Are you seeking to know who Rahab was in the Bible? What made the harlot in the bible a woman of faith? How did she get enlisted in the lineage of the Messiah? The story of Rahab the harlot has continually sparked interest, controversies, and lessons for the present-day Christian. Bible scholars have provided in-depth scriptural exegeses of the mystery woman in the bible. However, there are questions yet unanswered. Who was this harlot, Rahab in Scripture? Who was Rahab to Jesus Christ? Who were the descendants of the Canaanite prostitute? What did Rahab in the Bible do to receive God’s Grace?
This blog post will give you a full picture of everything you need to know about who Rahab was, her life, family, and profession, all gleaned in the bible. How exactly did a hooker become an ancestress of our Lord, Jesus Christ? What did Rahab do to receive God’s Grace?
Who really was Rahab in the Bible?
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Rahab was a heathen harlot
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A Canaanite woman who lived on the outer walls of Jericho
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She had an immediate family (comprising father, mother, and brethren)
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Rahab lived on the outer walls of Jericho
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She was an ancestral mother of Jesus Christ
The identity of ‘Rahab’ strikes one with the benefits of faith, and also leaves many in wonder as Rahab in the bible made it to become the great great grandmother of David and an ancestress of Jesus Christ. Her abode (high up on the walls) afforded her more of a positional advantage in terms of her trade, than for homely comfort. The hooker turned her home into a guest house. Although, this woman had a family, she played host to foreigners and wayfarers, including her male counterparts, servicing their needs in the process. Indeed, the prostitute practiced the art to be able to fend for her family. She had a family and She had a knack for satisfying her male counterparts. A quick peek at the life and times of Rahab reveals a stripper simulating sex acts on open display to satisfy her clients. Indeed, the wayfaring prostitute must make a living! In the Canaanite society though, her profession was respectable enough, considering the depravity of the city! Its important to understand the city where the sex worker lived; Jericho.
The meaning of the name “Rahab” in the Bible
“Rahab” signifies “open wide, insolence, or fierceness”. Rahab’s name is associated with Egypt (Psalm 87:3-4, 89:10) as recorded in scriptures. In ancient Jewish history, the name ‘Rahab’ represents a sea monster called ‘Leviathan’. Hence, the name, Rahab symbolizes ‘looseness and obscenity’. This could explain why Rahab turned out to be a harlot in her days. Idolatry, arrogance, haughtiness, harlotry and bestiality are common connotations, just as these practices were common where Rahab lived with her family. Therefore, the meaning of Rahab’s name indicates everything vulgar and immoral.
Indeed, one’s name is often linked to one’s deeds!
Little wonder, one is left wondering how this harlot, (which the Bible was clear about her identity) was accepted into the blessed genealogy of the Christ. The Holy Book is replete with women who became descendants of Jesus Christ, just like Rahab in the bible. Although, they had spotty reputations.
Biblical story of Rahab
The story of Rahab in the bible has made a living by accommodating unscrupulous wayfarers alongside travelers. She runs a tavern (bar). Moreover, she was well-known for attending to the wealthy and weary! This was her stock-in-trade!
At a particular time, words spread of an impending siege in the city of Jericho. With an imposed curfew(link) Rahab needed more tact for more money. The harlot must, however, make ends meet, having to fend for her family whom she loved so much. Therefore she increased harvesting stalks of flax for making linen for clothing as a part-time occupation.
Times were hard! Women were even more grateful to receive their sons and husbands back home as soon as the sun cast its face low to embrace twilight! Harlotry was not that lucrative, anymore.
Nonetheless, a few people frequented Rahab’s tavern; those undeniably loyal to wine and wild sex! No doubt she longed for a better life. Her homeland was full of violence and depravity, including incest and bestiality. (Leviticus 18:3, 21-24). The prevalence of such evils in the land had much to do with religion. The temples promoted ritual prostitution and the worship of such demonic gods as Baal and Molech. Their activities included the burning of children alive in sacrificial fires. But what was the way out? The dreaded Israelites were gradually advancing towards their territory. Worse still, her home would be the first point of attack! She nursed these thoughts and silently craved answers as she went about her daily activities…
Who was Rahab in the bible married to?
Rahab in the bible married Salmon upon denouncing her old ways and subsequent conversion to Judaism. However, there is a reason to believe that this could be true, and that the bible was actually referring to the same ‘Rahab’. Salmon and Rahab were the father and mother of Boaz. Boaz and Ruth were the father and mother of Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse (Matthew 1:5). Her acts of faith, and firm belief in God identified her as a heroine. Rahab was the mother of Boaz, and Boaz succeeded a blessed genealogy that resulted in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rahab’s family; the harlot in the genealogy of Jesus Christ
It has been established that Salmon (a henchman in Joshua’s army) was Rahab’s husband. How exactly did the harlot become enlisted in the lineage of Jesus Christ?
Salmon (and Rahab) → Boaz → Obed → Jesse → David → Solomon → Rehoboam → Abijah → Asa →Jehoshaphat → Jehoram → Uzziah → King Jotham → Ahaz →Hezekiah → King Manasseh → King Amon → Josiah → Jechonias → Shealtiel → Zerubbabel (Zorobabel) → Abihud → Eliakim → Azor → Zadok → Achim → Eliud → Eleazar → Matthan → Jacob → Joseph→ Jesus Christ.
Rahab was an ancestral mother of Jesus Christ. From Rahab to Jesus Christ was about about 28 generations.
Faith featured the harlot in the honorary hall of fame in the book of Hebrews in the bible. We are taking a series (as inspired from the bible), discussing four (4) mystical women beginning with Rahab, the harlot in the bible. They were ordinarily, most unqualified to be the ancestral Mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ, but for divine election, unusual faith and perseverance, they were enlisted! These were four unlikely women who were Ancestresses of the Messiah. In the most unlikely circumstances; they were enlisted in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. They include: Rahab, Ruth, Tamar and Bathsheba. Amidst much debate, the truth, however, remains the same. Truly, they had somewhat spotty reputations, nevertheless, they exhibited certain distinct traits worthy of note and emulation.
Indeed God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
Where is Rahab found in Scriptures (KJV)
The account of Rahab the harlot is found in the book of Joshua 2 and Joshua 6. Rahab was also featured in the hall of faith, where her name was mentioned in the New Testament.
By faith the harlot, Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. (Hebrews 11:31) However, different biblical texts in Scriptures have got direct affiliations with the name, Rahab.
Bible verses about Rahab (in KJV), include:
For Egypt’s help is worthless and good for nothing. Therefore, I have called her “Rahab Who Has Been Exterminated. (Isaiah 30:7)
God will not turn back His anger; the [proud] helpers of Rahab [the arrogant monster of the sea] bow under Him (Job 9:13)
He stirred up the sea by His power, and by His understanding He smashed [proud] Rahab (Job 26:12)
Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God [Jerusalem] “I will mention Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon among those who know Me. Behold, Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia (Cush). ‘This one was born there. (Psalm 87:3-4)
Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm (Psalm 89:10).
What does the story of Rahab in the bible teach?
- Rahab’s story in the bible teaches us about God’s unconditional love. In fact, it reminds me that God is no racist. His arms are wide open to receive as many as believe in Him.
- Rahab’s bible story also teaches me the place of exercising scriptural faith in every challenging endeavor and situation.
- It will be out of place to reject anyone whom God has accepted. God’s ways are not our ways and he can choose anyone, anywhere and at any time, irrespective of one’s nationality, tribe and family background.
- Furthermore, my faith in Jesus Christ was strengthened! Although, Rahab had not the full knowledge of whom the God of Israel is. She dared to believe in Him! How much more myself, having knowledge of Christ, and Him crucified!
Who Rahab was vs what Rahab did in the Bible ?
Where are my bible story lovers?? What did Rahab do to earn her a place in the Bible women of Faith? Do you wish to learn more about Rahab’s identity and acts? Why do you think her faith in God was unwavering, even though, she was deeply involved in harlotry? How did the Canaanite woman in Jericho and her family make it through the great fall of Jericho walls? Do you think it was all linked to Rahab’s red rope? Find answers to What does Rahab’s story teach about faith and redemption? What was the role of Rahab in the conquest of Jericho by the Israelites? How did Rahab’s actions demonstrate her courage and loyalty to God?
Sincerely, there is more to Rahab’s story in the bible and we shall be trusting God to open up his Word again as we take a different dimension to this bible study. There are a series of mind-blowing, inspiring and spirit-breathed bible stories about who Rahab is and what she did in the Bible.
Additionally, there are significant truths and lessons to glean from the life of this phenomenal woman.
Thank you so much and God bless you!
