The Bible calls her Rahab the prostitute because that was her defining trait. But more importantly, it may give you a desire to revisit the book of Exodus to experience once again the wondrous things God did on behalf of His people. to move into the home of a harlot in order to save their lives. Lets imagine it together. 8. From the line of Rahab came the Messiah of Israel, the Savior of the world, our God and King, the Lord Jesus Christ. Courageous Rahab was courageous, as she hid the spies and lied to the kings soldiers. She had grown up in Jericho (according to the Midrash she had been there for nearly 40 years, possibly more). There is no more touching story of God's glorious grace than the genealogical introduction to the birth of Jesus by faith through the line of Joseph in Matthew chapter 1. 65. We only know what the Bible reveals. Second, Rahab specifically mentions her father and mother in her conversation with the spies. I love how beautifully these lyrics reflect that. In addition to serving as a physical barrier, the gates also served as a symbolic barrier between the inside and outside of the city. 5. When she was bargaining with the spies for her life, she wasnt selfish about it. 2. We dont typically hear the word abandon being used to describe positive behavior. Grit, abandon, and surrender. Now, this may not seem important to you until you realize that there were only three women listed in the genealogy of Jesus and one of them was Rahab, the prostitute. So how did she become part of the greatest story ever told? The City Gates was extremely important in the ancient world for both security and symbolic reasons. A purchase? What does the story of Rahab teach us? Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus. Piraha. 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. 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. This was especially important at night when the gates would be closed and only those with the proper credentials would be allowed to enter. Women in that position often struggled to provide for themselves (the book of Ruth draws great attention to this). Fact: Dead skin cells are a main ingredient in household dust Here's an interesting science fact for you: According to researchers at Imperial College London, humans shed around 200 million skin. 4. It had been 40 years since Joshua, Israels leader at the time, had set eyes on the promised land. Its the type of surrender that invites God to do the work only a sovereign God can do. Its widely believed that she was sold as a child and like most people in those situations, couldnt find a way out. My guess is youve heard her described much differently. I imagine that being a harlot in Jericho was a life that came with its own stigma. Humble Rahab was humble, as she considered herself unworthy of salvation. Rahab hid the Israelite spies and helped them escape. Salmon was from the tribe of Judah, which means that Rahab was also technically from that tribe (although she was not born into it). Rahabs name is most likely derived from the Hebrew word (rb), meaning wide It may also be related to the Arabic word (raaba), meaning to be merciful. A woman who risks her own life to save others. One of the most important stories in the Bible is the story of the 12 spies. 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. Her bravery saved the lives of the Israelite spies and ultimately led to the fall of Jericho. Now, this isnt just any woman, shes a harlot. Don't let it worry you! This story is found in the book of Joshua, Chapter 6. Its not the tree that stands out, but the stories attached to it, each pointing to the faithfulness of God and His love for us. But we see Rahab taking a bold step towards her destiny leaving her past behind. Rahabs house was located in the city of Jericho. 6. Despite her profession, she was a woman of faith who put her trust in the God of Israel. 3. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Rahab put her life at risk several times while helping the spies. We assume that if imperfect people can think so lowly of us how much worse we must be seen in the eyes of a perfect God. Know yourselfwhat if Rahab hadnt accepted that she couldnt save herself from the invading army? Answer: True According to Matthew 1:5-6, Rahab was the great-great grandmother of David. However, God is obviously at work. How could Almighty God, the holy God of heaven, use such a sinner like me?" Rahab; the girl lost in an incredibly sinful life. As a result, Rahab became an important part of biblical history, and her story is a reminder of the power of faith. Like Rahab, we have to determine what we will believe about God. There is also an account of Rahab (Rahabs Story) in the Hebrew Bibles historical books, where she appears as a Canaanite woman who aided Joshuas spies in Jericho and was saved from destruction along with her family. in Elementary Education at San Diego State University and was an elementary school teacher for twenty-two years. Deuteronomy 9:5. Rahab was a creative problem solver. The Wall of Jericho is an important archaeological site, and it provides insight into the history and culture of ancient Jericho. 3. These colors are historically an important symbol of France. Interesting facts and fun facts that educate, entertain, and amaze yourself. Rahab was an innkeeper. As a result, Rahab became an instrument of Gods plan for His people. They were also places of judgment. Rahabs story is a great example of the power of faith and obedience. 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. 9. The story of Rahab and the spies would have been very different if she hadnt been a quick thinker. 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. Archi. 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. City gates in the Bible were places of community and commerce. Rahab hid the Israelite spies before they crossed the Jordan River. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Rahab was a resident of Jericho, who sheltered two spies whom Joshua had sent to scout out the city. Had two sons who were wicked, so the Lord put them to death. Hospitable Rahab was hospitable, as she provided lodging for the spies. She falls smack in the middle of the children of Israels march to conquer the Promised Land. Not only that, but this unknown God would save her family as well so she wouldnt live the rest of her life mourning them. Cats have an amazing way of catching their prey. Your honesty and cooperation are greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoyed this summary of the story of Rahab in the Bible! There are a few pieces of evidence that suggest she did. Xhosa. In addition, she is a great example of the power of God to transform us from our sinful state into the person He wants us to be. What I admire so much about Rahab is that she took the reckless route. All your hair is dead. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Goldfish don't have stomachs. Living purposefully for Christ starts with laying down all that was, and clinging to all that He is. The spies disobeyed God by not going into the land when He told them to, and they were punished for it. His name means "lofty, exalted, or high mountain." There is no information about his birth or his early years. She also bargained for her family. You might think from her profession that she was destined to die an early death, to fade away into shame, the disgraced woman. Learn more by visiting my Disclosures Page. How many persons would have thought to hide someone under stalks of flax (Joshua 2:6)? Cookie Monster's real name is Sid. Even without her intervention, their victory was sure. According to Joshua 2:1, it was situated on the city wall, which would have made it easy for Rahab to spy on the Israelite army as they approached the city. 125 Fun Facts. Rahab helped the Israelite spies escape after their mission was complete. Thanks so much! The program, called Acoustic Kitty, involved surgically implanting batteries, microphones and antennae inside cats. 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. 7. There were whispers that they had been promised the land of Canaan. He promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, and He kept that promise by sending them into the Promised Land. Raphael had art in his blood. Though less common than earthquakes, the moon actually has moonquakes, too. The Gideons International in Canada employs 32 people and has an annual budget of $8 million. 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? Lobsters communicate with their bladders. Whatever Rahab was before Israel crossed into the land of the Canaanites she became someone new in the promised land. Whenever the Army of Israel entered Canaan, Rahab acted according to a prearranged plan and hung out a scarlet cord from the window of her establishment. 1. To learn more visit and subscribe: https://michaelmilton.org/about/. One of the more disturbing yet interesting fun facts: All the hair on your head is dead, except for the follicles. She chose to believe in the God of the Hebrews over the gods of her own people. Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. What if she had had an unrealistic impression of her own strength? She chose an unknown God because she believed He was greater than all that she had known. Yet, this is the woman whose door the two spies chose to knock on. Of course, the Canaanites were infamous for cultic prostitution related to idolatrous worship. Scripture doesnt say explicitly, but I think the arrival of these spies was an answer to Rahabs prayers. When they came back and gave an evil report, He was just in His punishment of them. In this story, Rahab is a prostitute who lives in Jericho. It means not fighting in our own physical strength but instead; trusting and leaning into Gods might. I always assumed she was younger since she goes on to have kids. 2. The prophet Ezekiel even saw a vision of the glory of God entering through the city gate (Ezekiel 44:2). Rahabs story is told in the Book of Joshua, chapters 2 and 6. We dont know how invested Rahab was in honoring Canaanite worship practices but we do know that however invested she was, it wasnt enough to keep her from abandoning their falsehoods for the One true God. It portrays a lack of commitment or diligence; sometimes to a task and other times towards a person or relationship. Miraculous stories trickled into town about the way the Hebrew God had dried up the Red Sea. All polar bears are left handed. A woodpecker's tongue actually wraps all the way around its brain, protecting it from damage when it's hammering into a tree. Rahab is mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament, and her story is an example of Gods grace and redemption. In return, the spies make a vow to protect Rahab and her family when they invade Jericho. Belarusian. She wouldnt have made it into the lineage of Christ. Where is Rahab mentioned in the New Testament? And we can become a blessing to others. So without further ado, here are 80 interesting facts about life that will surprise you. This page may contain affiliate links. By hiding the Israelite spies, she helped to ensure that their mission was successful. Historians believe that the Wall of Jericho was actually built around 8,000 years ago during the Neolithic period. As they began yet another march around the city, the dust rose in their wake and the blare of horns again pierced the air. The fact that Rahab was willing to risk her life to help the Israelites shows that she had faith in their God. pic.twitter.com/X8oPHr9usC. The other three are Tamar, Ruth, and Bathsheba. His parents are Amram and Jochebed from the tribe of Levi. Can you imagine being that girl? The one who was known for sleeping around? The name Rahab is most likely a shortened form of a sentence name rb-N, the god N has opened/widened (the womb?). When scripture mentions Rahab, she's almost always called Rahab the harlot except in Matthew's genealogy. There was no guarantee these risks would pay off, but to Rahab, these risks were worth it. Her only other option would be to seek out another people group and cling to them. Quechua. 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. It will likely shrivel and die unless someone else comes along to provide a life source. She didnt just let go of some things, she abandoned EVERYTHING. 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. Read More The Land of Canaan In the BibleContinue, This content may contain affiliate links. With no available Jewish men in her town, she marries Radames, a young Egyptian officer who is the new governor of Jericho.

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