Character Study Of Rahab Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF RAHAB - THE HARLOT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joshua 2:1-21

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25, Matthew 1:5

INTRODUCTION:

Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute in Jericho who became an unlikely heroine of faith. Despite her sinful past, she demonstrated remarkable courage and trust in God, leading to her salvation and inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Her life exemplifies the power of redemption and the transformation that comes through faith in God.

1. RAHAB’S LIFE IN JERICHO

a) A Woman of Sinful Reputation

Rahab was known as a harlot in the city of Jericho (Joshua 2:1).

b) Lived in the City Wall

Her house was located on the wall of Jericho, providing a strategic advantage (Joshua 2:15).

c) Aware of Israel’s God

She had heard of God’s mighty works and feared Him (Joshua 2:9-11).

d) Took a Risk to Help the Spies

She hid the Israelite spies despite the danger involved (Joshua 2:4-6).

e) Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman at the well, who encountered Jesus and had her life transformed (John 4:7-29).

2. RAHAB’S FAITH IN GOD

a) Recognized God's Sovereignty

She acknowledged that the Lord was the true God of heaven and earth (Joshua 2:11).

b) Acted in Faith, Not Fear

Despite the king’s orders, she protected the spies, showing faith in God’s plan (Joshua 2:4-6).

c) Believed in God’s Mercy

She sought protection for herself and her family (Joshua 2:12-13).

d) Demonstrated Works Alongside Faith

Her actions proved her belief, as James later affirmed (James 2:25).

e) Biblical Example: The centurion who believed in Jesus’ authority without seeing Him (Matthew 8:5-10).

3. RAHAB’S COVENANT WITH THE SPIES

a) Made a Pact for Protection

She secured a promise of safety for herself and her family (Joshua 2:12-14).

b) Received the Scarlet Cord as a Sign

The spies instructed her to tie a scarlet rope in her window as a symbol of her salvation (Joshua 2:18).

c) Obeyed the Instructions Given

She followed the spies’ guidance precisely, ensuring her safety (Joshua 2:21).

d) A Symbol of Redemption

The scarlet cord represents the blood of Christ, bringing salvation (Hebrews 9:14).

e) Biblical Example: The Passover in Egypt, where the Israelites marked their doors with blood for protection (Exodus 12:7, 13).

4. RAHAB’S REWARD AND INCLUSION IN GOD’S PLAN

a) She and Her Family Were Saved

When Jericho fell, Rahab’s household was spared (Joshua 6:22-23).

b) Became Part of Israel

She was integrated into the community of God’s people (Joshua 6:25).

c) Ancestor of Jesus Christ

Rahab married Salmon and became the great-great-grandmother of King David (Matthew 1:5).

d) Mentioned in the Hall of Faith

The writer of Hebrews commended her faith (Hebrews 11:31).

e) Biblical Example: Ruth, another non-Israelite woman who became part of God’s chosen lineage (Ruth 4:13-17).

5. LESSONS FROM RAHAB’S LIFE

a) God Can Redeem Anyone

Her transformation from a harlot to a hero of faith proves that no one is beyond God’s grace (Romans 3:23-24).

b) Faith Requires Action

She risked everything based on her belief in God’s power (James 2:26).

c) God Rewards Those Who Trust in Him

She was honoured for her courage and faith (Hebrews 11:31).

d) Obedience Leads to Salvation

She followed the spies’ instructions and was saved (Joshua 2:21).

e) Biblical Example: Paul, who went from persecuting Christians to being a pillar of the early church (1 Timothy 1:12-16).

6. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF RAHAB

Strengths:

a) Courageous and Fearless – She risked her life to protect the spies (Joshua 2:4-6).

b) Spiritually Perceptive – She recognized God’s power and aligned herself with Him (Joshua 2:9-11).

c) Quick to Act in Faith – She did not hesitate when given the opportunity to help (Joshua 2:12-13).

d) Loyal to Her Family – She sought salvation not just for herself but for her entire household (Joshua 2:12-13).

e) Obedient to God’s Instructions – She followed the guidance given to her and was saved (Joshua 2:21).

Weaknesses:

f) Past Life of Immorality – She lived as a prostitute before encountering God’s grace (Joshua 2:1).

g) Used Deception – She lied to the king of Jericho to protect the spies (Joshua 2:4-5).

h) Initially an Outsider – She was not part of God’s chosen people but had to be integrated later (Joshua 6:25).

i) Had to Overcome Societal Stigma – Despite her faith, she likely faced judgment for her past before being fully accepted.

CONCLUSION:

Rahab’s story is a testimony to the transformative power of faith. Her life teaches us that God does not judge by our past but by our willingness to trust and obey Him. She moved from being a prostitute in a pagan city to becoming a key figure in God’s redemptive plan. No matter our background, faith in God can change our destiny.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, thank You for Your redeeming grace in my life.