Rahab

We read about Rahab, right after the Lord appointed Joshua to bring the children of Israel into the Promised Land.  (Joshua 1:1-9).

Joshua was strategic in his approach to conquer the land of Canaan in which he sent spies to survey the land.

On their journey, "they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there, Joshua 1:1. When the King of Jericho heard about this, he ordered Rahab to bring the men out. (Verse 3)

In biblical times, a harlot was devoted to prostitution and often treated poorly by the rest of the community.

In Proverbs 23:27, it states, " For a harlot is a deep pit, And an adulterous woman is a narrow well."

So, what makes Rahab different from other prostitutes?

What made the spies comfortable sleeping in a prostitutes house?

Even though Rahab was a harlot, she knew how God delivered the children of Israel. She hid the spies on her roof and she described her knowledge to Joshua's spies.

Verse 9," and said to the men, "I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you."

Rahab also shared how she felt about God in verse 11, "our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath." This proved that Rahab had faith in God.

Have you ever shared your faith in God to someone?

Have you ever felt like an outcast in your community based off of your lifestyle or profession?

Before Rahab agrees to help the spies, she made sure they would deal kindly to her and her family. (See Verse 12-14) Rahab was smart and selfless. She knew the risk if the king of Jericho found out  about her helping the spies.

Her community underestimated the knowledge that Rahab possessed: 

Rahab provided a safe place for the spies to avoid capture

Rahab negotiated the safety of her family and herself

Rahab provided aid and instructions to the spies to avoid detection

After reading these scriptures, I wonder if Rahab ever felt like a spy or an outcast in her own land.

Rahab's actions were very brave and were critical to the success of the mission for the children of Israel.

In Hebrews 11:30-31, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies."

Do not ever think you are not good enough to be used by God!

Why do you think God choose to use Rahab?

Have you ever felt underestimated in your abilities to perform a job or a task?