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    Meaning

    Who Was Rahab in the Bible — Meaning Explained

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    What "Who Was Rahab in the Bible?" Actually Means

    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).

    Anchor Verses (KJV)

    Joshua 2:11

    "For the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath."

    Hebrews 11:31

    "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace."

    Matthew 1:5

    "And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse."

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