You can find the story of Rahab in the Bible in Joshua chapters two and six. Rahab is praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. Its not the tree that stands out, but the stories attached to it, each pointing to the faithfulness of God and His love for us. God instructed Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city walls once a day for six days, followed by seven priests blowing trumpets. What I admire so much about Rahab is that she took the reckless route. His father, Giovanni Santi, was a court painter in Raphael's hometown. Part 3 in a Fourteen-Week Bible Study for Women - Glenys Nellist Moses had passed and appointed Joshua as the new leader of Israel and with Gods blessing and instruction the Israelites were again preparing to enter Canaan (the Promised Land), starting with Jericho. Rahab - Chabad.org The history of the King of Jericho is found in the book of Joshua. The story of Rahab is a powerful reminder of Gods love and grace. 4. 5. But Rahab believed in the power of the Hebrew God, all she had heard were stories but she believed He was powerful enough to deliver Jericho into the hands of His people. I always assumed she was younger since she goes on to have kids. Here are some interesting facts about the Tundra: The tundra biome of the Arctic region extends all the way from the North Pole to the coniferous forests in the region of Taiga. How many persons would have thought to hide someone under stalks of flax (Joshua 2:6)? She is popularly known as the prostitute who helped the Israelite spies. 9 Facts about Rahab in the Bible | Biblical - Jesus Leadership Training In the Book of Joshua, Rahab (a heroine nonetheless known as "Rahab the Harlot") assisted two Israelite spies in escaping out a window and down the city wall of Jericho. But instead, she protected them and helped them escape. (the head of Lets Talk Bible Study) unless otherwise stated. Below is a list of common discussion questions for the story of Rahab and Joshua 2 Bible study questions. This caused the walls of Jericho to collapse, and the Israelites were able to enter the city and defeat its inhabitants. Her only other option would be to seek out another people group and cling to them. If this is so apparent to a common prostitute, why do the people of Jericho resist this all . How people view us is our stumbling block and often times we associate Gods view of us with mans view of us. Rahab helped the spies escape over the city wall with the aid of a crimson cord lowered through her window, but not before the spies told her that she needed to hang that same scarlet cord in her window when they invaded. Diana makes her home in San Diego, California. She refused to nurture those things anymore. But these are barren lands with plants that have adapted to freezing cold winters and harsh soil conditions. Are you allowing regret, shame or confusion caused by someone else to keep you on a detour? Even more, Rahab was, soon, engrafted into the physical family of Israel as she became the wife of Salmon, one of the leaders of Israel who supported Moses when they left Egypt. The name of the French flag is actually very simple, it means "3 colors". Among the many stories that are interwoven in that wonderful section of the Bible, the woman of the scarlet cord takes her honored place. She shows that with forgiveness there is no need to live in guilt and stay in our sinful ways. He sent the spies into the land to see if it was truly as good as He had said it was. Rahab in the Bible was a perceptive woman, intelligent and well-informed. If youve ever had to deliver a speech before an unknown audience you understand how much nerve it takes to speak up for what you want. Get our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets! Scripture doesnt say explicitly, but I think the arrival of these spies was an answer to Rahabs prayers. He and his wife, Mae, reside in Western North Carolina. Moses birth place was Egypt and the names of his parents were Amran and Jochebed. From the line of Rahab came the Messiah of Israel, the Savior of the world, our God and King, the Lord Jesus Christ. Ruth is not a whore but a Moabite, a member of a despised people. Until the 1980s, it was illegal for a. In many ways, the gates represented the border between civilization and the wilderness. Thats how the entire line of Abraham started! How did you decide Rahab was around 40 at this point? The people would gather at the city gate to praise God and thank Him for His goodness (Psalm 100:4). Rahab also had to convince her whole family to move into her house if they wanted to be saved. As if that wasnt enough risk, Rahab goes on to help the spies create a strategic and safe return home (Joshua 2:14-16). In the Old Testament, they are seemingly unrelated. According to the Oxford Dictionary, there are a couple of different definitions of the word abandon. Interesting and Fun Animal Facts 1. Still, she boldly asked them to spare her life. These things require a steady work ethic and a life source in order to thrive. Shop the viral Uniqlo bag going viral on TikTok. What I admire so much about Rahab is that she took the reckless route. 2. The Wall of Jericho is an important archaeological site, and it provides insight into the history and culture of ancient Jericho. You probably have more hair than you think. Read More 5 Ways to Let Go and Let God Handle ItContinue. Who was Rahab in the Bible? Woman of Faith Faith is the opposite of fear. Read More Covenants In the Bible (Starting In Genesis)Continue. There are a few pieces of evidence that suggest she did. It is interesting to note that Matthew is the only biblical writer to tell us that Rahab was the mother-in-law of Ruth. Did God Approve of Rahab's Lie? - Apologetics Press He speaks His own words. She identified the spies for what they were, hid them, and had a convincing story ready with which to deceive the king's men. For this reason, they were often adorned with symbols of strength and protection, such as lions or dragons. 90% of U.S. media (TV, news, radio) is owned by 6 companies. This may explain why the Israelites were able to destroy the wall by marching around it and making a loud noise. Rahab hid the Israelite spies and helped them escape. I was so nervous but this post helped me tremendously! We see this played out throughout history, and it continues to happen today. 4. Jesus' own lineage shows how God powerfully uses us despite our past. But reading your article I find that there are some ADDITIONAL things I needed to know. formId: '5e128eefed5f9800263d7fc0', For forty years, the children of Israel had wandered in the wilderness without a home. Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. It would have been hard to step into the identity God had planned for her. a. As Christians, we will need to spend time in His Word doing the work to learn more about His character. The rabbis imagine her as a superhumanly seductive woman who knows the secrets of all the men in Jericho, as well as the ultimate example of repentance. It means not fighting in our own physical strength but instead; trusting and leaning into Gods might. A Rahab Bible Study: A vivid, scripture-based, unfiltered study of the Rahab Bible story and its connection to the love of God and grace of the gospel. she turned out to be amazing. When I hear Tower of Babel my, Read More Nimrod and the Story of the Tower of BabelContinue, Its easy to overlook the importance of repentance in the Bible. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. So if youre feeling like youre not good enough or youve made too many mistakes, remember Rahabs story and know that there is always hope with God. 20. Thus, she and her family were saved. Hi Shay! Gods with you every step of the way! We first meet Rahab in Joshua chapter 2. I love how beautifully these lyrics reflect that. Here's a cool video that will provide you with more language facts about the weirdest languages in the world. 6. 95 Fun Facts That Will Amaze You By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer Published August 19, 2020 American flags left on the moon will eventually get bleached white by the sun. #purposedbook Click To Tweet, For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, who you utterly destroyed. So glad we could answer some of those questions for you! Rahab Villacres was born on Monday, 71 st day / 11 th week of 1996; By Hebrew definitions, she should be dead. Rahab the Prostitute - Spy for the Israelites - Learn Religions The verses state Salmon was the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, and go on to state Boaz was the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. When the Israelite spies came to her city, she could have easily turned them over to the authorities. Diana Wallis Taylor is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including such novels asHadassah, Queen Esther of Persia; Lydia, Woman of Philippi;Mary, Chosen of God;Ruth, Mother of Kings;Mary Magdalene; andJourney to the Well. He is the ultimate judge of character, and He can redeem even the most unlikely people for His purposes. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. It took a lot of faith to acknowledge that the Hebrew God was greater than any of the gods of Jericho. Rahab knew what was going on. A snail can sleep for three years. The city of Jericho was the first city that the Israelites conquered when they entered the Promised Land. That's right. Rahab the Harlot? - Biblical Archaeology Society Even though the people disobeyed Him, He still had mercy on them and allowed them to enter the Promised Land. Hospitable Rahab was hospitable, as she provided lodging for the spies. So, while city gates served many purposes in Bible times, their most important function was as a place where people could meet with God. As an Amazon affiliate I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. formId: '63050dacce6421efe0a560d4', These are the words I use to describe the character of Rahab in the Bible. This is a BIG DEAL. Rahab is one of five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus. Together, Rahab and Ruth became part of the lineage of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. And that boy would one day marry a widow woman by the name of Ruth (Ruth 4:5, 10). The Bible calls her Rahab the prostitute because that was her defining trait. It will give you a glimpse into what life may have been like for those first families who had to settle the land while the army remained on the move. Would the kings men have found the spies if they had decided to search the house? 2. By including these four women in Christ's genealogy, Matthew is making the claim that God's great plan of salvation includes Gentiles, even unrighteous Gentiles. Some, like Welsh, are only spoken by less than 20% of a single region or country's population. Third, Rahab takes great risks to help the spies, including hiding them in her own home. 113 Fun Facts to Amaze Anyone You Meet - PrepScholar Much work remained. She knew what she wanted for her life and she had to remain focused on it. Finally, Rahab shows us that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. }); While the Canaanites were living large and partying doing all the things that were grotesquely sinful things (child sacrifices, idol worship, pagan rituals including but not limited to sexual perversions), God was faithfully bringing the Israelites to the land He had promised them in Genesis 15:18-21 and Exodus 33:1-3. She operated two coffee house/used bookstores and later retired from a private Christian college as Director of Conference Services. It describes a toxic one, or more relate-ably a toxic person. So lets take a moment to consider them here. The Bible doesnt give any conclusive evidence and it is in this gap that Ms. Taylor pens her story Rahab Woman of Jericho. Read the fullaffiliate disclosure. Rahab the Faithful Harlot - TheTorah.com Rahab is the ever-present message of God to you: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 4. This raises an important question: did Rahab have any family in Jericho? Third, this story teaches us about Gods mercy and grace. But she would enter without Moses for he was dead. You can choose to have the faith of Rahab. She found God and she ran to Him and He gave her an entirely new identity. Her documented profession as a prostitute keeps her from being a Sunday School staple like Jonah and the Whale or David and Goliath, but her story draws people back over and over again. In Joshua 2, we are told that Rahab entertained the spies in her house. We find two names linked in holy matrimony: Salmon and Rahab. That note on having kids, I thought the same too but then God brought to remembrance the many women that he blessed with children in old age. Rahabs house was located in the city of Jericho. Michael A. Milton (PhD, Wales) is a long-time Presbyterian minister (PCA) and a regular contributor to Salem Web Network. Cats have an amazing way of catching their prey. According to the Bible, the walls of Jericho were destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites when they invaded the city (Joshua 6:1-27). In return, the spies make a vow to protect Rahab and her family when they invade Jericho. Dianas additional published works include a collection of poetry,Wings of the Wind; an Easter cantata, Glorious, written with a musical collaborator and available on Sheet Music Plus; and contributions to various magazines and compilations. They were also places of judgment. Esperanto. The Gates also symbolized entry into the kingdom of God and were often mentioned in biblical passages. But as hard as it is to have faith, there are rewards in the end. She wouldnt have made it into the lineage of Christ. The spies are taken in by a woman named Rahab, who hides them from the authorities and helps them escape. There it is: "Your God is God." Unmistakably a statement of fact and a confession of faith. Pretty much everyone is interested in space, so this is always a good fact to . Actually, lets rephrase that. When we read the story of Rahab we assume that she was a Canaanite. Joshua knew that he needed divine intervention to defeat Jericho, so he asked God for guidance. I hope you enjoyed this summary of the story of Rahab in the Bible! Jesus: Who Do You Think You Are? 2. Rahab, Ruth and Boaz Obedient Rahab was obedient to Gods commands, even when it put her in danger. Shutterstock. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Wouldnt the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son? She asked for what she wanted knowing the Hebrew spies had no reason to give it to her. Covenants gives us a promise to hold onto and look forward to. He has composed and performed original music for five albums. She was a Canaanite woman who lived in the city of Jericho during the time of the Israelite conquest. Faith requires a belief in God and that God exists. containerEl: '#fd-form-5e128eefed5f9800263d7fc0' Fun Facts About Space. She is not remembered for her sin. She was rewarded for her kindness and ultimately married Joshua, taking her place in the ranks of righteous converts.. Who Was Rahab? The Israelite army had just arrived in the Promised Land, and their first task was to conquer the city of Jericho. Piraha. Ive always wondered, but I think Rahab had enough flax to completely cover the two Israelite spies. They didnt necessarily deny Gods existence, but they had little reverence for God as the sovereign One and saw no problem with giving glory to idols and other deities. It was the norm. containerEl: '#fd-form-63050dacce6421efe0a560d4' Christian Truth. And we can become a blessing to others. 6. Hence, it is strange that a Harlot, a Canaanite, and a liar is known as a distinguished Bible figure. One million Earths could fit inside the sun. Ultimately, she was used by God to play a role in forming the lineage of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Even without her intervention, their victory was sure. There was no guarantee these risks would pay off, but to Rahab, these risks were worth it. As such, Raphael most likely spent his formative years in contact with the court. Many people are familiar with the story of Rahab, the prostitute who helped the Israelites escape from Jericho. Judges would sit at the city gate to hear cases and render verdicts (Deuteronomy 21:19, Ruth 4:1-2, Psalm 69:12). If you wish to use an image or any other content of this blog, contact connect@lotanner.com prior to using the content. Why is knowing about the various characters in the Bible important. Rahab is the first Gentile recorded in the Bible as having converted to Judaism. Learn more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure policy.What do you know about Nimrod and the story of the Tower of Babel? document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); My Goal Is to Inspire You and Help You Have Fun Serving Our Lord - Have Fun Greg, 11/22 I added a New Feature - There will be a JLT Video Video that you can play - It will Show Lesson in Caption Form - If you turn on your sound it will Read it to You -I will have all added by 3/23 - God Bless Greg, 12/22 I have added a New Feature - Where applicable I will add a Quiz - to sharpen your knowledge going forward as we do lessons - Feel Free to Use it as you Like - Have Fun Greg, 1/12/23 I Have Added a New Category - Bible Verses on - The Topic We are Covering Will Now have a List of Associated Bible Verses - Enjoy, 2/17/2023 I Have Added a New Feature Each Lesson will Have a Unique Facts Page about the Topic - Enjoy Greg, 2/10/2023 I have Begun a New Series of Lessons - "What does the Bible Say About" I am Working Through Major Topics in Bakers Illustrated Bible Dictionary - for my Topics (Adding 30 Topics / Month} - Feel free to use - Greg, Leading Missionary Teams for 40 Years"Where Their is No Vision - The People Perish" KJVProverbs 29:18" As Iron Sharpens Iron - So One Person Sharpens Another"Proverbs 27:17"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. There were whispers that they had been promised the land of Canaan. Her bravery saved the lives of the Israelite spies and ultimately led to the fall of Jericho. 65. #purposedbook. For we have heard how the, dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who, on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon, and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. There is a lot of historical evidence and even biblical evidence that points to her being forced into prostitution. Continue with Recommended Cookies. When they entered the wilderness they crossed the water of the Red Sea, That Miracle made the inhabitants of the land melt. Rahab was spared when Jericho was destroyed. What does the story of Rahab teach us? All for the HOPE of a new life, with the One True God and His people. Im not sure how that happened but Im glad you both were searching and found the right verse! 2. Father / Grandfather / Minister / Missionary / Deacon / Elder / Author / While there are many theories about Rahabs origins, the most likely explanation is that she was a native of Jericho. So He tells the Israelites in Deuteronomy 9:5, It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Rahabs name is most likely derived from the Hebrew word (rb), meaning wide It may also be related to the Arabic word (raaba), meaning to be merciful. God still uses those who have reverent fear of Him. The rabbis viewed Rahab as a worthy convert to Judaism, and attested that Rahab married Joshua following her conversion; their descendants included the prophets Jeremiah, Hilkiah, Seraiah, Mahseiah, Baruch, Ezekiel and the prophetess Hulda, [22] although there is no report in the book of Joshua of the leader marrying anyone, or having any family It was included in everything from their entertainment to their worship. In a lot of modern churches, they claim theres not really a need for it. It's funded by membership dues, non-member donations, bequests and major gifts and donations from its 275 chapters. However, one woman, Rahab, was spared because she had helped the Israelite spies who had come to reconnaissance the city before their conquest. There is also an account of Rahab (Rahabs Story) in the Hebrew Bibles historical books, where she appears as a Canaanite woman who aided Joshuas spies in Jericho and was saved from destruction along with her family. Rahab found God, ran to Him, and didn't let ANYTHING keep her back. CHAPTERS: 4 VERSES: 85 Rahab let go of some of the biggest pieces of her life. The French flag is called "le tricolore". 64. They keep their head level when chasing prey. However debaucherous, brothers, bars, and red light districts have often functioned as infamous meetings placed for military espionage. In addition to the hurdle of finding actual work, Rahab would also have to find enough favor with the Israelite people to be allowed to dwell among them. And the words He speaks never return void. He wasnt made by human hands. But why is she included in the lineage of Jesus? Rahab is best known for her role in helping the Israelite spies escape from Jericho, and for her subsequent marriage to Salmon, an Israelite. Esther is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman. to move into the home of a harlot in order to save their lives. This time around, instead of sending a group of spies to scout out the land, Joshua sent only two. Finally, this story teaches us that we should obey God even when it is difficult. 46 Interesting Facts You Probably don't Know. Moses Aaron Facts for 9-13 Year Olds Categories: Men in the Old Testament, Moses Aaron is Moses' older brother. Humble Rahab was humble, as she considered herself unworthy of salvation. 60 Interesting Facts About France (+ fun France facts!) You might think any or all of these things because Rahab was a prostitute. Welcome to our Family. If so, it is likely that she had other family members in Jericho who were also struggling to make ends meet. These include balance, temperature, pain and time as well as internal senses for suffocation, thirst, and fullness. And in Hebrews, Rahab is held up as an example of someone who had faith, even though she was not part of the people of Israel. She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. This was SO enlightening! In fact, that is a big part of why God chose to destroy the Canaanites in the first place. How could it be that Rahab the prostitute became Rahab, the mother of Boaz? Faithful Rahab was faithful, as she protected the spies secret and did not reveal their whereabouts. Courageous Rahab was courageous, as she hid the spies and lied to the kings soldiers. What scripture doesnt explicitly state in the facts about Rahab is whether this occupation was voluntary or not. For many of us, our identity is our hang-up. God is so amazing! 2. Rahabs story is one of my favorites! Cookie Monster's real name is Sid. For Rahab trusted in God who fulfilled the covenantal promise to Abraham that he would be given land from which would bring a nation, and a descendant, who would bless the earth. Copyright 2011-2023 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. Of all the things Rahab left behind, I bet this was the one she was most happy to let go of. When your city has fortified walls, its easy to believe your city is impenetrable.