Rahab

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” (Hebrews 11:31)

Rahab, a prostitute from Jericho, made it into what is known as the “Roll Call of Faith” in Hebrews 11. She, an outsider to the nation of Israel, making a living in a less than admirable line of work, on the brink of her home being wiped out as enemies of God and his people, is noted as an example of great faith in the Lord. Not only that, but she is in the line of Christ! How can this be?

If we go back to the book of Joshua, we read the story of spies from Israel going into Jericho in preparation to overtake it. While there, they took refuge in the home of Rahab and she hid them, even after being questioned by the king’s men. Within a seemingly short visit, Rahab’s loyalty was already to Israel rather than to her home city and she tells us why: “I know that the LORD has given you this land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt before you…for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9, 11b). Rahab knew who God was and what he had done for his people. In both her words and her actions, she expressed faith in the God of Israel.

When Jericho was overthrown, Rahab and her whole household were saved. She was taken into the nation of Israel and lived out her days with them. She married Salmon, a man of the tribe of Judah, and from this family line came Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.

When we think of our gracious Saviour, let us remember the grace that was shown to Rahab, that she would be welcomed in. Let us have faith like this in the God who reigns and saves.