Don't let it worry you! 24. They chase while keeping their head level. 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. 66. It had been 40 years since Joshua, Israels leader at the time, had set eyes on the promised land. 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. First, Rahab demonstrates the power of faith. Jericho was situated on a main highway at the crossroads of three continents. Joshua 2:1-24 #AllinAugust pic.twitter.com/QdFkTkkfYX. 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. She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. The word for "window" appears three times in the Rahab narrative (Josh 2: 15, 18, 21) when she helps the men escape and marks her house so it will be spared destruction.Windows have a prominent role in the stories of several other biblical women: Michal (2 Sam 6:16), the mother of Sisera (Judg 5:28 -31), and Jezebel (2 Kgs 9:30).All these women are looking through their palace windows . She exercised it. Keep digging! The Bible tells us that she married an Israelite named Salmon (father of Boaz) and had a son named Boaz. 101 Fun Facts | Random, Interesting Facts To Blow Your Mind - Parade The other three are Tamar, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Sexual sin was deeply embedded in Canaanite culture. Take the word of a prostitute and spend an indeterminate time living in her house waiting for the Israelites to attack. She is Known as one of the women of the bible, many women copied the Faith Rahab. Either that or they seem to be such perfect paragons of virtue (like Hannah who prayed when she was provoked instead of punching her aggressor in the face). Rahab was a prostitute. They say Gods grace covers our sin so it doesnt really matter how we live. This was in keeping with Gods command that all the inhabitants of Canaan be destroyed. The confidence in Rahabs statements here astounds me. 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. 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. Image credits: Brian Whipple. Humans share 50% of their DNA with bananas. In Psalm 87:4 Rahab is the name of a city; also in Psalm 89:10 and in Isaiah 51:9. The woman men came to for a quick fix? She is one of the prominent figures in the Christian tradition. Her circumstances are unknown, but her family may have experienced brokenness that deeply affected her. These colors are historically an important symbol of France. This page may contain affiliate links. This act of bravery led to Rahab and her family being spared when Jericho was destroyed. 5. This story highlights Rahabs faith, as she endangered her own life to help the Israelites. The Harlot Who Pleased God: the Story of Rahab This suggests that she was close to her family and may have still been living with them. The Bible calls her Rahab the prostitute because that was her defining trait. What scripture doesnt explicitly state in the facts about Rahab is whether this occupation was voluntary or not. We wouldnt have had that awesome story of Rahabs faith in the Bible. Rahab also had to convince her whole family to move into her house if they wanted to be saved. Rahabs name is likely derived from the root r--b, meaning to be wide open. This may relate to her role as an innkeeper, as it would have been necessary for her to keep her establishment open wide in order to accommodate the many travelers who passed through Jericho. Definitely look into the Midrash! Lined up, all of the planets in the solar system could fit between the Earth and the moon. All rights reserved. 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. 90% of U.S. media (TV, news, radio) is owned by 6 companies. I am so glad that God gives us a second chance no matter our past. Thats what I intend to deliver and hope youll find in this Rahab Bible study. 81 Fun Facts That'll Make Everyone You Know Say "I Never - BuzzFeed Heroes of Faith: 5 Vital Lessons from the Life of Rahab 6. Faith requires a belief in God and that God exists. 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. So how did she become one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ? to move into the home of a harlot in order to save their lives. In James, Rahab is listed as an example of someone who was justified by faith, along with Abraham. Rahab. Who was Rahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org (We'll wait while you go get that globe.) Fun, Amazing, Unknown & Interesting Facts about Moses. When the Israelite spies came to her city, she could have easily turned them over to the authorities. 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. 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. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe when she had received the spies with peace (Hebrews 11:31 NKJV). The people of Jericho were terrified of the Israelites, and they barricaded themselves inside the city walls. Rahab is the ever-present message of God to you: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 40 Facts So Funny They're Hard to Believe - Best Funny Facts - Best Life We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Facts About Rahab: Are They True or False? Quiz Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. Thus, we must not be surprised that Joshuas advance team knew to go to Rahabs Place. Some branches of Jewish tradition emphasize Rahab as merely an innkeeper. I hope your BIble study went well! As such, Raphael most likely spent his formative years in contact with the court. Partly because of her reputation as a prostitute but also because of the restraints put on women in those times. How could Almighty God, the holy God of heaven, use such a sinner like me?" The Rahab story, shows faith triumphing over the King of the Amorites by her faith. UK. The word translated as harlot or prostitute in our English Bibles is the Hebrew word znh (pronounced zaw-naw). Its a Hebrew commentary that speaks to the literal translation of the Bible. Final Thoughts Facts about Rahab in the Bible, Use Google Church Grant For Your Church $10,000 / Month - God Bless Steve, Stuck on Sermon / Need Class Ideas / Outlines / Ask Ja, Copyright 1920-2023 Jesus Leadership Training. What did it take to convince her entire family they would be better off living in a whorehouse? 30 Of The Happiest Facts Ever | Bored Panda 3. Despite her profession, she was a woman of faith who put her trust in the God of Israel. I say this for two reasons: 1. As a result of her actions, she and her family were spared when the city was destroyed. Covenants gives us a promise to hold onto and look forward to. Even though the people disobeyed Him, He still had mercy on them and allowed them to enter the Promised Land. She Lefty a sinful life and saved her own people. a. She identified the spies for what they were, hid them, and had a convincing story ready with which to deceive the king's men. pic.twitter.com/X8oPHr9usC. 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. A Rahab Bible Study: The Real Life of Rahab Keep moving forward! Woman of Faith Faith is the opposite of fear. And the words He speaks never return void. Rahab knew what was going on. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country. Joshua 2:1-2. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Rahab helped the Israelite spies escape after their mission was complete. Yet, in an instant, she abandoned her people and her king. The story of Rahab and the spies would have been very different if she hadnt been a quick thinker. While I dont support this viewpoint, it was fascinating to get a glimpse of what life may have been like for Rahab, not only as she lived behind the walls of Jericho, but later when she was integrated into the Israelites camp. Rahab kept them safe and helped the spies to escape. formId: '5e128eefed5f9800263d7fc0', Rahab recognized the God of Israel. Rahab's Risk This is one of the acts for which Rahab is immortalized. Salmon was from the tribe of Judah, which means that Rahab was also technically from that tribe (although she was not born into it). 2. Rahab in the Bible - Definition, Meaning and References The peoples beloved leader Moses is dead and Joshua, the new guy in charge, sends two spies to check out the land of Jericho which is the first barrier between the Israelites and Canaan. #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. They were also places of judgment. But there came a pivotal moment in the story of the Ancient Near East when Gods judgment came to the unrepentant peoples of Canaan, fulfilling the covenant made with the Patriarchs. Also, my 14 year old niece pointed out that the Matthew scripture reference should be Matthew 16:25 instead of Matthew 17:32-33 (which doesnt exist). Because of her faith, she and her family were spared from the total destruction of Jericho. Kind Rahab showed kindness to strangers, even when it was not safe to do so. 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). There are a few pieces of evidence that suggest she did. God parted the waters of the Jordan River for themwill He likewise provide miracles and blessings to her Ephraimite clan if they can rejoin their people? City gates in the Bible were places of community and commerce. According to the Oxford Dictionary, there are a couple of different definitions of the word abandon. What is the source for Rahab's husband in Matthew 1? But these are barren lands with plants that have adapted to freezing cold winters and harsh soil conditions. There it is: "Your God is God." Unmistakably a statement of fact and a confession of faith. But more than anything, Rahabs story is about a woman whose ways pleased the Lord. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, (Matthew 1:5 NKJV). Rahabs faith in God engrafted her into a new family. Interesting facts about cats. Rahab; the girl lost in an incredibly sinful life. 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. 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. 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. 3. Rahab let go of some of the biggest pieces of her life. Rahab was also a Canaanite, who were the hated enemies of Israel. 4. 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. Interesting facts and fun facts that educate, entertain, and amaze yourself. 175 Random Fun Facts So Interesting You'll Say, "OMG!"Best Life All for the HOPE of a new life, with the One True God and His people. I agree! Cats have an amazing way of catching their prey. Now for some truly funny fun facts. 6. Still, she boldly asked them to spare her life. The Gates also symbolized entry into the kingdom of God and were often mentioned in biblical passages. Rahab - Free Bible Study Lessons Living purposefully for Christ starts with laying down all that was, and clinging to all that He is. Rahab is a harlot or prostitute living in Jericho, a Canaanite city. 125 Fun Facts - Interesting, Random Facts You Never Knew - Woman's Day 2. But she knew that she needed to trust God at that moment and so she did. An invading army was gathered out there the forces of Israel. Rahab - Lockyer's All the Women of the Bible - Bible Gateway Read the Bible Reading Plans Advanced Search Available Versions Audio Bibles Study Tools Scripture Engagement More Resources Explore More Newsletters Devotionals Bible Gateway App Bible Audio App Bible Gateway Blog Bible Gateway Plus Store Bibles Deals More Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the study Gloria! Rahab the prostitute knew her only chance for survival was to ask the spies to protect her. In Rahab's day, it was normal for women to be bought and sold for sex (or even marriage). Where in The Book of Judges is the account of Rahab Found? Wouldnt the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son? The King of Jericho was killed in battle, along with all his soldiers. This leads us to Rahabs real shining moment;the role she played in helping the Israelites conquer Jericho. Most of them just skim the surface of Rahabs story. 2. It could be that Rahab was coerced into her lifestyle. The quote, Let go and let God instructs us to let go of the things in our lives that are out of our control. 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. In short, the City Gates were extremely important in both a practical and symbolic sense. 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. 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. She didnt just let go of some things, she abandoned EVERYTHING. Gods with you every step of the way! If you've never heard of these languages, you aren't alone. Do you have the courage to stay the course? 1. 15 Interesting Facts About The USA - WorldAtlas This story is found in the book of Joshua, Chapter 6. Hydra - an aquatic creature is the only living creature that never die. Rahab saves spies Joshua 2:1-7 The Hebrew tribes led by Joshua came into Canaanite territory, where they encountered city states who did not welcome the intruders.