woman of-faith · Old Testament
Rahab
The Redeemed Harlot
Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who hid the Israelite spies, confessed faith in God, and was saved when Jericho fell. She became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
When Joshua sent two spies into Jericho, they came to the house of Rahab the harlot. When the king of Jericho demanded she surrender them, Rahab hid the spies on her roof under stalks of flax and misdirected the pursuers. Her lie was sinful, but her faith was genuine.
Rahab's confession to the spies reveals remarkable faith: "I know that the Lord hath given you the land... for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." She had heard of the Red Sea parting and Israel's victories—and she believed these stories pointed to the true God. In exchange for saving the spies, she asked for protection for herself and her family.
The spies promised that if Rahab bound a scarlet cord in her window and gathered her family inside, they would be saved. When Jericho's walls collapsed, Joshua commanded that Rahab and her household be brought out. They were spared while the city was utterly destroyed.
Rahab's story didn't end there. She married Salmon, an Israelite, and bore Boaz, who married Ruth. Through this line came King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. Both Hebrews and James cite Rahab as an example of faith. Her story demonstrates that no past is too dark for God's redemption.
Key Scriptures
"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."
"Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?"
Lessons from Rahab's Life
- 1.Faith can emerge from the most unlikely places and people.
- 2.Acting on faith, even imperfectly, is better than paralysis.
- 3.God's grace can transform any past and any person.
- 4.Faith leads to inclusion in God's redemptive story.
Books Featuring Rahab
Related Characters
View all Woman Of FaithJoshua
The Conqueror
Joshua succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land, conquering Canaan through faith and obedience to God's commands.
Boaz
The Kinsman Redeemer
Boaz was a wealthy Bethlehemite who redeemed Ruth the Moabitess, marrying her and becoming an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
Ruth
The Loyal Foreigner
Ruth was a Moabite widow who left everything to follow her mother-in-law Naomi and Naomi's God. Her loyalty was rewarded when she became the great-grandmother of King David.
Frequently Asked Questions
Miracles Featuring Rahab
Every miracle in Scripture where Rahab appears or is directly involved.
Test your knowledge of Rahab
Free KJV Bible quizzes featuring this character — every answer cites a verse.
- Medium · 10 Qs
Old Testament Quiz
From Genesis to Malachi — test your knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
Rahab Bible Quiz
The harlot of Jericho who hid the spies and found mercy by faith.
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Malachi Quiz
A 10-question study on the final book of the Old Testament prophets.
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