Rahab's Faith
Rahab the harlot of Jericho risks her life to hide Israelite spies, confessing faith in the God of Israel and securing salvation for herself and her household.
Rahab's account stands as one of Scripture's most remarkable testimonies to the transforming power of faith. A Canaanite woman living in Jericho, she occupied the lowest rungs of social respectability. Yet when Joshua sent two spies to view the land, divine providence led them to Rahab's house.
When the king of Jericho demanded she surrender the spies, Rahab hid them on her roof and misdirected their pursuers. Her confession revealed theological conviction: 'I know that the Lord hath given you the land... The Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.' She requested that the spies swear by the Lord to show kindness to her family when Israel conquered Jericho.
The scarlet cord that Rahab hung in her window echoes the blood on the doorposts during the Passover. When Jericho's walls fell flat, her portion remained standing. Joshua commanded that Rahab and all her family be brought out safely.
Rahab married Salmon of Judah, bore a son named Boaz, and entered the messianic line that would culminate in King David and Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew names her in Jesus' genealogy. Rahab's transformation from Canaanite harlot to covenant mother illustrates that God delights to show mercy to the humble heart that turns to Him in faith.