Rahab - A Woman of Faith

Support Scriptures: Heb 11: 1 and 13

In the second chapter of the Book of Joshua entailed a story of a harlot or a prostitute named Rahab of which God had mercy on to that she was given deliverance and transformation.

Though the term “harlot” could also be translated as “innkeeper”, it was discussed in Nelson’s Bible Dictionary that they also were considered as second class prostitutes who own bars or inns and had sexual relations with the patrons who desired their services. Rahab of Jericho was considered as one. Thus, she was then a woman of sin, a picture of abomination in front of the living God.

But the goodness of the Lord is awesome and His mercy never comes to an end. He never even looked at Rahab’s (means pride and indicative of worldliness) sins but He looked and searched the heart. Remember that in the story of Joshua 2, she was the one who received the spies sent by Joshua and kept them from the eyes of the king’s men. She made so because of her true faith, a faith that works that then led her to her freedom and salvation.

Rahab’s faith came from hearsays out of the mouth of her patrons who came in and out of her inn. God moved amazingly in her life as many did not actually believe and gained faith but believe and gained fright. Notice that all men in Jericho were afraid and terror fallen upon them that they became defensive of threats of captivating their lands. But as for Rahab, she declared upon her knowledge of these miracles the might of the God of Israel.

A scarlet by which the spies were saved and then tied in Rahab’s window was a token of a good faith. It made a picture of God’s covenant to the faithful, that is – the trusting and believing will be saved.

Moreover, a good faith is richly rewarded. In the account of Rahab, at least these four are the ways:
1. New God – her faith gave her peace of mind and gave her all the advantages of a covenant relationship with God.
2. New Husband – Salmon the princely line in Judah, the royal tribe of Israel, became her husband.
3. An Illustrious Family – the family of Salmon and Ruth became the royal family of Israel. Rahab’s faith is included in the genealogy of the Messiah.
4. Longevity – recorded account of the woman of faith was her long life (490 years)

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see, Hebrews 11:1. And overall, faith is rewarded and the faithful is embraced by God.