It is also worth noting that Rahabs name is not listed among the other Canaanite women who were banished from Jericho, which suggests that she was already living there when the Israelites arrived. 33. a. The King of Jericho was killed in battle, along with all his soldiers. 23. Xhosa. In the olden days, just as today, cities were called by the names of famous men and women. Much work remained. You can't detour out of the grace of God. Now for some truly funny fun facts. This act of bravery led to Rahab and her family being spared when Jericho was destroyed. Asians eat cats. Along with the five traditional senses of sound, sight, touch, smell and taste, humans have 15 "other senses.". The rabbis imagine her as a superhumanly seductive woman who knows the secrets of all the men in Jericho, as well as the ultimate example of repentance. It would have been hard to step into the identity God had planned for her. Rahab is one of four women mentioned in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. So here we are 40 years later, a new generation of Israelites (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, none of the Israelites from the previous generation were still alive). He wasnt made by human hands. Your email address will not be published. 1. Fast-forward a couple of hundred years and the next place we find Rahab is in the genealogy of Christ. A fairly popular one at that. Together, Rahab and Ruth became part of the lineage of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. 32 Interesting Facts About Noah and His Ark Andrew Krehbiel 6 MinutesRead Updated: December 12, 2022 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. I imagine that being a harlot in Jericho was a life that came with its own stigma. 7. The verses state Salmon was the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, and go on to state Boaz was the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. The women in my family do a Bible study each week and we are currently doing the women of the Bible. It could be that Rahab was coerced into her lifestyle. Part of me wonders how long she had been questioning the legitimacy of the idols and false gods her people worshiped; of which there were many. In Rahabs case, it wasnt any of those things. Whenever the Army of Israel entered Canaan, Rahab acted. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath (Joshua 2:9-11 ESV). 20. Judah married a Canaanite woman named Shua. Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. This is the type of commitment we were called to have as women following Jesus. It could be that Rahab was coerced into her lifestyle. Because of her faith, she and her family were spared from the total destruction of Jericho. Faith accepts that God rewards those who pursue a relationship with Him. This page may contain affiliate links. This was her culture. When she was bargaining with the spies for her life, she wasnt selfish about it. We often think it takes a lot of courage to be brave but the best definition of bravery is doing what needs to be done, not because you dont have any fear but in spite of it. Theres so much to learn <3, So happy to hear that Judy! 2. What if she was actually the descendant of Joseph, a member of the Ephraimite tribe? Did you know that Rahab is one of the most celebrated women in the Bible? What if Rahab the harlot wasnt a Canaanite? 8. You will want to dive into the story of Gods people to remind you of His awesome power. By hiding them on the roof (under stalks of flax)of her house, Rahab was able to protect them from being discovered by the soldiers who were searching for them. Rahab was quick to abandon the life she had built for the HOPE of a new one. She operated two coffee house/used bookstores and later retired from a private Christian college as Director of Conference Services. The spies disobeyed God by not going into the land when He told them to, and they were punished for it. Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. While we cannot be certain, it is possible that she was motivated to help the Israelites because she wanted to protect her loved ones from harm. - Let's Talk Bible Study | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In addition to the hurdle of finding actual work, Rahab would also have to find enough favor with the Israelite people to be allowed to dwell among them. Lets take a look at the things that Rahab chose to leave behind to gain life with God. Rahab hid the spies and saved them from the king in exchange for her life and her familys. It was beautiful. Rahab leads the soldiers to believe the spies had come and gone. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. Michael A. Milton (PhD, Wales) is a long-time Presbyterian minister (PCA) and a regular contributor to Salem Web Network. But more importantly, it may give you a desire to revisit the book of Exodus to experience once again the wondrous things God did on behalf of His people. This leads us to Rahabs real shining moment;the role she played in helping the Israelites conquer Jericho. Learn more about theStory of Rahab from Christianity.com. We find two names linked in holy matrimony: Salmon and Rahab. She was a prostitute who became a believer and played a key role in the Israelite conquest of Jericho. And she did it in a moment. Rahab is best known for her role in helping the Israelite spies escape from Jericho, and for her subsequent marriage to Salmon, an Israelite. When scripture mentions Rahab, she's almost always called Rahab the harlot except in Matthew's genealogy. Id love to find out where you got that from. "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" (Joshua 2:11). God instructed Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city walls once a day for six days, followed by seven priests blowing trumpets. This could mean that she simply provided them with lodging and food, or it could imply that she engaged in sexual activity with them, . RAHAB peered from her window as the light of dawn streamed onto the plain surrounding Jericho. Joshua 2:1-24 #AllinAugust pic.twitter.com/QdFkTkkfYX. Know Godwhat do you know and believe about God? These were her people and this was her King. From the moment conflict arose between the Israelites and Rahabs people, Rahab had set in her heart whose side she was on. What scripture doesnt explicitly state in the facts about Rahab is whether this occupation was voluntary or not. Run your raceIn Rahab Woman of Jericho, the main character had to resist giving in to the expectation of others, including her family. pic.twitter.com/X8oPHr9usC Tami Dooms (@TamiDooms) August 6, 2022, Tonights living by faith example is Rahab, who expressed her faith in the living God: the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. (Joshua 2:11). Abraham met with God at the city gate of Hebron (Genesis 18:1), and when Moses wanted to meet with God, he had to go outside the camp and wait by the city gate (Exodus 33:7). This story highlights Gods power and might as well as His faithfulness to His people. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I was so nervous but this post helped me tremendously! Why is knowing about the various characters in the Bible important. That's right. These are the words I use to describe the character of Rahab in the Bible. Kind Rahab showed kindness to strangers, even when it was not safe to do so. She trusted that God would see beyond what everyone else saw and choose to save her over all the people in Jericho. 6. Fun Facts About Space. In this story, Rahab is a prostitute who lives in Jericho. Joshua 2:1-24 #AllinAugust pic.twitter.com/QdFkTkkfYX Calvary Baptist (@calvaryrockmart) August 2, 2022, While Rahab is the topic of this message she is the perfect picture of how Gods grace can change a life forever. And that boy would one day marry a widow woman by the name of Ruth (Ruth 4:5, 10). 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. I agree! In fact, you lose some every day without noticing. Its evident in Joshua 2:8-11 that Rahab has little to no confidence in the life shes been living and the gods her people worship. The Rahab story, shows faith triumphing over the King of the Amorites by her faith. Wouldnt the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son? Even without her intervention, their victory was sure. Three presidents, all Founding FathersJohn Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroedied on July 4. From a security standpoint, the gates served as the main point of entry into the city and were heavily guarded. Rahab was a resident of Jericho, who sheltered two spies whom Joshua had sent to scout out the city. Find a digital copy of the Rahab study here. Learn more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure policy.What do you know about Nimrod and the story of the Tower of Babel? The Law of Moses states without ambiguity: 'No Ammonite or Moabite shall be admitted to the assembly of . Manage Settings )She was a "harlot", and probably combined the trade of . They say Gods grace covers our sin so it doesnt really matter how we live. However, less well known is the account of Rahab recorded in Joshua 2:124, 6:25, and 6:2025. If so, it is likely that she had other family members in Jericho who were also struggling to make ends meet. This may explain why the Israelites were able to destroy the wall by marching around it and making a loud noise. Canaan (where Jericho was located) was a polytheistic land. Rahab is praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. It portrays a lack of commitment or diligence; sometimes to a task and other times towards a person or relationship. You probably have more hair than you think. CHAPTERS: 4 VERSES: 85 His name means "lofty, exalted, or high mountain." There is no information about his birth or his early years. God is so amazing! Rahab married Salmon and had children. The story of Rahab is one about faith. Cats have an amazing way of catching their prey. See, despite her many shortcomings, there is one character of Rahabs that Christian women in a sin-driven world should be eager to adopt: Abandon. And so if you ask me, "How could God possibly use me? Thats what I think of when I see the Jesse Tree. The biblical account of the fall of Jericho describes a miraculous event in which the walls of the city came tumbling down after Joshua and the Israelites marched around them for seven days. The location of Rahabs house also made it convenient for her to help the Israelite spies escape from Jericho. This caused the walls of Jericho to collapse, and the Israelites were able to enter the city and defeat its inhabitants. The Israelites had been instructed by God to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, they were to shout and blow their trumpets. 22. By her own admission, the Hebrew God had already given the Israelites the city of Jericho. Deuteronomy 9:5. Though less common than earthquakes, the moon actually has moonquakes, too. Rahab; the girl lost in an incredibly sinful life. Esperanto. She received her B.A. I always thought that too! Most of them just skim the surface of Rahabs story. Grit, abandon, and surrender. The city of Jericho was the first city that the Israelites conquered when they entered the Promised Land. Thus, she and her family were saved. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth beneath., Leaving Behind Her Livelihood and Citizenship. Matthew 16:25. The more common introduction (the reason people are shocked that shed have the honor of being in the lineage of Jesus): This leads us to Rahabs real shining moment; The Story of Rahab and the Spies at Jericho, as given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. She told them how the citizens of Jericho had been fearful of the Israelites ever since they defeated the Egyptians via the Red Sea miracle (some 40 years prior). She lived in a totally corrupt society that engaged in every kind of sexual perversion and idol worship which included child sacrifice. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Rahab is praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. But what happened to Rahab after that? Also, my 14 year old niece pointed out that the Matthew scripture reference should be Matthew 16:25 instead of Matthew 17:32-33 (which doesnt exist). Rahabs name is most likely derived from the Hebrew word (rb), meaning wide It may also be related to the Arabic word (raaba), meaning to be merciful. What I admire so much about Rahab is that she took the reckless route. It was included in everything from their entertainment to their worship. After all, she was an outsider, a woman of ill repute, and someone who should have been their enemy. She chose to believe in the God of the Hebrews over the gods of her own people. Random Fun Facts About Geography 63. 3. Humble Rahab was humble, as she considered herself unworthy of salvation. But more than anything, Rahabs story is about a woman whose ways pleased the Lord. In addition, she is a great example of the power of God to transform us from our sinful state into the person He wants us to be. (from here on out well refer to it as the Promised Land). Rahabs profession may have been seen as shameful by some, but she is still remembered as a heroic figure in biblical history. Article Images Copyright , The Scarlet Cord: Rahab's Bible Story & Our Story, 10 Reasons Why the Trial of Jesus Was Illegal. So thankful faith is available for all of us! The Gates also symbolized entry into the kingdom of God and were often mentioned in biblical passages. Download our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets and join us! You can choose to have the faith of Rahab. We see this played out throughout history, and it continues to happen today. Youll come to understand why as we continue to study through her story, which you can find in the book of Joshua. Rahab, or Rachab (wide), a celebrated woman of Jericho who received the spies sent by Joshua to spy out the land, hid them in her house from the pursuit of her countrymen, was saved with all her family when the Israelites sacked the city, and became the wife of Salmon and the ancestress of the Messiah. Rahab, the woman with whom the spies were staying, protected them by hiding them on her roof. Have We Turned Our Favorite Preachers and Teachers into Idols? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. For a full list of well-rounded questions, I invite you to click here and print our free Rahab Bible study pdf worksheet! We take those $ and give them to developing our Children's Programs. Actually, lets rephrase that. Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? This is supported by the fact that she is described as being a prostitute, which would have been an occupation that was not practiced by the Israelites. Thus, we must not be surprised that Joshuas advance team knew to go to Rahabs Place. Some branches of Jewish tradition emphasize Rahab as merely an innkeeper. As Rahab lived in the wilderness among the Israelites, she had to wrestle with this question. 7. There is a lot of historical evidence and even biblical evidence that points to her being forced into prostitution. Thus, as God worked all things together for the good, using the humble and the most unlikely, God raised up a harlot to become the great-great-grandmother of King David. So lets take a moment to consider them here. But what do you know about God? When something is abandoned it is no longer receiving the nurture it needs to grow. First, Rahab demonstrates the power of faith. Keep moving forward! Then I will introduce you to the woman of the scarlet cord, the greater grandmother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Keep digging! The cool thing about encountering God is that the identity we have in Him transcends the broken person we were before Him. Rahab is the brave girl. The account of Rahab Reminds us that from the moment we choose to believe and follow God, the impact we have on the world can change. When the Israelites come to Jericho to conquer the city, Rahab hides the Israelite spies and helps them to escape. Humility creates an atmosphere where God alone is exulted. 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. How does Rahabs story foreshadow the gift of the gospel. As they began yet another march around the city, the dust rose in their wake and the blare of horns again pierced the air. One of the things I love most about Rahab is how considerate she was. Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, Go, view the land, especially Jericho., So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. But there came a pivotal moment in the story of the Ancient Near East when Gods judgment came to the unrepentant peoples of Canaan, fulfilling the covenant made with the Patriarchs. The more common introduction (the reason people are shocked that shed have the honor of being in the lineage of Jesus): Rahab was a prostitute. Image credit: BublikHaus/Shutterstock. Her circumstances are unknown, but her family may have experienced brokenness that deeply affected her. She trusted in him for the righteousness she could not produce in her own life: I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. She is not remembered for her sin. Read More Covenants In the Bible (Starting In Genesis)Continue. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe when she had received the spies with peace (Hebrews 11:31 NKJV). formId: '5e128eefed5f9800263d7fc0', What was the Biblical importance of City Gates? Are you ready to dig in? How did Rahab show faith? We dont know how many persons were in her family, but I loved the fact that she thought of them all. His parents are Amram and Jochebed from the tribe of Levi. And we must always remember that this woman, rehab, was chosen by Almighty God to be a chosen instrument in bringing about salvation to the ends of the earth. containerEl: '#fd-form-63050dacce6421efe0a560d4' It had been 40 years since Joshua, Israels leader at the time, had set eyes on the promised land. 2. God knew it because God knew her better than she knew herself. But we can learn from their mistake and always obey God, even when it is difficult. First, this story teaches us that God is faithful to His promises. There was a time when these descriptions were 100% accurate. 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, Baruch, Ezekiel and the prophetess Hulda, [22] although there is no report in the book of Joshua of the leader marrying anyone, or having any family Ive always wondered, but I think Rahab had enough flax to completely cover the two Israelite spies. She Lefty a sinful life and saved her own people. Women in that position often struggled to provide for themselves (the book of Ruth draws great attention to this). The story of Rahab and the spies from Israel is one of the most popular in the Bible. Faithful Rahab was faithful, as she protected the spies secret and did not reveal their whereabouts. Covenants gives us a promise to hold onto and look forward to. This tells me that God allotted each of us a measure of faith. The history of the King of Jericho is found in the book of Joshua. [23] The Great Wall of China is not actually visible from space. Your honesty and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Get your copy of Rahab Woman of Jericho. Fun Facts about Rahab Villacres's Birthday. The sun makes up more than 99% of the mass in our solar system. I always assumed she was younger since she goes on to have kids. One of Rahabs greatest characteristic was that she didnt only think about saving herself, she also had compassion for her fathers household and made plans to save them as well. As they did so, Joshua commanded the people to shout out loudly. My friend, you can be like Rahab the prostitute, you can choose to live a life that pleases God. I hope you enjoyed this summary of the story of Rahab in the Bible! As the Israelites prepare to invade the city of Jericho, Joshua sends two spies to gather intelligence. Rahab didn't disclaim that she had "entertained" the men. #hebrews12endurance, What is Idolatry? What I admire so much about Rahab is that she took the reckless route. 4. Random fun facts are great for breaking the ice, impressing a . Father / Grandfather / Minister / Missionary / Deacon / Elder / Author / She wouldnt have made it into the lineage of Christ. But why is she included in the lineage of Jesus? The Forgotten Mothers of the Bible. And in Hebrews, Rahab is held up as an example of someone who had faith, even though she was not part of the people of Israel. One of the most important stories in the Bible is the story of the 12 spies. "For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:11). Lined up, all of the planets in the solar system could fit between the Earth and the moon. Its also a misunderstanding of the actual gospel message. Rahab is a harlot or prostitute living in Jericho, a Canaanite city. Thank you for posting, truly helpful. Like Rahab, we have to determine what we will believe about God. Milton has also served as chancellor and president of seminaries and is the author of more than thirty books. The woman who had been called a harlot became a godly wife and mother in Israel. The gospel that Jesus, those before Him, and the disciples after Him taught is a gospel of repentance., Read More 6 Examples of True Repentance in the BibleContinue. We dont know how invested Rahab was in honoring Canaanite worship practices but we do know that however invested she was, it wasnt enough to keep her from abandoning their falsehoods for the One true God. And God knew that all along. There is also an account of Rahab (Rahabs Story) in the Hebrew Bibles historical books, where she appears as a Canaanite woman who aided Joshuas spies in Jericho and was saved from destruction along with her family.
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