Who Was Rahab in the Bible?
Who Was Rahab in the Bible? Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute in Jericho who hid Israel's spies, was saved when the city fell, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
Key verse: Joshua 2:11 (KJV)
Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute in Jericho who hid Israel's spies, was saved when the city fell, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute in Jericho who hid Israel's spies, was saved when the city fell, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
"For the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." — Joshua 2:11 (KJV)
Meaning
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The Biblical Answer
Rahab's story in Joshua 2 and 6 is one of the most remarkable redemption narratives in Scripture. When Joshua sent two spies into Jericho, Rahab hid them on her roof and helped them escape. She confessed, 'I know that the LORD hath given you the land' and 'the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath' (Joshua 2:9,11). In exchange for her help, the spies promised to spare her family when Jericho fell. She was to tie a scarlet cord in her window — a symbol many see as foreshadowing Christ's blood. When Jericho's walls collapsed, Rahab and her household were saved. She married Salmon and became the mother of Boaz, great-grandmother of King David, and an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). The New Testament holds her up as an example of faith (Hebrews 11:31) and of faith demonstrated by works (James 2:25).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"For the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath."
"By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace."
"And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Who was Ruth in the Bible?
Ruth was a Moabite woman who showed extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, converted to the God of Israel, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
What Happened at the Battle of Jericho?
God commanded Israel to march around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, they shouted and the walls fell down flat, giving Israel victory without conventional warfare.
Who Was Joshua?
Joshua was Moses' successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land, conquering Canaan through faith and obedience to God's commands.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Deep Dive Commentary
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Who Was Rahab in the Bible?
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Joshua. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Joshua on day 58 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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