Rahab is an important figure in the Old Testament. She was not an Israelite by birth, but a Canaanite from the city of Jericho. Her story takes place in the book of Joshua, who had been put in charge of the Israelites after the passing of Moses. As Joshua plans the invasion of Jericho, he sends two spies into the city to gather intelligence. They find refuge in the house of Rahab, a prostitute who ends up keeping the men safe from the king of Jericho when he becomes aware of their presence. Rahab tells the spies that she knows that God is with the Israelites and will deliver the city into their hands. She cleverly helps the spies escape the city but makes them swear an oath that they will spare her and her household when the armies of Israel invade. Much like the blood on the doorposts on Passover, the spies tell her to tie a scarlet cord that is visible in the window from which she helps them escape. Anyone within that home during the attack would be spared. The spies make good on their oath, and after Rahab is delivered from Jericho’s destruction, she is grafted into the tribe of Judah as one of their own. She is a direct ancestor of Jesus and serves as a “type” of all future gentiles who become part of the New Israel in Jesus Christ.
Joshua 2:1–24 This is the core passage where Rahab hides the Israelite spies in Jericho and helps them escape.
Joshua 6:17 – Rahab is singled out for protection because she hid the spies.
2. Joshua 6:22–25 This passage describes the fulfillment of the promise: Rahab and her family are spared during the destruction of Jericho.
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Converts, Outsiders, Hospitality, Women of Courage
Illustration by: Colton Rompala