Much work remained. The gospel that Jesus, those before Him, and the disciples after Him taught is a gospel of repentance., Read More 6 Examples of True Repentance in the BibleContinue. The wall was built to protect the city from invaders. Father / Grandfather / Minister / Missionary / Deacon / Elder / Author / 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. 20. This was SO enlightening! The scarlet cord was used by Rahab to indicate to the Israelite spies which house belonged to her and her family so that they would not be harmed when the city of Jericho was destroyed (Joshua 2:18-19). Whatever Rahab was before Israel crossed into the land of the Canaanites she became someone new in the promised land. In return, the spies make a vow to protect Rahab and her family when they invade Jericho. 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. For Rahab believed. It will likely shrivel and die unless someone else comes along to provide a life source. When we put our trust in God, He will always keep His promises. 3. It means not fighting in our own physical strength but instead; trusting and leaning into Gods might. While there are many theories about Rahabs origins, the most likely explanation is that she was a native of Jericho. In Rahabs day, it was normal for women to be bought and sold for sex (or even marriage). Joshua 2:10-11. Matthew calls her Rahab, mother of Boaz. But the Hebrew word, zn, is interpreted in the Septuagint as prn. The others are Ruth, Tamar and Bathsheba. 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 a lot of historical evidence and even biblical evidence that points to her being forced into prostitution. He doesnt function by human design. The other three are Tamar, Ruth, and Bathsheba. A fairly popular one at that. 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. Read More How to Make A Jesse Tree?Continue. Its also a misunderstanding of the actual gospel message. Learn more by visiting my Disclosures Page. A shrimp's heart is located in its head. In addition to founding three churches, and the call as Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, Dr. Milton is a retired Army Chaplain (Colonel). Why do women seem to have a small role in the Bible? Her bravery saved the lives of the Israelite spies and ultimately led to the fall of Jericho. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. What scripture doesnt explicitly state in the facts about Rahab is whether this occupation was voluntary or not. She trusted that God would see beyond what everyone else saw and choose to save her over all the people in Jericho. This caused the walls of Jericho to collapse, and the Israelites were able to enter the city and defeat its inhabitants. Rahab was an innkeeper. It also demonstrates that even when things seem hopeless, we can trust that God is in control and He will always help us achieve victory. The Israelites had been instructed by God to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, they were to shout and blow their trumpets. Rahab was a creative problem solver. Ive always wondered, but I think Rahab had enough flax to completely cover the two Israelite spies. The scarlet cord is a reminder that even those who are considered sinners can be forgiven and have a place in Gods kingdom. They were also places of judgment. He has composed and performed original music for five albums. City gates in the Bible were places of community and commerce. But why is she included in the lineage of Jesus? 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. 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. The more common introduction (the reason people are shocked that shed have the honor of being in the lineage of Jesus): This leads us to Rahabs real shining moment; The Story of Rahab and the Spies at Jericho, as given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. 1. The people of Jericho were terrified of the Israelites, and they barricaded themselves inside the city walls. Rahabs story is a reminder that anyone can be used by God, no matter their background or station in life. Are you ready to dig in? 65. Obedient Rahab was obedient to Gods commands, even when it put her in danger. Lobsters communicate with their bladders. A lot of the women featured in the Bible are walk-on characters who werent even given a name let alone enough screen time for us to really know anything about them. Whats amazing about Rahab is that she didnt let those thoughts keep her from running to God. Who came to rescue the earth from God's destruction? The most frequently cited example revolves around Rahab's lie in the book of Joshua and two separate, favorable comments about Rahab in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). (NIV) Hebrews 11:31. In fact, that is a big part of why God chose to destroy the Canaanites in the first place. And the Bible does a good job of showing us what to do but with so many male leads its sometimes hard to visualize what a woman who pleases God looks like. Still, the people of Jericho may have felt as if they could hide behind their walls. God knew it because God knew her better than she knew herself. Thus, as God worked all things together for the good, using the humble and the most unlikely, God raised up a harlot to become the great-great-grandmother of King David. Many scholars refer to it when theyre looking for cultural context, changes in Hebrew OT/NT law, or when they come across what seems to be a contradiction within scripture. And as soon as we heard, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the, This is one of my favorite chapters to work through in the Rahab Bible Study, 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. FUN FACTS ABOUT Rahab Auguste She was born on Sept. 7th 1970 Her favorite artist was Prince and she had a crush on Ralph Tresvant from New Edition as a teen. Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus. In addition to serving as a physical barrier, the gates also served as a symbolic barrier between the inside and outside of the city. The Bible used the word harlot not only to refer to prostitutes but also to anyone who worshipped idolsthose who prostitutedthemselves before pagan gods. Fun, Amazing, Unknown & Interesting Facts about Moses. A woodpecker's tongue actually wraps all the way around its brain, protecting it from damage when it's hammering into a tree. She is one of the prominent figures in the Christian tradition. Faithful Rahab was faithful, as she protected the spies secret and did not reveal their whereabouts. Raphael had art in his blood. 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. The Lord did this by causing the walls of Jericho to collapse after the Israelites had marched around the city for seven days. Until the 1980s, it was illegal for a. He sent the spies into the land to see if it was truly as good as He had said it was. 1. A woman of Rahabs age (40+) left unwed and without a child was shamed. However, less well known is the account of Rahab recorded in Joshua 2:124, 6:25, and 6:2025. In this short verse, we learn a few things about God and faith: Rahab displayed all of those characteristics. I doubt it. According to the Bible, the walls of Jericho were destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites when they invaded the city (Joshua 6:1-27). After the fall of Jericho, the Israelites went on to conquer the rest of Canaan. Many people are familiar with the story of Rahab, the prostitute who helped the Israelites escape from Jericho. 1. Rahab became a member of the Israelite community. This is what set the God of the Bible apart from the false gods of other nations. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. First, Rahab demonstrates the power of faith. We dont typically hear the word abandon being used to describe positive behavior. What are the 9 Admirable Characteristics of Rahab? We wouldnt have had that awesome story of Rahabs faith in the Bible. Download our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets and join us! Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. These were her people and this was her King. Salmon was from the tribe of Judah, which means that Rahab was also technically from that tribe (although she was not born into it). So how did she become one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ? Rahab was a prostitute. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Hence, it is strange that a Harlot, a Canaanite, and a liar is known as a distinguished Bible figure. Im just constantly amazed the more I learn. Whereas many Bible passages in both the Old and the New Testament indicate that lying is sinful, 1 critics of the inspiration of the Bible contend that the biblical teaching on this subject is contradictory. Are you allowing regret, shame or confusion caused by someone else to keep you on a detour? This was her culture. Esther is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman. Rahab let go of some of the biggest pieces of her life. Rahabs story is one of my absolute favorites. She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof and said to the men: I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. In short, the City Gates were extremely important in both a practical and symbolic sense. Do not give the enemy ground that Jesus has already taken. Keep moving forward! Still, she boldly asked them to spare her life. As they did so, Joshua commanded the people to shout out loudly. Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way (James 2:25)? 3 Profound Reasons Idolatry is a Sin, 23 Encouraging Bible Verses About Endurance, Consider Your Ways: 3 Simple Tips for Introspection, 4 Simple Ways to Share the Faith With Your Family. Scholars disagree on whether it was 1406 BC or 1250 BC. Rahabs house was located in the city of Jericho. It would have been hard to step into the identity God had planned for her. Readers are welcome to reach out to her and read her blog at www.dianawallistaylor.com. It was beautiful. 7. Learn more about theStory of Rahab from Christianity.com. In Psalm 87:4 Rahab is the name of a city; also in Psalm 89:10 and in Isaiah 51:9. Weve talked about it as a verb but there is one more definition I want to bring into this conversation before we come to an end. His name means "lofty, exalted, or high mountain." There is no information about his birth or his early years. What a story! See, despite her many shortcomings, there is one character of Rahabs that Christian women in a sin-driven world should be eager to adopt: Abandon. Humans share 50% of their DNA with bananas. This story is found in the book of Joshua, Chapter 6. <3 Glad to hear this post was helpful! The spies disobeyed God by not going into the land when He told them to, and they were punished for it. Interesting facts about cats. With no available Jewish men in her town, she marries Radames, a young Egyptian officer who is the new governor of Jericho. This week was my week to lead. All rights reserved. Michael A. Milton (PhD, Wales) is a long-time Presbyterian minister (PCA) and a regular contributor to Salem Web Network. Kind Rahab showed kindness to strangers, even when it was not safe to do so. Her name was Rahab. Even though the people disobeyed Him, He still had mercy on them and allowed them to enter the Promised Land. Pretty much everyone is interested in space, so this is always a good fact to . But as hard as it is to have faith, there are rewards in the end. Yet, this is the woman whose door the two spies chose to knock on. Both Deuteronomy and Leviticus record detestable practices of life and worship (including sexual perversions) that were the norm for Canaanite peoples. 6. When He speaks a word, it happens. You might think any or all of these things because Rahab was a prostitute. 22. He wasnt made by human hands. Thanks so much! Know yourselfwhat if Rahab hadnt accepted that she couldnt save herself from the invading army? This cord served as a sign of faithfulness and protection for Rahab and her family.Tonights living by faith example is Rahab, who expressed her faith in the living God: the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. (Joshua 2:11). This is one of my favorite chapters to work through in the Rahab Bible Study (find it here!). Or remain where they were and trust in the security of the city walls and the strength of their army. 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. As an Amazon affiliate I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Have We Turned Our Favorite Preachers and Teachers into Idols? I always thought that too! 125 Fun Facts. In Rahab's day, it was normal for women to be bought and sold for sex (or even marriage). When something is abandoned it is no longer receiving the nurture it needs to grow. A lot of times when we read Rahabs story we get hung up on the lie, but are there more lessons that can be gleaned from the story of Rahab? Im sure that someone who had a reputation as a prostitute would have had difficulties shaking off the labels placed on her by society. She received her B.A. For forty years, the children of Israel had wandered in the wilderness without a home. Most of them just skim the surface of Rahabs story. I say this for two reasons: 1. Rahab helped the Israelite spies escape after their mission was complete. Definitely look into the Midrash! Rahab was one of the ancestors of Jesus mentioned in the first chapter of the New Testament. 5. 4. The King of Jericho was killed in battle, along with all his soldiers. She also bargained for her family. Xhosa. Radames fabricates a story to tell Jerichos king, but Hammurabi doesnt believe itand he has his eye on the beautiful Rahab. What will happen to Rahab after the lecherous king poisons her husband? In Rahabs case, it wasnt any of those things. But not Rahab. It could be that Rahab was coerced into her lifestyle. The Rahab story, shows faith triumphing over the King of the Amorites by her faith. Rahab in the Bible was a perceptive woman, intelligent and well-informed. When your city has fortified walls, its easy to believe your city is impenetrable. We first meet Rahab in Joshua chapter 2. So lets take a moment to consider them here. When playing with female puppies, male puppies will often let them win, even if they have a physical advantage. It is interesting to note that Matthew is the only biblical writer to tell us that Rahab was the mother-in-law of Ruth. 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. Just as the Israelites' faith in God led to their victory, Rahab's faith saved her family and played a key role in the Israelites' success over Jericho. 1. Attention, class! But we can learn from their mistake and always obey God, even when it is difficult. She knew what she wanted for her life and she had to remain focused on it. #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. The history of the King of Jericho is found in the book of Joshua. Her identity. (the head of Lets Talk Bible Study) unless otherwise stated. pic.twitter.com/X8oPHr9usC. I agree! Rahab found God, ran to Him, and didn't let ANYTHING keep her back. She and her husband became the parents of a boy named Boaz. There it is: "Your God is God." Unmistakably a statement of fact and a confession of faith. For a full list of well-rounded questions, I invite you to click here and print our free Rahab Bible study pdf worksheet! Rahab was a prostitute woman. A woman who risks her own life to save others. Rahabs livelihood was her security. Because she was ready for the real deal. Judges would sit at the city gate to hear cases and render verdicts (Deuteronomy 21:19, Ruth 4:1-2, Psalm 69:12). Rahab had faith! Rahab Villacres was born on Monday, 71 st day / 11 th week of 1996; The most remarkable deed of Rahab was actually telling a lie, to protect two spies of Joshua. 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. Get our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets! She shows that with forgiveness there is no need to live in guilt and stay in our sinful ways. UK. - Let's Talk Bible Study | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Deuteronomy 9:5. 64. She not only believed in God but she also acted. Faith requires a belief in God and that God exists. Rahab was quick to abandon the life she had built for the HOPE of a new one. And she did it in a moment. How did Rahab show faith? The name Rahab is most likely a shortened form of a sentence name rb-N, the god N has opened/widened (the womb?). a. Belief Rahab believed in Gods promise of salvation, even before she had seen any evidence of it. Then I will introduce you to the woman of the scarlet cord, the greater grandmother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What does the story of Rahab teach us? The Great Wall of China is not actually visible from space. It must have been an interesting time to be alive because though there would have been fear, a lot of persons would have stubbornly stuck to their old ways. 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? And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth beneath., Leaving Behind Her Livelihood and Citizenship. And God knew that all along. All polar bears are left handed. Santi painted altarpieces and portraits for the court of Urbino, but died when Raphael was 11 years old. In this historical fiction, author Diana Wallis Taylor offers a beautiful story of intrigue that suggests Rahab was a descendent of Ephraim, one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. His most recent book is a second edition release: Hit by Friendly Fire: What to do when Another Believer Hurts You(Resource Publications, 2022). She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. The outer layer of skin is also replaced every month. First, Rahab is described as a prostitute. It is possible that she was forced into this profession due to poverty or other circumstances. 7. What if Rahab the harlot wasnt a Canaanite? Canaan (where Jericho was located) was a polytheistic land. Rahab knew what was going on. If we only look at our past, who we were in our own strength; well fail to see the lesson, hope, and beauty of a life touched by God. She wouldnt have made it into the lineage of Christ. Other than the part in the epidermis, the hair that grows out is made of dead cells. Interesting and Fun Animal Facts 1. (We'll wait while you go get that globe.) When they came back and gave an evil report, He was just in His punishment of them. 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. She was a prostitute who became a believer and played a key role in the Israelite conquest of Jericho. The story of Rahab is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. COPYRIGHT 2023 Tanner Ministry Outlets, LLC. Im not sure how that happened but Im glad you both were searching and found the right verse! Trusts in God. Part of me wonders how long she had been questioning the legitimacy of the idols and false gods her people worshiped; of which there were many. One of Rahabs greatest characteristic was that she didnt only think about saving herself, she also had compassion for her fathers household and made plans to save them as well. The American flag. Did she live on the wall of Jericho or within it, in what is known to archaeologists as a casemate wall? In exchange for her good deeds, the Israelite spies promised that IF Rahab was alive when they returned and IF she kept the scarlet rope (which they used to escape that night) hanging from her window when the Israelites invaded Jericho, Rahab and those in her home would be kept safe. She is Known as one of the women of the bible, many women copied the Faith Rahab. How did you decide Rahab was around 40 at this point? But instead, she protected them and helped them escape. formId: '63050dacce6421efe0a560d4', And until that point in this space where I am not-still-a . This may explain why the Israelites were able to destroy the wall by marching around it and making a loud noise. When she was bargaining with the spies for her life, she wasnt selfish about it. In any case, Rahab is an intriguing figure whose story provides us with a unique insight into the history of the Israelites. 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. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. She trusted in him for the righteousness she could not produce in her own life: 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. From a security standpoint, the gates served as the main point of entry into the city and were heavily guarded. The Bible tells us that we cant please God without faith: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV). 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. Its evident in Joshua 2:8-11 that Rahab has little to no confidence in the life shes been living and the gods her people worship. [23] It is also worth noting that Rahabs name is not listed among the other Canaanite women who were banished from Jericho, which suggests that she was already living there when the Israelites arrived. 3. A purchase? Rahab is the ever-present message of God to you: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. RAHAB peered from her window as the light of dawn streamed onto the plain surrounding Jericho. 1. Gods with you every step of the way! But the lesson I want us to focus on today is the story of Rahab. Scripture doesnt say explicitly, but I think the arrival of these spies was an answer to Rahabs prayers. Rahabs story is also told in Joshua chapter two. She identified the spies for what they were, hid them, and had a convincing story ready with which to deceive the king's men. Your honesty and cooperation are greatly appreciated. From the line of Rahab came the Messiah of Israel, the Savior of the world, our God and King, the Lord Jesus Christ. As they began yet another march around the city, the dust rose in their wake and the blare of horns again pierced the air. 8. Fun Facts About Space. Here's a cool video that will provide you with more language facts about the weirdest languages in the world. She began as a Canaanite Prostitute and from her faith and a scarlet rope saved her entire family. She told them how the citizens of Jericho had been fearful of the Israelites ever since they defeated the Egyptians via the Red Sea miracle (some 40 years prior). Article Images Copyright , The Scarlet Cord: Rahab's Bible Story & Our Story, 10 Reasons Why the Trial of Jesus Was Illegal. From her, we learn that even though Jericho was a sinful city, there were still people there who were willing to turn from their evil ways and follow God. The quote, Let go and let God instructs us to let go of the things in our lives that are out of our control. Shutterstock. As a result, Rahab became an important part of biblical history, and her story is a reminder of the power of faith. 1450. Wouldnt the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son? 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, Inspiring Mother Breaks Down after Earning Golden Buzzer with Celine Dion Hit, 7 Things that Will Keep Me from Coming Back to Your Church, 6 Truths about Jesus Coming into the World, 9 Christians You Don't Want to Sit Beside on Sunday Morning, 10 Things You Should Know about the Intermediate State of Death, 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children Again. Generous Rahab was generous, as she gave her own Jericho house to the spies. Her circumstances are unknown, but her family may have experienced brokenness that deeply affected her. 1. This suggests that she was close to her family and may have still been living with them. If so, it is likely that she had other family members in Jericho who were also struggling to make ends meet. By hiding them on the roof (under stalks of flax)of her house, Rahab was able to protect them from being discovered by the soldiers who were searching for them. Thats what I intend to deliver and hope youll find in this Rahab Bible study. Rahab recognized the God of Israel. Lets take a look at the things that Rahab chose to leave behind to gain life with God. He had sexual relations with his daughter-in-law that produced . Jericho was situated on a main highway at the crossroads of three continents. Polar bear fur is actually clear, and their skin is black. This could mean that she simply provided them with lodging and food, or it could imply that she engaged in sexual activity with them, . The word "harlot" is undoubtedly repeated so that you and I will know that whatever we have done God will forgive us if we come to him by faith. Let's dive into the fun world of interesting facts and see what we can learn about. If they want another lobster to know that they're happy or sad or angry or interested in a relationship, they say it with pee! After all, she was an outsider, a woman of ill repute, and someone who should have been their enemy. Belarusian. 90% of U.S. media (TV, news, radio) is owned by 6 companies. Rahabs story is told in the Book of Joshua, chapters 2 and 6. Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? As a result, when Jericho is conquered, Rahab and her family are spared. Even today, she is an example of how God can use anyone no matter their past for His purposes. She asked for what she wanted knowing the Hebrew spies had no reason to give it to her. Covenants In the Bible (Starting In Genesis), Nimrod and the Story of the Tower of Babel, 6 Examples of True Repentance in the Bible. How interesting that a scarlet cord, likely, an emblem of ill-repute, became a sign of salvation. 3. All for the HOPE of a new life, with the One True God and His people. I was so nervous but this post helped me tremendously! And in Christ Jesus, the blood-stained crimson cross of shame became the gleaming symbol of salvation. This left him an orphan, as his mother had passed when . In James, Rahab is listed as an example of someone who was justified by faith, along with Abraham. Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. These things require a steady work ethic and a life source in order to thrive. Diana makes her home in San Diego, California. An invading army was gathered out there the forces of Israel. Faith accepts that God rewards those who pursue a relationship with Him. Why? It took a lot of faith to acknowledge that the Hebrew God was greater than any of the gods of Jericho. The Law of Moses states without ambiguity: 'No Ammonite or Moabite shall be admitted to the assembly of . containerEl: '#fd-form-63050dacce6421efe0a560d4' Your email address will not be published. When the Israelites were about to invade Jericho, Rahab helped two spies escape from the city and hid them from the authorities.