A Legacy of Grace and Courage

Rahab holds a special place in Scripture as a powerful example of transformative faith—especially for someone whose life began in the margins of society. Her story in Joshua 2 and 6 shows raw, courageous belief in the God of Israel, despite her background as a Canaanite prostitute in Jericho. The Bible never hides her past (she’s called “the harlot” or “prostitute” repeatedly), yet it celebrates her faith so highly that she appears in the NT’s “Hall of Faith” (Hebrews 11:31), as an example of faith producing works (James 2:25), and in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

Rahab’s Faith in Action

Rahab lived in a doomed city, yet she had heard the reports of Israel’s God:

Drying up the Red Sea
Defeating powerful kings (Sihon and Og)

She confessed boldly to the spies:

“I know that the LORD hath given you the land… for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” (Joshua 2:9,11 KJV)

This wasn’t mere fear of conquest—it was recognition of Yahweh’s supremacy over all gods and powers. She risked everything: her life, her family’s safety, and her status by hiding the spies, lying to Jericho’s authorities, and lowering them by rope. Her actions weren’t passive belief; they were active trust that moved her to protect God’s people.

The scarlet cord in her window (Joshua 2:18,21) became the sign of salvation—her household spared when Jericho fell (Joshua 6:22-25). This cord echoes the blood on the doorposts at Passover: a visible marker of faith that averts judgment.

Her Place in the Messianic Line

After Jericho’s fall, Rahab was brought out and integrated into Israel (Joshua 6:25). She married Salmon (a prince of Judah, per tradition and Matthew’s record), and they had Boaz:

Salmon begat Boaz of Rahab… (Matthew 1:5 KJV)

Boaz married Ruth, and their line produced Obed → Jesse → David → … ultimately Jesus (Matthew 1:1-6). Rahab, a Canaanite outsider and former prostitute, becomes a direct ancestress of the Messiah. This is no accident—Matthew deliberately highlights her (along with Tamar, Ruth, and Bathsheba) to show God’s grace reaches the unlikely: sinners, foreigners, the marginalized. It’s a preview of the gospel: salvation by faith, not pedigree or past.

New Testament Honors Her Faith

Hebrews 11:31 — “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” She’s the last detailed example in the “Hall of Faith,” right after the walls of Jericho—her faith is tied directly to the victory.

James 2:25 — “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” James pairs her with Abraham as proof that genuine faith produces action. Her hospitality and protection of the spies justified her (declared righteous) before God.

Why Rahab Deserves Love

Rahab’s story is pure grace. She starts as everything “unclean” in ancient eyes: Canaanite, prostitute, traitor to her city. Yet God sovereignly draws her, uses her faith to advance His redemptive plan, and honors her eternally. Her inclusion in Christ’s genealogy shouts that no past is too dark for redemption—no one too far gone to be part of God’s family.

She and Ruth share beautiful parallels: both outsiders (Canaanite/Moabite), both demonstrate bold faith and loyalty, both enter Israel through marriage (Rahab to Salmon, Ruth to Boaz), both become great-grandmothers of David and ancestors of Jesus. Their faith bridges the gap from conquest to kingship to Messiah.

Rahab reminds us: faith isn’t about perfection or background—it’s about trusting God’s promises enough to act, even when the cost is high. And when we do, God not only saves us but weaves us into His greater story of redemption.