The Harlot Who Pleased God: the Story of Rahab
A Canaanite woman living in Jericho, Rahab is a prostitute who is also a biblical heroine. According to the narrative in Joshua 2, before the conquest of Canaan, Joshua sends two men as spies to see the land. They come to Rahab's house for lodging, information, and/or sex.
The Characteristics of Rahab
The Bible calls her Rahab the prostitute because that was her defining trait. The Bible used the word harlot to refer to prostitutes and anyone who worshipped idols–those who prostituted themselves before pagan gods.
Lived 1214 BC - 1114 BC
Spouse Salmon
Children Boaz (Son) · NN (2nd Son of Salmon of Judah) ... (Son) · Elimelech. (Son) · Tob (Son)
Parents Nahshon (Father)
According to the Book of Joshua, Rahab was a harlot who lived in Jericho. In its day, Jericho was the most important Canaanite fortress city in the Jordan Valley. It was a stronghold directly in the path of the advancing Israelites, who had just crossed the Jordan River (Joshua 3:1-17). The Hebrews were encamped to take Jericho. Before entering the land west of the Jordan, Joshua sent two spies to look over the land. The king of Jericho heard that two Israelite spies were within his city and ordered them to be brought out to him. Rahab, the woman with whom the spies were staying, protected them by hiding them on her roof.
The spies were sent to investigate the Jericho military strength. Rahab hid the spies in flax and barley; she only asked to be spared from the attack. Rahab is still known even today as “Rahab the harlot” because this is what the bible calls her. This title is undoubtedly how she defined herself and how the community defined her.
Many people are familiar with the story of the Israelites marching around the city of Jericho to bring down the walls. However, the account of Rahab is less well known in Joshua 2:1–24, 6:2–5, and 6:20–25. Just as the Israelites' faith in God led to their victory, Rahab's faith saved her family and played a vital role in the Israelites' success over Jericho.
Forty years after the Israelites had left Egypt, they could finally leave the desert and enter the Promised Land. However, the Promised Land was under the control of other nations. The Israelite leader, Joshua, sent two spies to survey the land, especially the city of Jericho before they sought to overtake it. The spies lodged at the home of a prostitute named Rahab. However, the Israelites' reputation for defeating the Egyptians and the Amorites preceded them. When the king of Jericho heard that spies had come into his city, he sent men after them.
Rahab, a prostitute in a house on the city's outer wall, was an unlikely character in the Israelites' epic defeat of Jericho. A humble and intelligent woman, she believed in the power of the Israelites' God. She told the spies, "I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. … the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath" (Joshua 2:9, 11). Therefore, she hid the spies on her rooftop and told the guards they had already gone. Once it was safe, she arranged to help the spies escape if they promised to spare her family when they besieged the city. "'Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.'
When the Israelites attacked Jericho, they killed everyone except Rahab's household, and she and her family joined the Israelites. Moreover, the men said to her, 'Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the LORD gives us the land, we will deal kindly and faithfully with you" (Joshua 2:12–14). She lowered them by a rope out of her window and advised them to spend three days hiding in the hills until the guards returned to the city. They told her to put a scarlet cord in her window and keep all of her family inside of her house and that they would be spared.
In Hebrews 11, Paul lists Rahab as an example of faith (Hebrews 11:31). Her belief in the sovereignty of the God of Israel motivated her to help the spies and leave behind the world she knew. James talks about Rahab's faith being proven by her actions (James 2:25). Rahab is the first Gentile recorded in the Bible as having converted to Judaism. In addition, she is an excellent example of the power of God to transform us from our sinful state into the person He wants us to be. She shows that with forgiveness, there is no need to live in guilt and stay in our sinful ways. Once she joined the Israelites, Rahab married Salmon from the tribe of Judah, their son Boaz married Ruth, and their descendant was Jesus' earthly father, Joseph (Matthew 1:5). Rahab should be part of the lineage of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice would reconcile both Jew and Gentile to God.
She told them (the spies) how the citizens of Jericho had been fearful of the Israelites since they defeated the Egyptians via the Red Sea miracle (some 40 years prior). She agreed to help them escape, provided that she and her family were spared in the upcoming battle. The spies agreed to her request, giving her three conditions to be met: 1) she must distinguish her house from the others by hanging a scarlet rope out of the window so the Israelites would know which home to spare; 2) her family must be inside the house during the battle; and 3) she must not later turn on the spies.
Safely escaping the city, the two spies returned to Joshua and reported that the "whole land was melting with fear." The Israelites crossed the Jordan into Canaan, where they laid siege to the city of Jericho. The city was utterly destroyed, and every man, woman, and child in it was killed. Only Rahab and her family were spared. Ultimately, Rahab married Salmon, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah. Her son was Boaz the husband of Ruth. Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, is her direct descendant.
Jericho was one of the principal seats of idol worship, mainly devoted to Ashtaroth, the goddess of the moon. Here was centered all that was the vilest and most degrading in the religion of the Canaanites. Rahab was a young Canaanite prostitute and, as such, not a very likely candidate for a heroine of the faith. Many Bible commentators, eager to remove the stigma of the designation “harlot” from one included in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:5), have described Rahab as a hostess or tavern keeper. Nevertheless, scriptural usage of the Hebrew word zanah (Leviticus 21:7-14; Deuteronomy 23:18; Judges 11:1; 1 Kings 3:16) and the authority of the apostles (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25) establish the credibility of the use of the word “harlot.”
Rahab was perceptive, intelligent, and well-informed. Rahab identified the spies for what they were, hid them, and had a plausible story ready to deceive the king’s agents. Rahab did not deny that she had entertained the men. She says that they left at dusk when it would be difficult for anyone to be sure of clearly seeing anything. The agents did not dare to risk stopping to search Rahab’s house because, if they did, the spies might get away. Finally, the Canaanite prostitute gives the two Israelites excellent advice. She tells them to hide in the hills for three days before attempting to cross the Jordan.
Spiritually, Rahab was not in an ideal circumstance to believe in the one true God, the God of Israel. She was a citizen of a wicked city under God’s condemnation. Rahab was part of a corrupt, depraved, pagan culture. She had not benefited from the godly leadership of Moses or Joshua. However, Rahab had one asset—she had heard from the many men she came into contact with that the Israelites were to be feared. She heard the stories of their escape from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the wanderings in the wilderness, and their recent victory over the Amorites. She learned enough to reach the correct, saving conclusion: "For the Lord, your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:11). It is this change of heart, this faith—coupled with the actions prompted by faith—that saved her and her family.
It is often said that Rahab, while a genuine historical person, also serves as a symbolic foreshadowing or "type" of the church and Gentile believers. She was, in fact, the first recorded Gentile convert. There are many ways in which Rahab depicts the church. First, she was part of a pagan world system, a prostitute who, by her conversion, was enabled to become a legitimate bride. In like fashion, Israel was the first chosen people of God, but they were set aside temporarily so the Gentiles could be brought into the kingdom of God, and the church is now considered the bride of Christ (Romans 11; Ephesians 5:25-27). Second, because she welcomed the spies, Rahab was saved because of her faith in "God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Hebrews 11:31). Likewise, Christians are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. "For it is by grace, you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).
Third, although an act of grace saves Rahab and Christians through faith, true faith requires and is exemplified by action (James 2). Rahab had to put the scarlet cord out of the window. Christians must accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord and then go on to live in a manner that verifies that our faith is genuine. Fourth, Rahab could have indicated the location of her home in many ways. However, the only way that she could be spared was to follow the directions given to her by the Israelite spies. The world tells us that there are many ways to God and salvation equally valid. But, the Bible tells us, concerning Jesus Christ, that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Fifth, Rahab’s faith enabled her to turn away from her culture, people, religion, and the Lord. Commitment to true faith in God may necessitate setting priorities that are contrary to those of the world, as we are exhorted to do in Romans 12:2.
Finally, once we come to Christ, our pasts no longer matter. The slate is wiped clean for all who believe and accept the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross on our behalf. Rahab was no longer viewed as an unclean prostitute but as one worthy by grace to be part of the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as she was grafted into the line of Christ, so we become children of God and partakers in His inheritance (Romans 11). We find in the life of Rahab the inspiring story of all sinners who have been saved by grace. In her story, we learn of the amazing grace of God that can save even the worst of sinners and bring them into an abundant life in Christ Jesus.
Facts about the story of Rahab in the Bible
Sometimes the more details we have about a character, the more we can truly appreciate their journey and what they have to offer. Here are three details to keep in mind about her life.
How many times is Rahab mentioned in the Bible
Rahab, as a character, is mentioned four times in the Bible. Along with her important role in the book of Joshua, she is mentioned three times in the New Testament:
• Matthew 1:5
• Hebrews 11:31
• James 2:25
Who did Rahab marry?
Rahab married one of the two spies she protected. Rahab’s husband was Salmon. He was a prince in the tribe of Judah. Rahab married into royalty in Israel.
Who are the descendants of Rahab?
Rahab gave birth to Boaz. Interestingly, Boaz married Ruth, a woman with a pagan background who came to accept the Israelite God. Boaz and Ruth had Jesse, who became the father of King David. It is through the line of David that Jesus is born.
What does the name Rahab mean?
Rahab’s name came from the Egyptian God Ra. It means insolence or fierceness.
Characteristics of Rahab in the Bible
There are quite a few outstanding qualities of Rahab. I am glad we know her name. Let us take a closer look at her.
Rahab was a woman of means
The most well-known detail about Rahab is that she was a prostitute. However, if you look closely at her life, you will see that she was more than that.
Rahab was a successful businesswoman. She had something like a motel, it seems. Plus, she had a linen business. When she hid the spies on her roof, she put them under flax. Flax was used in making fabric. Rahab had a business similar to Lydia in the New Testament.
Rahab had no husband. She had no cover in a society where women largely depended on the men to provide for them.
We know that Rahab had a family, but she took care of herself. By today’s standards, Rahab would be considered an independent woman. A girl boss if you please.
Rahab was extremely hospitable
In Bible times, much like some cultures today, caring towards strangers was very important. Nevertheless, it was more important to ensure no harm came to the guests in your house. Protection was the responsibility of the host.
Do you remember that very horrifying Bible story of the man who was willing to give up his daughters to be abused rather than allow his visitors to suffer that fate?
Well, Rahab’s hospitality still topped that. Rahab was willing to give up her own life to hide her visitors.
Rahab believed in the God of heaven
Rahab was raised as a pagan. But due to her line of work, she heard of the Red Sea event and other wars that God fought for the Israelites.
Because Rahab kept an inn, travelers passed through often, so she was in a position to hear many stories from different perspectives. Her faith in the God of heaven was kindled.
No doubt she heard enough to determine the truth of the Israelites’ God.
Rahab more than likely worshipped many gods believed to be in charge of different things. The earth. The sea. The sky. Fertility. Moreover, the list goes on.
But when she came to believe in the God of heaven, she acknowledged Him as the God above all other gods and in charge of every single thing “…for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:11)
Rahab’s confession gives us a window into her understanding of how all-powerful God was. She believed He could save her life, no matter how difficult things looked.
Rahab’s faith was imperfect
Although she believed there was a little problem. Rahab’s faith was imperfect, like the Canaanite Woman and the Samaritan Woman.
Rahab’s problem was that her faith was built on fear. “When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear, and everyone’s courage failed because of you…” (Jericho 2:11) But still, here again, is an unlikely faith like that of Naaman. Her faith was not perfect, but it was enough to get God’s attention.
Rahab believed without seeing. She had more faith than many of the Israelites, who were eyewitnesses to some of the events she mentioned. She believed so much that she put her very life on it.
What is the measure of your faith?
Rahab had a divine appointment because of her faith
Once God knows your heart, He will use your faith.
God brought the spies to Rahab because He knew the state of her faith. He knew Rahab would give them what they needed to make His will come to pass.
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed by those who were disobedient. (Hebrews 11:31)
It was providence, and it was destiny just because of her faith. Her faith triggered a divine appointment. And when that appointment came to fulfillment, she was ready to take action. And her life was saved in the process. God will do the same for you if you are ready to trust Him.
Rahab had courageous faith
Rahab’s faith was imperfect, but it was courageous. When she chose to lie and hide the spies, she could have been killed for treason, but she hid the spies anyway. She had betrayed her country, and this was punishable by death.
Her allegiance was with the God of heaven, whom she hardly knew, but she knew enough about Him to believe He was worth the risk to her life. Rahab is one of two women listed in the hall of faith next to Sarah who was the wife of the father of faith. Her faith was not wimpy. It was bold and daring.
Rahab was obedient
Rahab received specific instructions from the spies. They told her to tie a red cord on her window. That cord would tell the Israelite soldiers that those living in that house should not be attacked. The spies warned her to ensure that she gathered her family in her house and tied that red cord in a visible place. Otherwise, both she and her family would be killed. Rahab listened to these instructions and followed them. It was in her best interest if she was going to receive the things she desired by faith.
Action needed to follow faith. Rahab acted on her faith by following instructions to tie the scarlet cord on her window. Although she had faith, if she did not obey, her life would have been lost. Faith and obedience go hand in hand.
James 2:25 tells us that actions followed Rahab’s faith. If you are expecting God to do something for you, He is expecting you to do something regarding his instructions. God will work in your life as far as you will listen to his voice and surrender to His will.
Is there something God has been calling you to obey, to take action on? Your desires and progress are wrapped up in your obedience to that call. Lives are waiting to be saved as a result of your obedience.
Lessons from the story of Rahab in the Bible
What can we learn from Rahab’s story?
Lesson #1 – God accepts imperfect faith
Regarding faith, God is looking for progress, not perfection. Like so many other Bible characters, like the woman with the issue of blood, Rahab’s faith pleased God, although it was imperfect. No matter where you are with your level of faith, if you decide to flex that tiny muscle, God will honor that. But if you never use the little faith you have, God has nothing to work with.
What have you been afraid to trust God for?
Lesson #2 – God gives good gifts regardless of passed sin
Sometimes we are inclined to think that God punishes us for our sins so that our success in this life will never become a reality. That’s far from the truth. Do we often have to face the consequences of our sins? Absolutely! However, that is the law of life. That has nothing to do with God’s judgment. But what is true is that God is always ready to do good things for us.
The question is: are we doing our part to set ourselves up to receive it?
Rahab’s faith, obedience, and desperate desire for better opened the door for her. Rahab’s reputation did not prevent God from blessing her with good things.
In the story of the prodigal son, the father restores the son completely.
This happens to Rahab too. Her husband was a prince. Despite her past, she became a princess—a woman of influence. Someone whom young girls would admire. Someone they would look to for an example and advice. Imagine that! Talk about a Richard Gere and Julia Roberts moment in the Bible (if you know the movie Pretty Woman).
Lesson #3 – God is interested in saving anyone who believes in Him
Over and over in the New Testament, we see Jesus calling people to believe. More than anything that is what God wants from us. For us to believe and act on that belief. But we see God-honoring faith in the Old Testament too. Rahab believed just from hearing stories. God saw her heart. It was bursting with this brand new experience. Rahab risked her life for this new faith she found. And God saved her.
Do you believe?
God is ready to take you from where you are and pour some grace and salvation all over you.
Lesson #4 – God can reach anyone no matter where they are
Jericho was the worst city in Canaan, yet faith was found there. Rahab is perhaps the last person anyone would expect to become a believer. But God has his way of reaching people, especially those who are ripe and ready to receive him. Her primary business did not earn her the respect and admiration of the other women in town. But it very much brought her the stories of the Israelite God. Right there, in her life of sin God was able to reach her. And the seed of faith was planted. God does not need human ingenuity to save his people. He can do it himself. However, it would be nice for him to have your help with all your beautiful gifts and talents.
Lesson #5 – God is not concerned with your reputation
When Rahab came to faith, God fulfilled her desire for her life to be saved. God showered her with good things regardless of the type of life she lived before. God did not withhold anything from her because of her reputation. God is not into that. His restoration is complete. His expression of love is unconditional. Even in the New Testament, Rahab is still called the harlot by the Bible writers. However, her faith qualified her to be named among the giants of faithful men in the Bible. Among the likes of Abraham and Joseph. What are the odds that God has allowed her name to appear here? God is neither afraid nor ashamed of being associated with the less desirables of society. Your reputation does not matter to him. What is His interest? Your heart. Your faith. So, if you think God is thinking about what you did yesterday, last night, or even this morning, perish the thought. He is so over all that already. He is that into you that He will forget it as soon as you repent.
Lesson #6 – God will use anyone who makes themselves available
God is always on the mission of saving souls and fulfilling his promises to his people on the earth. Thus, He is always looking for willing people. Rahab was one of those people. She was available. Regardless of the measure of her faith. Regardless of her morality. Regardless of her reputation. God used her. Through Rahab, the spies’ faith and confidence were boosted. When they heard of the fear and paranoia in Jericho, they were affirmed in their faith that God would indeed defeat the city for them. They just needed to show up and do their part. Rahab’s story of salvation and deliverance was barely birthed.
Nevertheless, she was showing up to be used by God anyway. How about you? Are you available? If not, what is standing in your way? Is it your insecurity about what people think of you? Is it your hang-ups with your past? Is it the negative voices in your head?
Know this: God is not concerned with all that.
Conclusion to lessons from the story of Rahab in the Bible
This was such a juicy study about Rahab! I hope you have been encouraged and empowered. Rahab stands out as a faith giant, not because she was perfect but because she used the little she had to do great things. Her life only got better from there on. The Rahab we meet in the book of Joshua is not the same Rahab who shows up in other places in Scripture. God wants to do in your life what He did for Rahab. How do you feel about that?
