06/23/2026
In the King James Version (KJV), Rahab was a woman who lived in the city of Jericho before the Israelites entered the Promised Land.
Who Was Rahab?
Rahab is first introduced in the book of Joshua. She is described as a harlot (Joshua 2:1) who lived in Jericho. When two Israelite spies were sent by Joshua to secretly scout the city, Rahab hid them from the king's men and helped them escape.
Rahab told the spies that she had heard of the mighty works God had done for Israel, including the crossing of the Red Sea and victories over Israel's enemies. Because she believed that the Lord was the true God, she chose to help the spies rather than oppose them.
What Was Her Purpose?
Rahab's purpose in the biblical account includes several important themes:
1. To demonstrate faith in God
Rahab believed in the God of Israel before Jericho fell.
Her faith led her to act courageously to protect the spies.
2. To help Israel enter the Promised Land
By hiding the spies and helping them escape, she assisted Israel's mission in Canaan.
3. To show God's mercy
Although she was a Gentile and not an Israelite, God spared her and her family when Jericho was destroyed (Joshua 6:22–25).
4. To become part of the Messianic lineage
Rahab later became part of the family line leading to Jesus Christ. She is listed in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5.
The Scarlet Cord
As a sign of protection, Rahab was instructed to place a scarlet cord in her window. When Israel captured Jericho, everyone in her house was spared because of this sign (Joshua 2:18-21).
Rahab in the New Testament
Rahab is praised for her faith in:
Hebrews 11:31
James 2:25
These passages present her as an example of faith demonstrated through action.
Summary
Rahab was a woman of Jericho who believed in the God of Israel, protected the Israelite spies, and was spared when Jericho fell. Her purpose in Scripture is to demonstrate faith, God's mercy toward those who trust Him, and God's ability to use unexpected people in His plan of redemption. She is remembered as one of the faithful and as an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
