The Story of Rahab

In short

Joshua chapter 2. Rahab is a non-Israelite prostitute who deceives, largely for her own safety and that of her family. And so… she is praised as a hero of faith in Hebrews 11:31, an example of good works in James 2:25, and she is pivotal in the success of Israel’s conquest of Canaan.

Why this story is important

Rahab honestly, truly believed in the LORD. In a really, really important way, that is all that matters. Oh sure, she was not a role model when she hid the spies. But she is a role model now.

What is in this story (Joshua 2)

1. As Israel’s conquest of Canaan begins, Joshua is planning an attack on Jericho and sends two spies to do recon (v. 1)
2. The spies “went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there” (v. 1)
3. The king of Jericho wants the spies, but Rahab lies about where they are (vs. 2-6)
4. Rahab says, Here’s the deal; I have heard of your God, and He means business; I saved you, now you owe me; keep my family safe when you attack this city (vs. 8-13)
5. Deal! (vs. 14-21)
6. The two spies hide in the hills and then go back to Joshua

And in Josh 6:21-26, we read that the spies kept their promise and saved Rahab and her family.

Rahab’s legacy

In the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1, we read in verses 5-6, “…Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. …”

Not all the mothers in the family tree are mentioned. The only women mentioned in the ancestry are all famous Bible story characters. I think it’s unavoidable that the Rahab in this lineage is THAT Rahab. (She’s the only person named Rahab in the OT.)

So, Rahab is the mother of Boaz, who marries Ruth.

There is not a day that that does not blow my mind.

Boaz is such an anomaly in the Bible. He cares for the poor, he shows kindness to foreigners, he redeems his kin.

It’s sad, but in the midst of all of the evil in the time of the judges, you do wonder: where did such a good guy come from?

From a non-Israelite prostitute who deceived her king.

Because, if I can guess why, Rahab understood mercy like no one else did.

Theology and doctrine

From what I have read, attempts to make Rahab not a prostitute (but rather an innkeeper) are unfounded. It seems the traditional translation of her profession is accurate.

In Joshua 6:25, we read that Rahab “lived in Israel” after Jericho fell. By all measures, she was a truly reformed person after a near-death experience.

And that is worthy to be praised.