90% of U.S. media (TV, news, radio) is owned by 6 companies. I always thought that too! Ive been digging on Rahab and had questions and you addresses many of them. 100 Interesting Facts About The World To Blow Your Mind - All That's 6. If they want another lobster to know that they're happy or sad or angry or interested in a relationship, they say it with pee! Its the type of surrender that invites God to do the work only a sovereign God can do. And we must always remember that this woman, rehab, was chosen by Almighty God to be a chosen instrument in bringing about salvation to the ends of the earth. 2. When we read the story of Rahab we assume that she was a Canaanite. Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, Go, view the land, especially Jericho., So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. Polar bear fur is actually clear, and their skin is black. Rahab is mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament, and her story is an example of Gods grace and redemption. The French flag is called "le tricolore". containerEl: '#fd-form-5e128eefed5f9800263d7fc0' And it highlights the one thing that is life with God. As they did so, Joshua commanded the people to shout out loudly. There are a few pieces of evidence that suggest she did. In James, Rahab is listed as an example of someone who was justified by faith, along with Abraham. Sometimes we get this idea that to escape from the things that separate us from God we need to slowly wean ourselves off of them. The rabbis imagine her as a superhumanly seductive woman who knows the secrets of all the men in Jericho, as well as the ultimate example of repentance. In this story, Rahab is a prostitute who lives in Jericho. }); The power of covenant in the Bible can be summed up by the fact that the God of the Bible is the only God who publicly and privately keeps His covenants. The City Gates was extremely important in the ancient world for both security and symbolic reasons. It also demonstrates that even when things seem hopeless, we can trust that God is in control and He will always help us achieve victory. The word "harlot" is undoubtedly repeated so that you and I will know that whatever we have done God will forgive us if we come to him by faith. It could be that Rahab was coerced into her lifestyle. We assume that if imperfect people can think so lowly of us how much worse we must be seen in the eyes of a perfect God. Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. The Forgotten Mothers of the Bible | Sojourners Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, (Matthew 1:5 NKJV). In the Book of Joshua, Rahab (a heroine nonetheless known as "Rahab the Harlot") assisted two Israelite spies in escaping out a window and down the city wall of Jericho. She is popularly known as the prostitute who helped the Israelite spies. Forgive my blunt language but when it all boiled down to it, that was the choice Rahabs family had to make: To save her familys lives, Rahab managed to convince her whole family two things: The story of Rahab is about one womans courage and her actions that saved her entire family. Its a Hebrew commentary that speaks to the literal translation of the Bible. Weve talked about it as a verb but there is one more definition I want to bring into this conversation before we come to an end. Faith requires a belief in God and that God exists. So, while city gates served many purposes in Bible times, their most important function was as a place where people could meet with God. Just as the Israelites' faith in God led to their victory, Rahab's faith saved her family and played a key role in the Israelites' success over Jericho. RAHAB the PROSTITUTE, the walls of Jericho come tumbling down Rahab wasnt content where she was. Its evident in Joshua 2:8-11 that Rahab has little to no confidence in the life shes been living and the gods her people worship. What scripture doesnt explicitly state in the facts about Rahab is whether this occupation was voluntary or not. The English language is spoken in more than 100 countries around the world. These were her people and this was her King. We talk about making an impact finding purpose in life but seldom do we realize that to walk out the things God created us for often requires us to abandon things of this world that define us; the culture we live in, our own ideologies, status, and even how we view ourselves. 5 facts about the Gideons | Broadview Magazine Welcome to our Family. Rahab hid the Israelite spies before they crossed the Jordan River. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country. Joshua 2:1-2. Because she was ready for the real deal. Are you ready to dig deep into the story of Rahab? One of Rahabs greatest characteristic was that she didnt only think about saving herself, she also had compassion for her fathers household and made plans to save them as well. And we can become a blessing to others. For this reason, they were often adorned with symbols of strength and protection, such as lions or dragons. How interesting that a scarlet cord, likely, an emblem of ill-repute, became a sign of salvation. Woman of Faith Faith is the opposite of fear. 2. In the olden days, just as today, cities were called by the names of famous men and women. she turned out to be amazing. Im just constantly amazed the more I learn. Rahab is praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. Would the kings men have found the spies if they had decided to search the house? While there are many theories about Rahabs origins, the most likely explanation is that she was a native of Jericho. This is what set the God of the Bible apart from the false gods of other nations. The story of Rahab and the spies would have been very different if she hadnt been a quick thinker. She wouldnt have made it into the lineage of Christ. You can find the story of Rahab in the Bible in Joshua chapters two and six. Instead of occupying the land as instructed, they convinced themselves they werent strong enough and opted to return to Egypt; the land God had just freed them from (see Numbers chapters 13 & 14). Rahab is one of four women mentioned in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus. 80 Interesting Facts About Life That Will Surprise You Operating an inn by the city gate and entertaining caravans and travelers from around the world must have been like living next to the CNN headquarters! Rahab was quick to abandon the life she had built for the HOPE of a new one. And in Hebrews, Rahab is held up as an example of someone who had faith, even though she was not part of the people of Israel. My childhood was composed of a simple mother-daughter relationship. Don't let it worry you! The spies are taken in by a woman named Rahab, who hides them from the authorities and helps them escape. Readers are welcome to reach out to her and read her blog at www.dianawallistaylor.com. Image credits: Brian Whipple. Random fun facts are great for breaking the ice, impressing a . For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon, and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. You are the tallest when you first wake up. This cord served as a sign of faithfulness and protection for Rahab and her family.Tonights living by faith example is Rahab, who expressed her faith in the living God: the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. (Joshua 2:11). Know yourselfwhat if Rahab hadnt accepted that she couldnt save herself from the invading army? He was educated in the palace of Pharaoh and married Zipporah the daughter . When the Israelites approach Canaan with their army, Pharaoh sends word that he is withdrawing his troops. A terrific study does it ever say how did she become a harlot in the first place. But there came a pivotal moment in the story of the Ancient Near East when Gods judgment came to the unrepentant peoples of Canaan, fulfilling the covenant made with the Patriarchs. 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, Inspiring Mother Breaks Down after Earning Golden Buzzer with Celine Dion Hit, 7 Things that Will Keep Me from Coming Back to Your Church, 6 Truths about Jesus Coming into the World, 9 Christians You Don't Want to Sit Beside on Sunday Morning, 10 Things You Should Know about the Intermediate State of Death, 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children Again. But there was no hanky-panky between Rahab and the spies, she had been able to see through their disguise and knew there was a greater force at work. In this short verse, we learn a few things about God and faith: Rahab displayed all of those characteristics. Rahab - Her Life & Story in the Bible - Crosswalk.com Rahab; the girl lost in an incredibly sinful life. She falls smack in the middle of the children of Israels march to conquer the Promised Land. In Joshua 2, we are told that Rahab entertained the spies in her house. For a full list of well-rounded questions, I invite you to click here and print our free Rahab Bible study pdf worksheet! 95 Fun Facts Everyone Should Know | FactRetriever.com In fact, you lose some every day without noticing. 22. Most of them just skim the surface of Rahabs story. This time around, instead of sending a group of spies to scout out the land, Joshua sent only two. I received an advanced readers copy from the publishers through Celebrate Lit; a positive review was not required. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 3. Rahab is best known for her role in helping the Israelites conquer Jericho. History How does Rahabs story foreshadow the gift of the gospel. Joshua 2:10-11. )She was a "harlot", and probably combined the trade of . The wall was built to protect the city from invaders. The history of the King of Jericho is found in the book of Joshua. In fact, that is a big part of why God chose to destroy the Canaanites in the first place. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 9 Facts about Rahab in the Bible | Biblical - Jesus Leadership Training Rahab; the harlot. She operated two coffee house/used bookstores and later retired from a private Christian college as Director of Conference Services. Still, the people of Jericho may have felt as if they could hide behind their walls. 5. Synonyms: Recklessness. They keep their head level when chasing prey. In this historical fiction, author Diana Wallis Taylor offers a beautiful story of intrigue that suggests Rahab was a descendent of Ephraim, one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. They had the chance to occupy it once before under the leadership of Moses, but despite Gods promise fear got the best of them. 4. The Bible tells us that we cant please God without faith: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV). Thus, we read of Rahabs identity in the New Testament: By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies (Hebrews 11:31 ESV). Because of her faith, she and her family were spared from the total destruction of Jericho. There was a time when these descriptions were 100% accurate. But why is she included in the lineage of Jesus? Rahab found God, ran to Him, and didn't let ANYTHING keep her back. We take those $ and give them to developing our Children's Programs. 2. Honeybees navigate by using the sun as a compass. Learn more about theStory of Rahab from Christianity.com. She shows that with forgiveness there is no need to live in guilt and stay in our sinful ways. Rahab in the Bible: The Surprising Harlot Advancing The Kingdom Of God She Lefty a sinful life and saved her own people. The spies disobeyed God by not going into the land when He told them to, and they were punished for it. The character study on Rahab the harlot uncovers some key lessons. There was no guarantee these risks would pay off, but to Rahab, these risks were worth it. A Rahab Bible Study: A vivid, scripture-based, unfiltered study of the Rahab Bible story and its connection to the love of God and grace of the gospel. Rahabs story is one of my absolute favorites. One thinks of Audens remarkable poem, The Fall of Rome, when the movement of herds on the European tundra marked the march of Goths and Visigoths: Altogether elsewhere, vast herds of reindeer move across miles and miles of golden moss, silently and very fast.. Rahab is the ever-present message of God to you: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Joshua 2:8-11. It also shows how God can use anyone, even someone with a checkered past, to further his purposes. Generous Rahab was generous, as she gave her own Jericho house to the spies. Actually, lets rephrase that. She didnt just let go of some things, she abandoned EVERYTHING. But we see Rahab taking a bold step towards her destiny leaving her past behind. They chase while keeping their head level. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Random Fun Facts About Geography 63. Covenants In the Bible (Starting In Genesis), Nimrod and the Story of the Tower of Babel, 6 Examples of True Repentance in the Bible. Rahab in the Bible - Definition, Meaning and References Belief Rahab believed in Gods promise of salvation, even before she had seen any evidence of it. Rahab let go of some of the biggest pieces of her life. a. When scripture mentions Rahab, she's almost always called Rahab the harlot except in Matthew's genealogy. Her circumstances are unknown, but her family may have experienced brokenness that deeply affected her. It is interesting to note that Matthew is the only biblical writer to tell us that Rahab was the mother-in-law of Ruth. Your honesty and cooperation are greatly appreciated. I am not yet a mother myself. The verses state Salmon was the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, and go on to state Boaz was the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. UK. In fact, that is a big part of why God chose to destroy the Canaanites in the first place. Rahab was a prostitute. The prophet Ezekiel even saw a vision of the glory of God entering through the city gate (Ezekiel 44:2). 9 Facts about Rahab in the Bible.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'jesusleadershiptraining_com-box-3','ezslot_1',624,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-jesusleadershiptraining_com-box-3-0'); Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho. Rahab was an innkeeper who, sadly, found other ways of bringing in revenue. The people would gather at the city gate to praise God and thank Him for His goodness (Psalm 100:4). The sun makes up more than 99% of the mass in our solar system. 2. 8 Interesting Facts About Raphael, Master of the Italian Renaissance Now, theres no pretty way to translate it, the word refers to a whore or someone who has behaved wantonly and committed adultery. This raises an important question: did Rahab have any family in Jericho? Lobsters have bladders on either side of their heads, so they communicate by urinating at each other. The story of Rahab is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. But she would enter without Moses for he was dead. She, herself, was a prostitute. She had grown up in Jericho (according to the Midrash she had been there for nearly 40 years, possibly more). Rahabs name is most likely derived from the Hebrew word (rb), meaning wide It may also be related to the Arabic word (raaba), meaning to be merciful. Answer: True According to Matthew 1:5-6, Rahab was the great-great grandmother of David. As a result, when Jericho is conquered, Rahab and her family are spared. 8. This woman, Rahab, was like that relative in the family tree that we prefer to not talk about or to keep in the shadows. In short, the City Gates were extremely important in both a practical and symbolic sense. The woman men came to for a quick fix? The rabbis viewed Rahab as a worthy convert to Judaism, and attested that Rahab married Joshua following her conversion; their descendants included the prophets Jeremiah, Hilkiah, Seraiah, Mahseiah, Baruch, Ezekiel and the prophetess Hulda, [22] although there is no report in the book of Joshua of the leader marrying anyone, or having any family It would have been hard to step into the identity God had planned for her. Rahab is praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. 60 Interesting Facts About France (+ fun France facts!) As a result, Rahab became an important part of biblical history, and her story is a reminder of the power of faith. Judges would sit at the city gate to hear cases and render verdicts (Deuteronomy 21:19, Ruth 4:1-2, Psalm 69:12). Asians eat cats. She lived in a totally corrupt society that engaged in every kind of sexual perversion and idol worship which included child sacrifice. 1. From the line of Rahab came the Messiah of Israel, the Savior of the world, our God and King, the Lord Jesus Christ. An old man named Noah, who was really old. Second, this story teaches us that God is a God of justice. The Bible calls her Rahab the prostitute because that was her defining trait. Rahab - Wikipedia I am so glad that God gives us a second chance no matter our past. When the Israelites come to Jericho to conquer the city, Rahab hides the Israelite spies and helps them to escape. The peoples beloved leader Moses is dead and Joshua, the new guy in charge, sends two spies to check out the land of Jericho which is the first barrier between the Israelites and Canaan. When we abandon them we are essentially starving them; no longer allowing them to feast on the things that sustain them. As Rahab lived in the wilderness among the Israelites, she had to wrestle with this question. PDF Interesting Facts About Ruth - Bible Charts Still, she boldly asked them to spare her life. "Paul to TimothyII Timothy 2: 2KJV, We have Ads Running on this site. Also, my 14 year old niece pointed out that the Matthew scripture reference should be Matthew 16:25 instead of Matthew 17:32-33 (which doesnt exist). Facts about Rahab (9-13 Years) - Kids Korner - BibleWise Book: Rahab, Woman of JerichoAuthor: Diana Wallis TaylorGenre: Biblical FictionPublisher: Whitaker House Publication Date: August 4, 2020Print Length: 234 pages. Or grab the full book study here. Run your raceIn Rahab Woman of Jericho, the main character had to resist giving in to the expectation of others, including her family. Faith accepts that God rewards those who pursue a relationship with Him. 3. Rahab: A Past and a Future | Bible.org The city was well fortified and had high walls, so the Israelites could not just march in and take it. And she did it in a moment. The people of Jericho were terrified of the Israelites, and they barricaded themselves inside the city walls. But most importantly, city gates were places where people would come to meet with God Himself. Obedient Rahab was obedient to Gods commands, even when it put her in danger. According to the Bible, the walls of Jericho were destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites when they invaded the city (Joshua 6:1-27). Download our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets and join us! [23] After all, she was an outsider, a woman of ill repute, and someone who should have been their enemy. Hospitable Rahab was hospitable, as she provided lodging for the spies. That's who she is. Fun Facts about Esther - Grapevine Studies Sometimes we get this idea that to escape from the things that separate us from God we need to slowly wean ourselves off of them. She wasnt a woman in the highest echelons of society, yet she was willing to risk her life for what she believed. Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. Lets take a look at the things that Rahab chose to leave behind to gain life with God. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. Rahab, the woman with whom the spies were staying, protected them by hiding them on her roof. 3. Rahab was a resident of Jericho, who sheltered two spies whom Joshua had sent to scout out the city. Of all the things Rahab left behind, I bet this was the one she was most happy to let go of. 20. On the contrary, dogs bob their head up and down when chasing prey. Whatever Rahab was before Israel crossed into the land of the Canaanites she became someone new in the promised land. After the fall of Jericho, the Israelites went on to conquer the rest of Canaan. Together, Rahab and Ruth became part of the lineage of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. Then I will introduce you to the woman of the scarlet cord, the greater grandmother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Rahabs day, it was normal for women to be bought and sold for sex (or even marriage). None of their neighboring countries had been able to penetrate their walls and so they felt safe. How could it be that Rahab the prostitute became Rahab, the mother of Boaz? 113 Fun Facts to Amaze Anyone You Meet - PrepScholar 1. 1. She Was "Declared Righteous by Works". Christian Truth. Heroes of Faith: 5 Vital Lessons from the Life of Rahab Dont get me wrong, Hannahs my girlthe woman I want to grow up to be when I grow up and over the years, Ive come to a have reluctant compassion for Penninah. #hebrews12endurance, What is Idolatry? Ultimately, she was used by God to play a role in forming the lineage of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You might think any or all of these things because Rahab was a prostitute. Not solely because of the type of livelihood she was leaving behind (although thats a part of it) but primarily because Rahab was no in a position to easily take care of herself. The word translated as harlot or prostitute in our English Bibles is the Hebrew word znh (pronounced zaw-naw). Fun Facts about Rahab Villacres's Birthday. The confidence in Rahabs statements here astounds me. Many scholars refer to it when theyre looking for cultural context, changes in Hebrew OT/NT law, or when they come across what seems to be a contradiction within scripture. Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. Rahab in the Bible: Profile, Story and Lessons - What Christians Want This is supported by the fact that she is described as being a prostitute, which would have been an occupation that was not practiced by the Israelites. His most recent book is a second edition release: Hit by Friendly Fire: What to do when Another Believer Hurts You(Resource Publications, 2022). Rahab didn't disclaim that she had "entertained" the men. I loved this! City gates were also places of worship. Canaan (where Jericho was located) was a polytheistic land. Humans shed 40 pounds of skin in our lifetime. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. Too often our opinion of God is based on what other peopleour family, pastor, church members, the worldsays about Him. 1. Quechua. It had been 40 years since Joshua, Israels leader at the time, had set eyes on the promised land. By hiding the Israelite spies, she helped to ensure that their mission was successful. In this article were going to explore the real condition of the land of Canaan in Rahabs day; before it transitioned to the promised land. Rahab, or Rachab (wide), a celebrated woman of Jericho who received the spies sent by Joshua to spy out the land, hid them in her house from the pursuit of her countrymen, was saved with all her family when the Israelites sacked the city, and became the wife of Salmon and the ancestress of the Messiah. Alaska is both the most western and most eastern state in the United States. If this is so apparent to a common prostitute, why do the people of Jericho resist this all . With no available Jewish men in her town, she marries Radames, a young Egyptian officer who is the new governor of Jericho. She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. Your email address will not be published. Facts about Aaron (3-5 Years) - Kids Korner - BibleWise 2. Finally, Rahab shows us that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. The Rahab story, shows faith triumphing over the King of the Amorites by her faith. complete lack of inhibition or restraint. Who was Rahab in the Bible? - CompellingTruth.org 3. This is a BIG DEAL. What if Rahab the harlot wasnt a Canaanite? This was her culture. Article Images Copyright , The Scarlet Cord: Rahab's Bible Story & Our Story, 10 Reasons Why the Trial of Jesus Was Illegal. Rahabs story isnt long though its longer than many stories in the Bible, but what little there is of the story is profound. I agree! Rahabs livelihood was her security. Why is knowing about the various characters in the Bible important. Lobsters communicate with their bladders. Abraham met with God at the city gate of Hebron (Genesis 18:1), and when Moses wanted to meet with God, he had to go outside the camp and wait by the city gate (Exodus 33:7). Rahabs story is told in Joshua 2:1-24. They were also places of judgment. 5. RAHAB peered from her window as the light of dawn streamed onto the plain surrounding Jericho. What is the Biblical / Historical Description of the Wall of Jericho? PDF Women's - New Life Presbyterian Church And God was far more concerned with who Rahab was than with what she did. Rahab hid the spies and saved them from the king in exchange for her life and her familys. Rahab: Bible | Jewish Women's Archive