Theres so much to learn <3, So happy to hear that Judy! Jericho was situated on a main highway at the crossroads of three continents. So, while city gates served many purposes in Bible times, their most important function was as a place where people could meet with God. Faith requires a belief in God and that God exists. They keep their head level when chasing prey. Thats what I intend to deliver and hope youll find in this Rahab Bible study. But she would enter without Moses for he was dead. While there are many theories about Rahabs origins, the most likely explanation is that she was a native of Jericho. Whenever the Army of Israel entered Canaan, Rahab acted according to a prearranged plan and hung out a scarlet cord from the window of her establishment. The story of Rahab and the spies would have been very different if she hadnt been a quick thinker. You are the tallest when you first wake up. In Rahab's day, it was normal for women to be bought and sold for sex (or even marriage). Baby flamingos are born grey, not pink. It must have been an interesting time to be alive because though there would have been fear, a lot of persons would have stubbornly stuck to their old ways. Interesting facts and fun facts that educate, entertain, and amaze yourself. After summarizing what Jericho had heard about God's people, Rahab made the most shocking statement of all. Rahab is the brave girl. God instructed Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city walls once a day for six days, followed by seven priests blowing trumpets. So glad we could answer some of those questions for you! She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. What made her do that? Both Deuteronomy and Leviticus record detestable practices of life and worship (including sexual perversions) that were the norm for Canaanite peoples. Rahab was spared when Jericho was destroyed. When playing with female puppies, male puppies will often let them win, even if they have a physical advantage. Moses birth place was Egypt and the names of his parents were Amran and Jochebed. Rahab helped the Israelite spies escape after their mission was complete. As a result of her actions, she and her family were spared when the city was destroyed. Rahab - Lockyer's All the Women of the Bible - Bible Gateway Read the Bible Reading Plans Advanced Search Available Versions Audio Bibles Study Tools Scripture Engagement More Resources Explore More Newsletters Devotionals Bible Gateway App Bible Audio App Bible Gateway Blog Bible Gateway Plus Store Bibles Deals More she turned out to be amazing. This story highlights Gods power and might as well as His faithfulness to His people. Moses Aaron Facts for 9-13 Year Olds Categories: Men in the Old Testament, Moses Aaron is Moses' older brother. I doubt it. The name Rahab is most likely a shortened form of a sentence name rb-N, the god N has opened/widened (the womb?). For this reason, they were often adorned with symbols of strength and protection, such as lions or dragons. Her circumstances are unknown, but her family may have experienced brokenness that deeply affected her. It took a lot of faith to acknowledge that the Hebrew God was greater than any of the gods of Jericho. She exercised it. Hydra - an aquatic creature is the only living creature that never die. Rahab is praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. For many of us, our identity is our hang-up. They say Gods grace covers our sin so it doesnt really matter how we live. I agree! Copyright 2011-2023 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. I received an advanced readers copy from the publishers through Celebrate Lit; a positive review was not required. As an Amazon affiliate I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Even more, Rahab was, soon, engrafted into the physical family of Israel as she became the wife of Salmon, one of the leaders of Israel who supported Moses when they left Egypt. He promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, and He kept that promise by sending them into the Promised Land. 50+ random facts - fun facts. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Rahab; the girl lost in an incredibly sinful life. For Rahab, the God of Israel is also the God of Jericho. The people would gather at the city gate to praise God and thank Him for His goodness (Psalm 100:4). A woodpecker's tongue actually wraps all the way around its brain, protecting it from damage when it's hammering into a tree. We dont typically hear the word abandon being used to describe positive behavior. I say this for two reasons: 1. "Paul to TimothyII Timothy 2: 2KJV, We have Ads Running on this site. 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. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Interestingly, Boaz went on to marry Ruth, another woman who was not originally from the tribe of Judah. 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. 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. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); My Goal Is to Inspire You and Help You Have Fun Serving Our Lord - Have Fun Greg, 11/22 I added a New Feature - There will be a JLT Video Video that you can play - It will Show Lesson in Caption Form - If you turn on your sound it will Read it to You -I will have all added by 3/23 - God Bless Greg, 12/22 I have added a New Feature - Where applicable I will add a Quiz - to sharpen your knowledge going forward as we do lessons - Feel Free to Use it as you Like - Have Fun Greg, 1/12/23 I Have Added a New Category - Bible Verses on - The Topic We are Covering Will Now have a List of Associated Bible Verses - Enjoy, 2/17/2023 I Have Added a New Feature Each Lesson will Have a Unique Facts Page about the Topic - Enjoy Greg, 2/10/2023 I have Begun a New Series of Lessons - "What does the Bible Say About" I am Working Through Major Topics in Bakers Illustrated Bible Dictionary - for my Topics (Adding 30 Topics / Month} - Feel free to use - Greg, Leading Missionary Teams for 40 Years"Where Their is No Vision - The People Perish" KJVProverbs 29:18" As Iron Sharpens Iron - So One Person Sharpens Another"Proverbs 27:17"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. In return, the spies promised to spare her and her family when Jericho was destroyed. Second, this story teaches us that God is a God of justice. Shop the viral Uniqlo bag going viral on TikTok. The spies disobeyed God by not going into the land when He told them to, and they were punished for it. First, Rahab is described as a prostitute. It is possible that she was forced into this profession due to poverty or other circumstances. It is also worth noting that Rahabs name is not listed among the other Canaanite women who were banished from Jericho, which suggests that she was already living there when the Israelites arrived. 4. She was a prostitute who became a believer and played a key role in the Israelite conquest of Jericho. In the New Testament, Rahab is praised for her faith and her works. He lived for 120 years. Thus, we must not be surprised that Joshuas advance team knew to go to Rahabs Place. Some branches of Jewish tradition emphasize Rahab as merely an innkeeper. But most importantly, city gates were places where people would come to meet with God Himself. And the words He speaks never return void. A snail can sleep for three years. It could be that Rahab was coerced into her lifestyle. Rahabs story is also told in Joshua chapter two. 1. Ruth is not a whore but a Moabite, a member of a despised people. It may very well have been that Rahab was "a religious prostitute in pagan practices. In Rahabs case, it wasnt any of those things. I imagine that being a harlot in Jericho was a life that came with its own stigma. Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? 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. Covenants inspire hope. Her name was Rahab. Id love to find out where you got that from. I can forget my past and move forward in God. Final Thoughts Facts about Rahab in the Bible, Use Google Church Grant For Your Church $10,000 / Month - God Bless Steve, Stuck on Sermon / Need Class Ideas / Outlines / Ask Ja, Copyright 1920-2023 Jesus Leadership Training. I hope you enjoyed this summary of the story of Rahab in the Bible! But why is she included in the lineage of Jesus? The cool thing about encountering God is that the identity we have in Him transcends the broken person we were before Him. Rahabs example of abandon reminds us that there are many things we are given in life that we are not meant to hold onto. Some biblical scholars maintain that Rahab, the woman who hid Joshuas two spies, was a harlot or prostitute. Have We Turned Our Favorite Preachers and Teachers into Idols? window.fd('form', { For forty years, the children of Israel had wandered in the wilderness without a home. Why? He has composed and performed original music for five albums. Joshua 2:10-11. Required fields are marked *. As Christians, we will need to spend time in His Word doing the work to learn more about His character. I found the story of Rahab very touching and its boost my faith and trust in God. Rahab hid the spies and saved them from the king in exchange for her life and her familys. The scarlet cord is a reminder that even those who are considered sinners can be forgiven and have a place in Gods kingdom. Read the fullaffiliate disclosure. Polar bear fur is actually clear, and their skin is black. Rahab Villacres was born on Monday, 71 st day / 11 th week of 1996; 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. She KNEW the life she had been living was a lie and she was desperate to find the truth. "By faith Rahab the prostitute escaped the destruction of the disobedient, because she welcomed the spies in peace." HEBREWS 11:31 Background After 40 years of struggle, Israel stood poised to enter the Promised Land. According to the Bible, the walls of Jericho were destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites when they invaded the city (Joshua 6:1-27). 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. Alaska is both the most western and most eastern state in the United States. The Kingdom of Bhutan uses "Gross National Happiness" as an important national measurement. Image credits: Adam Brill. Where is Rahab mentioned in the New Testament? Then they heard about the Israelites. The story of Rahab is found in the Book of Joshua, and it teaches several important lessons. Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. He is the ultimate judge of character, and He can redeem even the most unlikely people for His purposes. But what do you know about God? What is the History of the King of Jericho? Rahab, the woman with whom the spies were staying, protected them by hiding them on her roof. Father / Grandfather / Minister / Missionary / Deacon / Elder / Author / I loved this! She chose an unknown God because she believed He was greater than all that she had known. Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew. The history of the King of Jericho is found in the book of Joshua. Ad revenue is generated off of page views. She trusted in him for the righteousness she could not produce in her own life: I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Thats how the entire line of Abraham started! A woman who risks her own life to save others. 3. Image credit: BublikHaus/Shutterstock. The wall was built to protect the city from invaders. Learn more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure policy. 3. You can choose to have the faith of Rahab. 2. The quote, Let go and let God instructs us to let go of the things in our lives that are out of our control. What was the Biblical importance of City Gates? Honeybees navigate by using the sun as a compass. His most recent book is a second edition release: Hit by Friendly Fire: What to do when Another Believer Hurts You(Resource Publications, 2022). In conclusion, there is reason to believe that Rahab did have family in Jericho. Definitely look into the Midrash! A lot of times when we read Rahabs story we get hung up on the lie, but are there more lessons that can be gleaned from the story of Rahab? My childhood was composed of a simple mother-daughter relationship. How did you decide Rahab was around 40 at this point? Rahab found God, ran to Him, and didn't let ANYTHING keep her back. 1. The confidence in Rahabs statements here astounds me. The King of Jericho was killed in battle, along with all his soldiers. A terrific study does it ever say how did she become a harlot in the first place. In short, the City Gates were extremely important in both a practical and symbolic sense. And we can become a blessing to others. 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. The Bible used the word harlot not only to refer to prostitutes but also to anyone who worshipped idolsthose who prostitutedthemselves before pagan gods. (We'll wait while you go get that globe.) Not only that, but this unknown God would save her family as well so she wouldnt live the rest of her life mourning them. Judges would sit at the city gate to hear cases and render verdicts (Deuteronomy 21:19, Ruth 4:1-2, Psalm 69:12). Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof and said to the men: I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. Years earlier, He had delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. Youll come to understand why as we continue to study through her story, which you can find in the book of Joshua. #hebrews12endurance, What is Idolatry? By hiding the Israelite spies, she helped to ensure that their mission was successful. Most of them just skim the surface of Rahabs story. [23] While they are hibernating, bears do not urinate. The city was well fortified and had high walls, so the Israelites could not just march in and take it. She, herself, was a prostitute. The 10 best face oils for every single skin type. Rahabs name is likely derived from the root r--b, meaning to be wide open. This may relate to her role as an innkeeper, as it would have been necessary for her to keep her establishment open wide in order to accommodate the many travelers who passed through Jericho. ( Joshua 2:1; Matthew 1:5) (B.C. The story of Rahab is a powerful reminder of Gods love and grace. Rahab married Salmon and had children. Rahab saves spies Joshua 2:1-7 The Hebrew tribes led by Joshua came into Canaanite territory, where they encountered city states who did not welcome the intruders. The character study on Rahab the harlot uncovers some key lessons. History 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. Rahab became a member of the Israelite community. Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho during the time of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt. Together, Rahab and Ruth became part of the lineage of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. This tells me that God allotted each of us a measure of faith. First, this story teaches us that God is faithful to His promises. And in Christ Jesus, the blood-stained crimson cross of shame became the gleaming symbol of salvation. Along with the five traditional senses of sound, sight, touch, smell and taste, humans have 15 "other senses.". The Bible calls her Rahab the prostitute because that was her defining trait. All your hair is dead. Rahab was from Jericho. formId: '5e128eefed5f9800263d7fc0', The Great Wall of China is not actually visible from space. Diana Wallis Taylor is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including such novels asHadassah, Queen Esther of Persia; Lydia, Woman of Philippi;Mary, Chosen of God;Ruth, Mother of Kings;Mary Magdalene; andJourney to the Well. A Biblical prostitute or just an innkeeper? Now for some truly funny fun facts. Scholars disagree on whether it was 1406 BC or 1250 BC. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. But as hard as it is to have faith, there are rewards in the end. Thats what I think of when I see the Jesse Tree. These include balance, temperature, pain and time as well as internal senses for suffocation, thirst, and fullness. Archi. However, God is obviously at work. The answer can be found in Rahabs character. How people view us is our stumbling block and often times we associate Gods view of us with mans view of us. How could it be that Rahab the prostitute became Rahab, the mother of Boaz? She chose to believe in the God of the Hebrews over the gods of her own people. 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. Learn more by visiting my Disclosures Page. formId: '63050dacce6421efe0a560d4', She was a Canaanite woman who lived in the city of Jericho during the time of the Israelite conquest. 6. <3 Glad to hear this post was helpful! All the content of this blog {including} images are property of Tanner Ministry Outlets, LLC. She trusted that God would see beyond what everyone else saw and choose to save her over all the people in Jericho. Lobsters communicate with their bladders. You will want to dive into the story of Gods people to remind you of His awesome power. How does Rahabs story foreshadow the gift of the gospel. 4. City gates in the Bible were places of community and commerce. Rahab's Risk This is one of the acts for which Rahab is immortalized. Her only other option would be to seek out another people group and cling to them. I am not yet a mother myself. So while Rahab is not as well-known as some other biblical figures, she played a key role in Gods plan for redemption. Or remain where they were and trust in the security of the city walls and the strength of their army. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Rahabs story isnt long though its longer than many stories in the Bible, but what little there is of the story is profound. Joshua 2:1-24 #AllinAugust pic.twitter.com/QdFkTkkfYX Calvary Baptist (@calvaryrockmart) August 2, 2022, While Rahab is the topic of this message she is the perfect picture of how Gods grace can change a life forever. When we read the story of Rahab we assume that she was a Canaanite. Interested in digging deeper? She refused to nurture those things anymore. Below is a list of common discussion questions for the story of Rahab and Joshua 2 Bible study questions. What if Rahab the harlot wasnt a Canaanite? Rahabs faith in God engrafted her into a new family. Matthew 16:25. In fact, that is a big part of why God chose to destroy the Canaanites in the first place. My friend, you can be like Rahab the prostitute, you can choose to live a life that pleases God. There is a lot of historical evidence and even biblical evidence that points to her being forced into prostitution. (from here on out well refer to it as the Promised Land). Rahab is mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament, and her story is an example of Gods grace and redemption. As Rahab lived in the wilderness among the Israelites, she had to wrestle with this question. Of course, the Canaanites were infamous for cultic prostitution related to idolatrous worship. - Let's Talk Bible Study | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You might think any or all of these things because Rahab was a prostitute. Find a digital copy of the Rahab study here. As the Israelites prepare to invade the city of Jericho, Joshua sends two spies to gather intelligence. It will likely shrivel and die unless someone else comes along to provide a life source.