bible, think again! Hebrews 11:31 (NIV) tells us, “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” Not only was this woman a prostitute, but she harbored spies. Today, we’ll learn how God used her to not only help the Israelite nation take over the land God gave them, but also understand the role she played in bringing our Savior into the world. But first, let’s learn the backstory. 

In Joshua 1, a new leader has emerged to lead the Israelites to their “Promised Land.” But, before they could do that, they needed to know what was ahead of them. In the next chapter, Joshua sent two spies to “scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho” (Joshua 2:1 NLT). The two spies arrived at the house of Rahab, a prostitute, in the Canaanite city of Jericho where they stayed the night. 

Some of the town’s officials found out about their presence at her home and came to question her. Rahab denied knowing anything about them and even said they’d already left town. All the while, she’d hid them up on her roof. 

Rahab lived among the Canaanites, who were known for their wickedness. They worshipped idols, participated in taboo acts, and even sacrificed children to their gods. This was the culture she lived in, so it may seem confusing that a prostitute helped these spies. But, Joshua 2:9 gives us a hint as to why: “I know the Lord has given you this land.”  The rest of the story tells us that because of Rahab’s help, the Israelites were victorious in overtaking Jericho. In addition to their victory, Rahab’s entire family was saved. This is how Rahab helped play a part in helping the Israelites claim the land God gave them. 

Her role in the birth of Jesus Christ was just as valuable. Little else is mentioned about Rahab except remembering what she did to secure the Promised Land for the Israelites. But, when we get to the New Testament, we see her name once again. This time, in a surprising fashion. 

Matthew 1 details the ancestors of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. We see the famed names of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but when we skip down to verse 5, we see Rahab’s name. Rahab intermarried into the Israelite nation and became the mother of Boaz, a legendary and kind man who shared the same blood as our Savior. And that means his mother, a former prostitute, did as well. 

The faith Rahab displayed in a God she didn’t know is something that amazes most of us. As followers of Jesus, we’re amazed by God often. We know His character and His Promises and choose to trust His ways. But Rahab didn’t have that to go by. She just simply knew something was different and God ordained her to be a part of it regardless of her occupation or lack of knowledge as to who He was.