Rahab the Harlot

Read Matthew 1:5, Joshua 2:1-6, Hebrews 11:31, & James 2:25-26

“The LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

Joshua sent two spies to check out the military power of Jericho. They came to Rahab’s house on the city wall and were welcomed in peace. Rahab encouraged these men, her natural enemies, reminding them of God’s work and victory, and told them that their enemies’ hearts had melted. She reminded them that God is the God of heaven and earth. She acted boldly and hid them on the roof under the drying harvest grain. She protected them from the kings’ men, lying about their whereabouts. She wisely counseled them to safety.  

In darkness, she courageously lowered them outside of the city. In return, she requested rescue for her whole household. The spies agreed on the condition that she and her family stayed in her home marked by a scarlet cord. Everyone was destroyed except for Rahab and her family. She subsequently lived in Israel, married Salmon, and became the mother of Boaz, the great grandmother of King David. 

Rahab became one of the four “bad girls” in the genealogy of Jesus. James marked her as one whose faith was shown to be alive by her works. The author of Hebrews exalted her as a model of faith. How could a lying prostitute be so uniquely honored?   

Rahab shows us that God delights in faith found in the most unlikely and undeserving places. His love and mercy for Rahab shines brightly down the ages into all of our dark secrets and hidden crannies. Every one of us is able to grab the scarlet cord of God’s salvation in Christ. Every one of us is able to cry out in faith, believing in His unlikely love and rescue.   

For Family Discussion: When God looks for leaders, he doesn’t just look for the strongest and the smartest.  He looks for people who trust Him.  What can we remember about God that helps us trust Him? 

For Personal Reflection: What bothers you most about Rahab’s story? Do you resent her placement in God’s faith hall of fame? Take time to talk to the Lord about it. Do you identify with Rahab as one unworthy of God’s redemption? Bring all of your past and present into His presence as part of His story.  

by Lisa Sinclair