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Rahab
By Noni McVey
With every election come campaign promises from candidates who know the person who wins is the one who promises the most. Unfortunately, the general public has grown to believe campaign promises are nothing but campaign rhetoric. Unlike man’s promises, God’s promises are absolute. God’s record of keeping His promises is perfect.
Rahab was a Canaanite, a woman, a prostitute and, in the mind of some, dishonest. Yet, God used Rahab to fulfill His plan for her and give the Promised Land to the Israelites. Her story gives both inspiration and hope. Rahab acted on her faith and trusted in a forgiving and merciful God. “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11; 31). Rahab’s story is told in Joshua chapter two and six.
After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the children of Israel were ready to claim the Promised Land. Before entering into the land, Joshua sent two men to spy on the city of Jericho. It was their job to get the lay of the land and see where the walled city could be penetrated.
Rahab lived on the edge of town. Her house may actually have been part of the Jericho wall. The two spies went to her home for lodging. After hearing of the king’s intent to capture the spies, Rahab devised a plan to protect them. “I know that the Lord has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you” (Joshua 2:9).
Rahab heard about how God had parted the Red Sea and the Israelites were able to walk across dry land. She had heard about the victories against the two Amorite kings. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word” (Romans 10:17). The entire city of Jericho had heard about the miracles and victories God had performed for the wandering Israelites. It wasn’t just Rahab. But only Rahab acted on what she heard. She believed in God and was willing to risk her life to serve Him.
In an effort to find the spies, the king sent his soldiers to Rahab’s house. Rahab hid the spies under the drying flax on her rooftop. When the soldiers came to her home and asked about the spies’ whereabouts, she lied to protect them. Where was Rahab’s faith? How could a woman that lied be listed among the faithful? In Leviticus 19:11 and Proverbs 12:22 God’s law makes it clear that lying is wrong. Thou shalt not bear false witness is the ninth commandment. Is there ever a time when a lie is valid? I believe there is if it is for the sake of life or peace. In Rahab’s case it was for the sake of life.
Rahab makes a covenant with the spies. “Promise me you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death” (Joshua 2:12, 13). Rahab wasn’t self-centered. She requested protection for herself and her entire family.
The spies agreed to Rahab’s request. But, Rahab had conditions to fulfill in order to receive the promise of protection. The spies told her to keep their visit to the city of Jericho a secret. She was to hang a scarlet cord outside her window. Those who stayed in her house would be safe. However, if anyone left her house, his blood would be on his own head and they would not be responsible. The story ends with the city of Jericho being captured and the walls falling down. Rahab and her entire family were saved.
Many remember Rahab because of her moral failures. She was a prostitute and a liar. God used her because she was willing to help others and put her trust and faith in Him. She was a woman that heard, believed and risked her life for God.
In turn, she received life for herself and her entire family and she is one of the direct ancestors of King David and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “And Salmon begat Boaz, whose mother was Rahab; and Boaz begat Obed of, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse and Jesse the father of King David” (Matthew 1:5-6). Let us all take to heart the endless possibilities for our life in the lesson of Rahab. Celebrate the grace and mercy of the One who looks past our flaws to find our faith.
i
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