RAHAB

by Janet Mushi | 30 June 2019 08:46 pm06

Greetings, child of God. Welcome as we dive into the Word of God—the very Word that has sustained us up to this moment.

Today, we’re going to learn about a woman named Rahab. Many of us know her story—she was a prostitute living in the city of Jericho during the time when the Israelites were leaving Egypt and heading toward the Promised Land.

It’s important to remember that Jericho was a powerful and prosperous city in the Jordan Valley. It was famous for its wealth, agriculture, military strength, and financial resources. Imagine, even back then, the city was completely surrounded by massive walls—something many nations today haven’t even accomplished, no matter their size.

Today, a portion of the Great Wall of China is considered one of the wonders of the world. If Jericho still existed today, where do you think it would rank? Its walls were so enormous that horse-drawn chariots could ride on top of them, and people built homes alongside those walls. More than that, the people of Jericho were renowned warriors—giants, truly formidable fighters. So, Jericho was a city to be feared by all neighboring nations.

Rahab’s Faith Amid Sin

Rahab lived inside this city and worked as a prostitute. Yet inside her was a remarkable faith, something that set her apart and kept her alive even when the city fell. Theologically, Rahab exemplifies justification by faith, a key biblical principle. Though a Gentile and sinner, her faith aligned her with God’s people (Hebrews 11:31, NIV: “By faith the prostitute Rahab … was not killed with those who were disobedient.”). More than that, she was grafted into the royal lineage of the Lion of Judah—our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

This reveals a profound theological truth: salvation is by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). Rahab’s inclusion into God’s covenant people anticipates the New Testament teaching that Gentiles can be grafted into the family of God through faith (Romans 11:17–24).

The City of Jericho and God’s Judgment

Joshua 2:9–11 (NIV) records Rahab’s words to the spies:

“I know that the Lord has given you this land 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.
We have heard how the Lord dried up the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.
When we heard this, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”

Rahab’s words show that even amidst sin, she recognized God’s sovereignty and power, a fundamental biblical doctrine (Psalm 103:19). Her faith was rooted in God’s past actions, which led her to trust Him despite the wickedness around her.

The Three Conditions for Rahab’s Salvation

Before leaving, the spies gave Rahab three important instructions:

Secrecy: Only Rahab and her family should know about the spies. This illustrates the biblical principle of guarding the Gospel message and the safety of the believers (Proverbs 11:13).
The Red Cord: Rahab was to tie a scarlet cord in her window. This is a powerful symbol of the blood of Christ, which protects and saves (Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 1:7). The scarlet cord prefigures the redemptive blood that shields believers from judgment.
No One Should Leave the House: This signifies total commitment and separation from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17). Leaving the house would mean certain death, which parallels Jesus’ call to abide in Him alone for eternal life (John 15:4-6).

When the Israelites attacked, Rahab and her family were spared. This highlights the biblical theme of God’s grace extending even to the undeserving, provided they respond in faith and obedience.

Rahab’s Spiritual Significance Today

Rahab symbolizes the Church, the Bride of Christ, called out from sin and set apart for God (Ephesians 5:25–27). Just as Rahab lived on the outskirts of Jericho, true believers live in the world but are not of the world (John 17:14–16). They anticipate the coming Kingdom of God and remain vigilant for Christ’s return.

Theological Implications for the Last Days

The story of Rahab offers lessons for the end times:

Salvation is only through Christ’s blood (the red cord).
Complete commitment is required, no half-hearted following.
Faith must be kept private and protected, awaiting God’s appointed time.

The story also anticipates the Rapture—when believers will be taken from the earth before God’s judgment (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Those left behind will face the tribulation, much like Jericho’s destruction.

Gentile Inclusion in God’s Kingdom

Rahab was not Jewish, yet she was grafted into the Messiah’s lineage (Matthew 1:5). This fulfills God’s promise that Gentiles would be included in His covenant family (Galatians 3:28–29). Likewise, today anyone who genuinely repents and believes in Jesus can be part of God’s holy people (1 Peter 2:9).

How to Enter the Kingdom

Salvation is simple and accessible:

Repent—turn away from sin and surrender to Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19).
Be baptized—a public declaration of faith, symbolizing burial and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3-4).
Receive the Holy Spirit—the Helper who empowers believers to live godly lives (Acts 2:38; John 14:16-17).

No matter your past, God’s grace is sufficient. Rahab was more sinful than most, yet God saved her.

May God richly bless you as you walk in faith.

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Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/06/30/rahab/