RAHAB THE HARLOT

Rahab was a harlot, or prostitute, who lived in the city of Jericho, One day two men, spies sent by Joshua, arrived at her door. They probably told her they were from Israel, and that God was about to destroy the city. Rahab's words are worth reading - see Josh.1:8-1 1.

She was, surprisingly, a woman of great faith, and she loved the true God!

Rahab believed in the God of Israel but it took great courage to hide the spies. She could have been arrested and put to death for doing that.

She put her life on the line because she had faith.

Hebrews 11:17-39 goes through a short list of some of the people of the past who have demonstrated their faith by their deeds.

ABRAHAM - he offered his son Isaac,
ISAAC - he gave a different blessing to each
of his two sons,
JOSEPH - he told the Egyptians where to
bury his bones,
JOCHEBED - she hid her son Moses from
the Pharoah,
Others include GIDEON, BARAK, SAMSON,
DAVID, SAMUEL and so on and on.

Another point about Rahab is the fact that
she was a prostitute, yet she was saved. This
was because she had a choice to either hide the spies or expose them, and she chose to believe their story, and side with Israel, rather than side with the people of Jericho.

Some people have objected: "But Rahab told a LIE, when she hid the spies. That can't
be right! Is it OK with God to tell lies
when we are in a difficult situation?"
The answer is NO, it is never right to
tell lies. Rahab could have told the
truth and trusted God to protect
her and the spies, but God over-ruled
and showed great mercy.