Rahab: An Ancestor of Jesus and a Canaanite Woman
Author: Vanessa Rooney
Vanessa is an Australian LDS lifestyle blogger. Landed in Salt Lake City, Utah, from the sun kissed beaches of Bondi, Australia, Vanessa is a wife and mother of three children.
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Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God using unlikely individuals to fulfill His plans. One such person is Rahab, a Canaanite woman whose life was transformed by faith. Despite her past and her culture, Rahab became a significant figure in biblical history, playing a pivotal role in Israel’s conquest of Jericho and earning a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
This article explores Rahab’s story, her faith and courage, and the lessons her life offers us today.
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Introduction
Rahab’s story is a remarkable account of redemption, faith, and God’s grace. As a woman living in a pagan city with a questionable profession, she might have seemed an unlikely candidate for a role in God’s plan. Yet, her faith in the God of Israel led her to risk everything for His purposes. Rahab’s story demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and redemption.
Rahab’s Historical and Cultural Context
Life in Canaan
Jericho, a fortified city in Canaan, was a center of pagan worship and idolatry. The people of Canaan were known for their moral corruption and worship of false gods. Rahab’s life in this environment would have been shaped by these cultural norms, making her eventual faith in the God of Israel even more extraordinary.
Rahab’s Role in Jericho
Rahab was a harlot, a profession that likely placed her on the fringes of society. However, her home, built into Jericho’s city wall, provided her with a unique vantage point. This location made her an important contact for travelers and spies, ultimately bringing her into the path of the Israelite spies sent by Joshua.
Rahab’s Faith and Courage
Welcoming the Israelite Spies
In Joshua 2, Rahab’s story begins when two Israelite spies enter Jericho to scout the land. Recognizing that the God of Israel was the true God, Rahab took a significant risk by hiding the spies from the king’s men. Her faith was evident in her acknowledgment of God’s power:
“For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (Joshua 2:11).
Risking Her Life for God’s Plan
By aiding the spies, Rahab aligned herself with God’s people and rejected the beliefs of her own culture. This act of courage put her life in danger, yet she trusted God’s protection and believed in His promises. Her actions exemplify a faith that is not only internal but also active and transformative.
Rahab’s Redemption
God’s Grace on Display
Rahab’s plea for mercy is a powerful demonstration of her faith. She asked the spies to spare her and her family when Jericho fell, and they instructed her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign of her faith and salvation. The scarlet cord can be seen as a symbol of redemption, foreshadowing the blood of Christ that brings salvation to all who believe.
Rahab and the Fall of Jericho
When the Israelites marched around Jericho and the walls fell, Rahab and her family were spared. Joshua 6:25 notes that Rahab lived among the Israelites, becoming part of their community. Her story is a testament to God’s ability to redeem and transform lives, bringing those who were once outsiders into His family.
Rahab’s Legacy
An Ancestor of Jesus
Rahab’s inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) is a remarkable aspect of her story. She married Salmon, a leader of the tribe of Judah, and became the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth. Rahab’s lineage ultimately led to King David and, generations later, to Jesus Christ. Her presence in this lineage highlights God’s grace and His willingness to include people from all backgrounds in His redemptive plan.
Rahab in the New Testament
Rahab’s faith and works are celebrated in the New Testament. Hebrews 11:31 commends her for her faith:
“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”
James 2:25 highlights her actions as evidence of living faith:
“In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?”
Lessons from Rahab’s Story
Faith in Action
Rahab’s faith was not passive; it was demonstrated through her actions. She trusted God’s promises and acted courageously, even when it meant going against her culture and risking her life. Her story reminds us that true faith is accompanied by works.
God’s Redemption and Inclusion
Rahab’s transformation from a Canaanite harlot to an ancestor of Jesus shows that no past is too broken for God to redeem. Her inclusion in the lineage of Christ is a powerful reminder of God’s grace and His desire to include all people in His plan of salvation.
Rahab Bible Study
Write down what you know about Rahab before starting this study. Reflect on why her story might be significant.
- Read Joshua 2:1-7 and describe Rahab’s role in Jericho.
- What cultural challenges might Rahab have faced in recognizing the God of Israel as the true God?
Activity: Research Canaanite culture and write 3-5 sentences about how Rahab’s actions defied her cultural norms.
Rahab’s Faith
- Read Joshua 2:8-14. How does Rahab express her faith in God?
- Reflect on a time when you took a step of faith. What motivated you?
Activity: Create a list of ways you can demonstrate active faith in your daily life.
Rahab’s Redemption
- Read Joshua 6:22-25. How does God honor Rahab’s faith?
- What does the scarlet cord symbolize in Rahab’s story, and how does it point to Jesus?
Activity: Write a prayer thanking God for His redemption and grace in your life.
Rahab’s Legacy
- Read Matthew 1:1-6 and trace Rahab’s place in Jesus’ genealogy.
- Why do you think God included someone like Rahab in the lineage of Christ?
Activity: Write down one way you can share the story of God’s redemption in your life with others.
Reflection and Prayer
Summarize what you’ve learned about Rahab. How has her story impacted your understanding of faith and redemption? End with a prayer, asking God to help you live with courage and faith like Rahab.
Rahab’s story continues to inspire believers to trust in God’s promises, act in faith, and embrace His redemptive grace. May this study encourage you to see the ways God can work through your life, no matter where you come from or what you’ve done.
Conclusion
Rahab’s story is one of faith, courage, and redemption. She stepped out in faith, trusting in a God she had only heard about, and became part of His eternal plan. Her life is a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace and a reminder that He can use anyone who is willing to trust and follow Him. May we, like Rahab, live with bold faith, trusting that God can redeem our past and use us for His glory.
Don’t forget to download our Free workbook for a deeper dive.
Want More? Read Our Series Of Women In The Old Testament
May God Bless You
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
