In Matthew 1:5-16, KJV, one reads of Rahab (or Rachab). Rahab was the ancestor (a person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended — Google definition) of Jesus Christ. Rahab is also discussed in Hebrews 11:31, KJV, the chapter concerning faith, “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace,” and in James 2:25, KJV, the chapter concerning faith that results in good works, “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified [to render (i.e. show or regard) as just or innocent, see The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, James Strong, LLD. S. T. D., Thomas Nelson Publishers] by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?”
The whole story of Rahab is told in Joshua 2 and Joshua 6:22,23.
Did Rahab because of her faith in God have “the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1, KJV?
Rahab, the harlot (a prostitute or promiscuous woman — Google definition), turned her life around when she said in Joshua 2: 10,11, KJV; 10“For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon, and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. 11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”
Rahab believed (had faith) that “…the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”
After Rahab and her family had been rescued from the fall of Jericho, There appears the word “without” in Joshua 6:23, KJV, “And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.” When I looked up the word “without” in the Appendix of Strong’s, a scripture was listed, Hebrews 11:6, KJV, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Rahab was married to Salmon (Matthew 1:5, KJV) which led to the birth of David, and later “Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:16).
How is it that a harlot, a prostitute, a promiscuous woman, a sinner, became the ancestor of Jesus?
I believe that in Rahab’s heart, she turned to belief in God when hearing of God and of His works in Egypt (Joshua 2:10, 11). God did reward Rahab with a husband and a child (Boaz or Booz), and God did reward Rehab as the ancestor through Joseph, the husband of Mary, of Jesus. Rahab’s life was totally turned around from a harlot to a wife of one of the nation of Israel.
For myself and countless others, God calls us in some way to turn our lives around to obey His life of salvation and true love. I can’t begin to tell you how this wondrous series of events happens when you turn to God and live the life, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6a) he wants you to live, and that He has destined for you. Oh, what joy in my soul in how Jesus has overflowed my life with His grace (favor).
No turning back for me, and so it is with the Christian life!
Don’t forget to read your Bible everyday, and also feel free to use the resources I have mentioned in my other blogs for a deeper understanding of the Word.
God Bless You All!
Brenda A. McGee has attended New York Theological Seminary in New York, NY, and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA as a Master of Divinity student.