Rahab’s story is one of faith, courage, and redemption. She was a Canaanite woman who risked everything to help the Israelite spies in Jericho. Because of her faith in the God of Israel, she and her family were spared during Jericho’s destruction. Rahab later became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ, showing God’s grace and power to redeem. Below are key Bible verses that highlight Rahab’s journey and her significance in biblical history.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Gracious Woman
Rahab’s Act of Faith
Rahab displayed remarkable faith by protecting the Israelite spies when they entered Jericho. Though she was a foreigner, she recognized God’s sovereignty and chose to align herself with His people. Her courage in hiding the spies and sending them safely away demonstrated her trust in the Lord. This moment set the stage for her redemption and eventual inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Joshua 2:1
“Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove. He instructed them, ‘Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho.’ So the two men set out and came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there that night.”
Joshua 2:4-5
“Rahab had hidden the two men, but she replied, ‘Yes, the men were here earlier, but I didn’t know where they were from. They left the town at dusk, as the gates were about to close. I don’t know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them.'”
Joshua 2:9
“I know the Lord has given you this land,’ she told them. ‘We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror.'”
Joshua 2:11
“No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.”
Joshua 2:12-13
“Now swear to me by the Lord that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families.”
Rahab’s Rescue and Redemption
When Jericho fell, Rahab and her family were saved as promised. Her home, marked by a scarlet cord, stood as a symbol of God’s grace. This act of salvation parallels the greater redemption found in Christ. Rahab’s life was transformed, and she became part of God’s chosen people.
Joshua 6:17
“Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies.”
Joshua 6:22-23
“Meanwhile, Joshua said to the two spies, ‘Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute’s house and bring her out, along with all her family.’ The men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives who were with her. They moved her whole family to a safe place near the camp of Israel.”
Joshua 6:25
“So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day.”
Hebrews 11:31
“It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”
James 2:25
“Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.”
Rahab in the Genealogy of Jesus
Rahab’s transformation did not end with her rescue. She became part of the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This highlights God’s power to redeem and use anyone for His divine purposes, regardless of their past.
Matthew 1:5
“Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse.”
Ruth 4:21-22
“Salmon was the father of Boaz. Boaz was the father of Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of David.”
1 Chronicles 2:11
“Nahshon was the father of Salmon. Salmon was the father of Boaz.”
Luke 3:32
“David was the son of Jesse. Jesse was the son of Obed. Obed was the son of Boaz. Boaz was the son of Salmon.”
Romans 9:25-26
“Concerning the Gentiles, God says in the prophecy of Hosea, ‘Those who were not my people, I will now call my people. And I will love those whom I did not love before.’ And, ‘Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’'”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Wise Woman
Rahab’s Faith as an Example for Believers
Rahab’s faith was not just an isolated event—it serves as a model for all who seek God’s mercy. She believed in God’s power even before witnessing His works firsthand. Her story encourages believers to trust in God’s promises and act in faith, even in uncertain circumstances.
Romans 10:9
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Hebrews 11:6
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by believing and not by seeing.”
Mark 11:22-23
“Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.'”
1 Peter 1:8-9
“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.”
Rahab’s Courage in the Face of Fear
Rahab acted courageously despite the dangers she faced. She risked her life to protect the spies because she feared God more than men. Her bravery reminds us that true courage comes from trusting in God’s power, even when we face overwhelming obstacles.
Deuteronomy 31:6
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Joshua 1:9
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Rahab and God’s Redemption Plan
Rahab’s story is a powerful illustration of God’s ability to redeem anyone, regardless of their past. She went from being a woman of ill repute to playing a crucial role in God’s plan. This foreshadows the salvation available to all through Jesus Christ, proving that no one is beyond God’s grace.
John 3:16
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Ephesians 2:8-9
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
1 John 1:9
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
Romans 8:1
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”