The story of Rahab and the spies would have been very different if she hadnt been a quick thinker. But she knew that she needed to trust God at that moment and so she did. Milton has also served as chancellor and president of seminaries and is the author of more than thirty books. Rahab is the first Gentile recorded in the Bible as having converted to Judaism. 46 Interesting Facts You Probably don't Know. (NIV) Hebrews 11:31. Of all the things Rahab left behind, I bet this was the one she was most happy to let go of. Where in The Book of Judges is the account of Rahab Found? The color scarlet was often associated with sin and judgment in the Bible, but in this case it represented Rahabs faith in God and her willingness to protect His people. 2. 101 Fun Facts 1. His name means "lofty, exalted, or high mountain." There is no information about his birth or his early years. Joshua knew that he needed divine intervention to defeat Jericho, so he asked God for guidance. Until the 1980s, it was illegal for a. The word for "window" appears three times in the Rahab narrative (Josh 2: 15, 18, 21) when she helps the men escape and marks her house so it will be spared destruction.Windows have a prominent role in the stories of several other biblical women: Michal (2 Sam 6:16), the mother of Sisera (Judg 5:28 -31), and Jezebel (2 Kgs 9:30).All these women are looking through their palace windows . When scripture mentions Rahab, she's almost always called Rahab the harlot except in Matthew's genealogy. It is interesting to note that Matthew is the only biblical writer to tell us that Rahab was the mother-in-law of Ruth. 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. You might think any or all of these things because Rahab was a prostitute. Together, Rahab and Ruth became part of the lineage of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. Living purposefully for Christ starts with laying down all that was, and clinging to all that He is. Thats how the entire line of Abraham started! Interesting and Fun Animal Facts 1. The story of Rahab is one about faith. The Book of Joshua marks the moment and describes the first movements of the Conquest: And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, Go, view the land, especially Jericho. And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there (Joshua 2:1). Rahab was a resident of Jericho, who sheltered two spies whom Joshua had sent to scout out the city. She is remembered for the remarkable transformation. She Was "Declared Righteous by Works". An invading army was gathered out there the forces of Israel. A lot of the women featured in the Bible are walk-on characters who werent even given a name let alone enough screen time for us to really know anything about them. FUN FACTS ABOUT Rahab Auguste She was born on Sept. 7th 1970 Her favorite artist was Prince and she had a crush on Ralph Tresvant from New Edition as a teen. He speaks His own words. Greenland is the world's largest island. These were her people and this was her King. Rahabs profession may have been seen as shameful by some, but she is still remembered as a heroic figure in biblical history. No matter the hairstyle and no matter the thickness, the average human being has around 100,000 hairs growing on their head at any one time. (the head of Lets Talk Bible Study) unless otherwise stated. Your email address will not be published. Rahabs faith in God engrafted her into a new family. Ultimately, she was used by God to play a role in forming the lineage of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It took a lot of faith to acknowledge that the Hebrew God was greater than any of the gods of Jericho. Yet, this is the woman whose door the two spies chose to knock on. #purposedbook. When we put our trust in God, He will always keep His promises. When she was bargaining with the spies for her life, she wasnt selfish about it. The character study on Rahab the harlot uncovers some key lessons. And in Christ Jesus, the blood-stained crimson cross of shame became the gleaming symbol of salvation. Im just constantly amazed the more I learn. The cool thing about encountering God is that the identity we have in Him transcends the broken person we were before Him. This woman, Rahab, was like that relative in the family tree that we prefer to not talk about or to keep in the shadows. The Bible calls her Rahab the prostitute because that was her defining trait. Rahab lived in Jericho, and by allying herself with God's people, she was laying her life on the line. She also bargained for her family. And it highlights the one thing that is life with God. 3. Rahab in the Bible was a perceptive woman, intelligent and well-informed. Rahab hid the spies and saved them from the king in exchange for her life and her familys. The book of Esther is one book everyone will enjoy . 8. Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. 4. City gates in the Bible were places of community and commerce. But more than anything, Rahabs story is about a woman whose ways pleased the Lord. Along with the five traditional senses of sound, sight, touch, smell and taste, humans have 15 "other senses.". So lets take a moment to consider them here. Why? Learn more about theStory of Rahab from Christianity.com. Your nails also follow the same principle - hair and nails are both made of the protein keratin. Subscribe to the CompellingTruth.org Newsletter: Many people are familiar with the story of the Israelites marching around the city of Jericho to bring down the walls. The woman who had been called a harlot became a godly wife and mother in Israel. He is the ultimate judge of character, and He can redeem even the most unlikely people for His purposes. Still, the people of Jericho may have felt as if they could hide behind their walls. Rahab kept them safe and helped the spies to escape. The Great Wall of China is not actually visible from space. The Lord did this by causing the walls of Jericho to collapse after the Israelites had marched around the city for seven days. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I was so nervous but this post helped me tremendously! How people view us is our stumbling block and often times we associate Gods view of us with mans view of us. Rahab was a prostitute who lived in the city of Jericho during the time when the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land. Rahab; the girl lost in an incredibly sinful life. There is a lot of historical evidence and even biblical evidence that points to her being forced into prostitution. to move into the home of a harlot in order to save their lives. Thats what I think of when I see the Jesse Tree. 2. 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. And she did it in a moment. Rahab. 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. Alaska is both the most western and most eastern state in the United States. 8. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe when she had received the spies with peace (Hebrews 11:31 NKJV). 9. 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! She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. The story of Rahab and the spies from Israel is one of the most popular in the Bible. Her name was Rahab. She and her husband became the parents of a boy named Boaz. By Hebrew definitions, she should be dead. She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. She operated two coffee house/used bookstores and later retired from a private Christian college as Director of Conference Services. 5 facts about the Gideons By Anne Bokma | December 1, 2015 1. Finally, this story teaches us that we should obey God even when it is difficult. Rahab is considered to be a righteous woman in Scripture, And todays #Biblical #Womanhood example is #Rahab pic.twitter.com/q7hBfXIRWl, The Book of Judges does not mention Rahab by name, but she is likely the harlot who dwelled in Jericho mentioned in Judges 2:1.[9]. We dont know how many persons were in her family, but I loved the fact that she thought of them all. 4. Though less common than earthquakes, the moon actually has moonquakes, too. 1. 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. Both Deuteronomy and Leviticus record detestable practices of life and worship (including sexual perversions) that were the norm for Canaanite peoples. [23] CHAPTERS: 4 VERSES: 85 Canaan (where Jericho was located) was a polytheistic land. Fact: Dead skin cells are a main ingredient in household dust Here's an interesting science fact for you: According to researchers at Imperial College London, humans shed around 200 million skin. Deuteronomy 9:5. Rahabs livelihood was her security. She chose an unknown God because she believed He was greater than all that she had known. That's right. Three presidents, all Founding FathersJohn Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroedied on July 4. As they did so, Joshua commanded the people to shout out loudly. For forty years, the children of Israel had wandered in the wilderness without a home. Interestingly, Boaz went on to marry Ruth, another woman who was not originally from the tribe of Judah. When we abandon them we are essentially starving them; no longer allowing them to feast on the things that sustain them. In any case, Rahab is an intriguing figure whose story provides us with a unique insight into the history of the Israelites. 2. 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. 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. Rahab lived in Jericho, and by her allying herself with God's people she was laying her life on the line. Rahab hid the Israelite spies before they crossed the Jordan River. The name of God is not mentioned in the book- this is the only book of the Bible in which God is not named. How very beautiful to think that it is a scarlet cord of the covenant of God's grace that binds all of the Word of God together. If she did not have any family in Jericho, it is unlikely that she would have put herself in such danger. She didnt just let go of some things, she abandoned EVERYTHING. Hydra - an aquatic creature is the only living creature that never die. 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.. An old man named Noah, who was really old. 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 will give you a glimpse into what life may have been like for those first families who had to settle the land while the army remained on the move. The account of Rahab Reminds us that from the moment we choose to believe and follow God, the impact we have on the world can change. Because of her faith, she and her family were spared from the total destruction of Jericho. The Gideons International in Canada employs 32 people and has an annual budget of $8 million. How many persons would have thought to hide someone under stalks of flax (Joshua 2:6)? UK. The Bible tells us that she married an Israelite named Salmon (father of Boaz) and had a son named Boaz. Her circumstances are unknown, but her family may have experienced brokenness that deeply affected her. What made her do that? Rahabs story is told in the Book of Joshua, chapters 2 and 6. She shows that with forgiveness there is no need to live in guilt and stay in our sinful ways. It was included in everything from their entertainment to their worship. The Israelites had been instructed by God to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, they were to shout and blow their trumpets. Take the word of a prostitute and spend an indeterminate time living in her house waiting for the Israelites to attack. Rahab is best known for her role in helping the Israelite spies escape from Jericho, and for her subsequent marriage to Salmon, an Israelite. And the Bible does a good job of showing us what to do but with so many male leads its sometimes hard to visualize what a woman who pleases God looks like. Jesus' own lineage shows how God powerfully uses us despite our past. Because she was ready for the real deal. According to Joshua 2:1, it was situated on the city wall, which would have made it easy for Rahab to spy on the Israelite army as they approached the city. He and his wife, Mae, reside in Western North Carolina. 66. In this short verse, we learn a few things about God and faith: Rahab displayed all of those characteristics. Would the kings men have found the spies if they had decided to search the house? All rights reserved. Then I will introduce you to the woman of the scarlet cord, the greater grandmother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But we see Rahab taking a bold step towards her destiny leaving her past behind. (We'll wait while you go get that globe.) This is a misunderstanding of Gods grace. Rahab was afraid of Hebrew God.women are very intelligent.first God is great he never considered her corector.he used her in his plan.praise God. They chase while keeping their head level. What are the 9 Admirable Characteristics of Rahab? This week was my week to lead. How can she save her family from the invading Israelites? All your hair is dead. The more common introduction (the reason people are shocked that shed have the honor of being in the lineage of Jesus): Rahab was a prostitute. 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city walls seven times, accompanied by the priests blowing their trumpets. In conclusion, there is reason to believe that Rahab did have family in Jericho. pic.twitter.com/X8oPHr9usC. Historians believe that the Wall of Jericho was actually built around 8,000 years ago during the Neolithic period. Rahab is one of five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus. pic.twitter.com/X8oPHr9usC Tami Dooms (@TamiDooms) August 6, 2022, 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). Are you ready to dig deep into the story of Rahab? Xhosa. They say Gods grace covers our sin so it doesnt really matter how we live. She was a Canaanite woman who lived in the city of Jericho during the time of the Israelite conquest. In fact, you lose some every day without noticing. Rahab helped the spies escape over the city wall with the aid of a crimson cord lowered through her window, but not before the spies told her that she needed to hang that same scarlet cord in her window when they invaded. Fun, Amazing, Unknown & Interesting Facts about Moses. Rahab Woman of Jericho will give you insight into what life may have been like for the people who remained in the camp while the Israelite army fought their enemies. Honeybees navigate by using the sun as a compass. Old Glory was designed by a high school student. 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). By including these four women in Christ's genealogy, Matthew is making the claim that God's great plan of salvation includes Gentiles, even unrighteous Gentiles. Interesting facts and fun facts that educate, entertain, and amaze yourself. While we cannot be certain, it is possible that she was motivated to help the Israelites because she wanted to protect her loved ones from harm. However, God is obviously at work. Judah married a Canaanite woman named Shua. 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 chose to believe in the God of the Hebrews over the gods of her own people. This page may contain affiliate links. She wouldnt have made it into the lineage of Christ. First, Rahab demonstrates the power of faith. We often think it takes a lot of courage to be brave but the best definition of bravery is doing what needs to be done, not because you dont have any fear but in spite of it. Rahab put her life at risk several times while helping the spies. Her identity. And so if you ask me, "How could God possibly use me? 50+ random facts - fun facts. Rahab's Risk This is one of the acts for which Rahab is immortalized. Rahab is best known for her role in helping the Israelites conquer Jericho. What does the story of Rahab teach us? But Rahab believed in the power of the Hebrew God, all she had heard were stories but she believed He was powerful enough to deliver Jericho into the hands of His people. So how did she become part of the greatest story ever told? But the lesson I want us to focus on today is the story of Rahab. 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. "For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:11). #hebrews12endurance, What is Idolatry? Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. Rahab was also a Canaanite, who were the hated enemies of Israel. First, this story teaches us that God is faithful to His promises. She falls smack in the middle of the children of Israels march to conquer the Promised Land. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Below is a list of common discussion questions for the story of Rahab and Joshua 2 Bible study questions. Where is Rahab mentioned in the New Testament? She wasnt a woman in the highest echelons of society, yet she was willing to risk her life for what she believed. Yet, in an instant, she abandoned her people and her king. Diana makes her home in San Diego, California. This story is found in the book of Joshua, Chapter 6. Thank you for posting, truly helpful. The biblical story, however, suggests a . It took a lot of courage to defy a king. In Rahab's day, it was normal for women to be bought and sold for sex (or even marriage). 24. From the line of Rahab came the Messiah of Israel, the Savior of the world, our God and King, the Lord Jesus Christ. Rahab is a Canaanite prostitute who becomes faithful to the God of Israel, hiding two Israelite spies when the king of Jericho sends men to capture them. Like Rahab, we have to determine what we will believe about God. When the Israelites were finally ready to occupy the land which had been promised for more than 400 years, God brought them to the city of Jericho. One of the more disturbing yet interesting fun facts: All the hair on your head is dead, except for the follicles. After all, she was an outsider, a woman of ill repute, and someone who should have been their enemy. So, while city gates served many purposes in Bible times, their most important function was as a place where people could meet with God. The spies are taken in by a woman named Rahab, who hides them from the authorities and helps them escape. Gigi Hadid gets candid about parenting Khai. As an Amazon affiliate I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Article Images Copyright , The Scarlet Cord: Rahab's Bible Story & Our Story, 10 Reasons Why the Trial of Jesus Was Illegal. Her documented profession as a prostitute keeps her from being a Sunday School staple like Jonah and the Whale or David and Goliath, but her story draws people back over and over again. I hope your BIble study went well! In fact, that is a big part of why God chose to destroy the Canaanites in the first place. It is thought that the wall was constructed using mud bricks, which would have made it vulnerable to collapse if they became wet. Second, this story teaches us that God is a God of justice. A shrimp's heart is located in its head. Rahab married Salmon and had a son named Boaz.