How does Psalms 89:10 say Rahab was crushed? Most modern versions render it as Rahab ignoring the distinction. The most remarkable deed of Rahab was actually telling a lie, to protect two spies of Joshua. I think after I read this about Rahab. THANK YOU for this lovely spiritual respite. She knew what was about to happen and she wanted to be on the Israelite side. From this, it is clear that indeed, not only is God, LOVE, but HE is also, not a respecter of persons, HE RESPECTS FAITH!!! Joshua 2:17 21. Most other English Bibles transcribe her name as Rahab. In three days they can circle back to the east and safely go home. She is one of five women mentioned in Matthews genealogy of Christ; they are Tamar the wife of Judah, Rahab the wife of Salmon, Ruth the wife of Boaz, Bathsheba the wife of King David (after being the wife of Uriah), and Mary the Mother of Jesus. David, Jesus Why did Israel need God to send them "judges" Paul told the Corinthian church not to associate with some sinners indulged in adultery, not even to eat with them until they repented of this sin. Rahab's decision resulted in the conquest of the city of . And as William Smith put it, "Here the descendant of Rahab did not disdain the hospitality of Zaccaeus the publican.". I feel very sad for you, only truth can help . 31:21: She is not worried for her household because of snow, for her whole household is dressed in crimsonshe was not concerned, because of the length of crimson cord that would be the sign between them (Midrash Eshet Hayil31:21). The Spies Agree to Save Rahab's Family In preparation for the conquest of Jericho, the first city to be taken after the Israelites cross the Jordan River, Joshua sends two spies, who arrive at the house of Rahab, a harlot, in Jericho. Could she have been the madam of the whorehouse? As soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above and in earth beneath. When scripture mentions Rahab, she's almost always called Rahab the harlot except in Matthew's genealogy. The word Want, from the Hebrew concordance means: I shall not lack, be in need or be without.. Read more: Mary has a family and Joseph did. [18], Michael Coogan says the book of Joshua, more than any other book of the Bible, contains short etiological narratives that explain the origins of religious rituals, topographical features, genealogical relationships, and other aspects of ancient Israelite life, and that the legend of Rahab is such an example. Buber] 9:7). In the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and in the New Testament, the names Salmon (Hebrew: almn) and Salmah (Hebrew: almn, Greek: v) are both used to refer to a person who appears in genealogy. But the meaning of the Hebrew word zanah is to commit fornication to be or play the harlot but the NT writer of Hebrews describes her as porne which means a woman who sells her body for sex. That pretty much seals it. Hope my God works on me to not judge anyone. 20:17]: You must proscribe them, but you did not do so. According to the narrative in Joshua 2, before the conquest of Canaan, Joshua sends two men as spies to see the land. An additional midrashic teaching lists a number of converts who became part of the families of Israelite leaders, for example: Joseph marriedAsenath, Joshua married Rahab, Boaz marriedRuth, and Moses took the daughter of Hobab (= Jethro)(Eccl. I personally eat with them but I try not to enter too deeply into a common bond or camaraderie with them. I remember I heard Pastor Webb say it like this, those works are more like -corresponding actions. All were ostracized by society yet Jesus loved each of them, corrected and healed them, and Graciously restored them back into places of honor! [12] I wish to thank the editors for their outstanding contribution and assistance. But everyone in the area knew they were there and what they were about to do. How far can biblical archaeology go to foster religious fiction? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. That is the context and meaning of James 2:17. David - King David probably one of the best-known kings of Israel is a descendent of Rahab in the Bible. Dig into the illuminating world of the Bible with a BAS All-Access membership. In those days Jews didnt give women their place and because she was a business person, perhaps an hotel owner or a sewing person. 15a). God continues to increase me through each and every teaching and lesson you provide. The Shepard led the sheep to the proper places to graze and safe places to drink from, (because running waters would drown the sheep). COPYRIGHT 2023 BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY 5614 Connecticut Ave NW #343, Washington DC 20015-2604. After her, the Bible reads: And what more shall I say? Somehow the king of Jericho knew the spies were there and he sent messengers to ask about it. I have sinned with three things [with my eye, my thigh, and my stomach]. Rahab is mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament, and her story is an example of God's grace and redemption. This is a hard one. iv. Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus, is her direct descendant. God knows our hearts. The crowd goes nuts, and not in a good way. She was rewarded for her kindness and ultimately married Joshua, taking her place in the ranks of righteous converts. script>. Then the two men returned and came down from the hill country and crossed over and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and they related to him all that had happened to them. Its so amazing and quite interesting that the the two great grandmothers of Jesus Christ ( Rehab and Ruth) came from a condemned nations. Yes. Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women. They said to Joshua, Surely the Lord has given all the land into our hands; moreover, all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before us. Joshua 2:22 24. Rahab would need to live 450 years to mother Boaz. I know I need prayer wisdom, courage and strengthen,. I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. Who Was Moses? Rahab was also one of the proselyte women styled "the pious" ("asidot"; Midr. The book of truth the Bible recorded she was a harlot. The Woman at the well Jennings, Jenifer. Rahab saved the two souls of the spies by means of the city wall[Josh. At the conquest of that city by the Israelites, Rahab became a sincere proselyte to the cult of Yhwh. I have been a apart of your teachings for years and I must say I am never disappointed. Rahab is used poetically in Psalms 89:10 to mean Egypt. Here is one other reason: when she asked the two Israelite spys to promess her that her family would not be hurt in any case. Because Rahab was not afraid of the Israelites when they came to raze Jericho, the Rabbis applied to herProv. It describes their strengths and weaknesses, their triumphs and disasters. R. ii. 31 December 1999. Hanoi Jane displays her absolute ignorance once again. So proud of you Dad! Proof that He can and will use a vessel of any condition for His Own Glory! [5] This may not be the only case of such imprecision when listing family members. When she reported to the spies who came to her house: no man had any more spirit left because of you(Josh. You cannot receive a higher compliment from a God Who is only pleased by the action of faith (Hebrews 11:6). What is the source for Rahab's husband in Matthew 1? Solomon - The wisest King of Israel, and the one who built the first temple is another descendent of Rahab. Rahab: Harlot, Liar Ancestor of Jesus? - Genealogy and Jewish Heritage The conversion of Rahab is regarded by the Rabbis as more complete than that of Jethro and Naaman; for while the latter two did not free themselves entirely from a belief in other gods, Rahab acknowledged that Yhwh was the only God both in heaven and on earth (Mek., l.c. 5b). They burned the city with fire, and all that was in it. Tough call. There was not a prince nor a ruler that had not had relations with her; and she was therefore well informed of what was going on outside Jericho (Mek., Yitro, 'Amalek, 1; Zeb. Rahab: "Good girls, bad girls: the enduring lessons of twelve women of the Old Testament"By T. J. Wray Go to Page 43 to read about Rahab, "The Heroic Prostitute with a Heart of Gold". Shemuel, in Yal., Josh. Here is a hypothesis I am developing: I surely appreciate you being a part of my life on a daily blessings. The kings men believed Rahab, and they went off searching for them. Your email address will not be published. The spies stayed in Rahab's house, which was built into the city wall. The Bible, after all, is a book of truth. It shall come about that anyone who goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we shall be free; but anyone who is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him. James 2:24, 25. Read the latest from JWA from your inbox. [4] Rahab is referred to as "the harlot" in each of these passages. This was so well put and to me right on point led by truth wisdom and what God is about in this circumstances and perspective. Even worse news for the men they have been with if she is chosen to have a clean start . I see that it is really difficulty to understand God s mind. Whoever wishes, come and buy! They came to Rahabs house, and when she learned that the king of Jericho sought them, she wanted to hide the spies. The words "and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen," etc. Rex. Rahab undoubtedly stands for Egypt, but the exact origin of the term and of its connection with Egypt is much disputed. R. v. 2). When informed of the Israelite spies The King of Jericho Sent to Rahab or Little Egypt so to speak. http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/s/r1/lp-e?q=Rahab&p=par. Since she did so, God drew her closer to Him, and a line of prophets was descended from her (Sifrei Zutaloc. Hide my fellow Caleb, while I will stand before them, without them seeing me. Rahab did as he asked. She wisely tells them to go out and stay toward the west of the city, in the opposite direction of their camp so they can hide in the hill country. In Rabbinical Literature: Rahab was one of the most beautiful women in the world, the mere mention of her name exciting inordinate desire (Meg. nah always has to do with an illicit relationship, either sexual or as a figure of spiritual unfaithfulness, and in each instance where it denotes a prostitute, it is so translated. 1:1] [ed. 2:15): She let them down by a rope through the window, and you, too, shall be saved by a rope(Jer. He is WITH you and in the end, isnt that all that really matters? She acted wisely when she concealed the spies in her house, thereby saving her entire family from the ravages of war. What He does is always right and can not be questioned. However, if we continue reading her story in Joshua 2 we find that Rahab . What does the Bible say about Rahab? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. What was it about her that drew Gods attention, that He would single her out for salvation? Rahab's reward was alluded to by Hezekiah in his prayer for recovery from his sickness (comp. After escaping, the spies promised to spare Rahab and her family after taking the city, even if there should be a massacre, if she would mark her house by hanging a red cord out the window. This is from a commentary. Rahab was also a Canaanite, who were the hated enemies of Israel. That is quite a large part of an adults life. ?I am really happy this afternoon because your message has been blessed me thanks. or your not thinking which ever; "scroll." An angel can be visible to people, or unseen by them, as he wishes, therefore I do not need you to conceal me. TheA type of non-halakhic literary activitiy of the Rabbis for interpreting non-legal material according to special principles of interpretation (hermeneutical rules).midrash includes Rahab among the four most beautiful women the world has ever known:Sarah, Rahab, Abigail,andEsther. Ive studied it for years. John, I asked this same question, and I went to my Hebrew concordance. Oops! When the king learned that he was about to die, he turned his face to the wall and prayed, as portrayed inIsa. Who were the descendants of Rahab? Miriam Thank you so much for your comments. Most of them were ordinary people just like you and me. A woman of Jericho who sheltered the spies sent by Joshua to search out the land. Some have claimed that the symbol of the red cord is related to the practice of the "red-light district". She was ten years old when the Israelites came out of Egypt, and she pursued her immoral calling during the forty years that the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness. You have no idea what is going on in the hearts of individuals. I am still learning how to handle my Israelite moments and fight the urges to back to Egypt. A different spelling of the name, Rachab (as transliterated in the King James translation of the Greek ) is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew as one of the ancestors of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). In the Babylonian Talmud, Rahab was so beautiful that the very mention of her name could cause arousal (Megillah 15a). It is claimed that there was not a single idolatry in all the world that Jethro did not worship, and therefore when he converted, he spoke from experience when he said(Ex. The mention of Rahab in Jas. Thanks again. Nahmanides suggests that this was just standard speech ( ) and was not meant to suggest that the angels thought he had sons. King James Bible, Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 5:2): They are sure to be swearing falsely; it is written of Rahab(Josh. This acknowledgment of Rahab called forth the admiration of God Himself, who said: "On earth thou couldest see with thine eyes that there is no other God besides Me; but to acknowledge also that I am the only God in heaven needs special faith. stop trying to soft peddle sin, this event needs to represent how depraved man is and how righteous God is! The theme in this article aligns with the parable of the Prodigal Son used by Jesus himself. Great read..I sought out intel on Rahab for a reason, curious about a prostitute being allowed to be in the genealogy of Christ.and renowned and well spoken of. So, I would not be surprised if in all those references it was the same Rahab. The example given is of Rahab the harlot: despite her being busy in her house (in prostitution), and her being from a people for whom theTorah she-bi-khetav: Lit. Who was Rahab in the Bible? God bless you, The genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ brings out soul searching questions about the mind of Jehovah God. The midrash recounts four disgraceful matters that are mentioned about Rahab: she is called Rahab the harlot, which she was. She also credits Rahab with being "one of Israels early saviors" due to "her allegiance to God and Israel". Thus the harlot of Jericho became a paragon of virtue. Ezek. So the men pursued them on the road to the Jordan to the fords; and as soon as those who were pursuing them had gone out, they shut the gate. Jewish Women's Archive. Israel, God always identified people by their occupation. Within the list of faith champions in Hebrews Chapter Eleven, Rahab is mentioned right after Moses, and instead of Joshua! It says in the Bible that The lord is my shepherd I shall not want. "order." Rahab: Midrash and Aggadah | Jewish Women's Archive The spies make it back to camp and relate the whole adventure to Joshua. 33:55] stings in your eyes and thorns in your sides (which is the punishment with which God threatened Israel if they did not dispossess the inhabitants of the land) (Pesikta de-Rav Kahana,Divrei Yirmiyahu[The words of JeremiahJer. [18] As the first non-Israelite person, and in particular the first Canaanite woman, to ally with Israel, Rahab's convictions led her to protect the men sent by Joshua despite her background. Rahab was one of the most beautiful women in the world, the mere mention of her name exciting inordinate desire (Meg. Rahab lied to the king and told him that they had left earlier before the gates closed for the night. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 3 Lessons from Rahab in the Lineage of Jesus - Lisa Appelo This, too, is a liberating lifestyleto acknowledge God as our supreme authority and to accept the death of His Son as payment for our sins. ; Deut. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them in the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof. Who Was Rahab? The Woman caught in the act of adultery and I note: when she was brought to Jesusshe was naked! The only other woman mentioned on the list is Sarah, Abrahams wife and mother of Isaac. Known most commonly as the Angel of the Sea, Rahab was once a keeper of the faith who protected seafaring coastal peoples and kept order amongst the deep dwelling creatures of the sea. As for me, I think I have reacted in every you listed with what do I do then. The regimen of rituals, songs and textual readings performed in a specific order on the first two nights (in Israel, on the first night) of Passover. Its like the sayingwaste not, want not Rahab, a pagan prostitute; Ruth, a gentile woman;Perez , son of Judah born from his own daughter in law; Solomon, born from Bathsheba who was another man s ,Uriah, whom David killed by planing that he be put in the battle front. Indeed,we see an unclean genealogy but our King Jesus is born out of the unclean genealogy.We too can come out of our sins. It has been long since I last came here But I am glad I did. Now therefore, please swear to me by the Lord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my fathers household, and give me a pledge of truth, and spare my father and my mother and my brothers and my sisters, with all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death. So the men said to her, Our life for yours if you do not tell this business of ours; and it shall come about when the Lord gives us the land that we will deal kindly and faithfully with you. Joshua 2:8 14. [6], In the Christian New Testament, the Epistle of James and the Epistle to the Hebrews follow the tradition set by the translators of the Septuagint in using the Greek word "" (prn, which is usually translated to English as "harlot" or "prostitute") to describe Rahab. She had heard enough to make her put her trust in the living God, and she made a life changing profession of faith when she said, the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. She then makes the spies swear to spare her and her whole family because of her protection and kindness. Especially during my rebellious times. According to this outlook, the Israelites acted improperly when they saved Rahab and her family; they rather should have proscribed them, along with the other inhabitants of Jericho. 2:13): that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, and of Israel(Ezek. **Jesus was betrothedto the church, with a wedding supper promised at the end after He comes to claim His bride. [6] A number of scholars have noted that the narrator in Joshua 2 may have intended to remind the readers of the "immemorial symbiosis between military service and bawdy house". 1). (I Chron. Yes, it is interesting that the God who knows everything still wants to be shown our faith by our actions. This prostitute happened to be a godly person inside, or at least, a godly person in the making. God told Israel: I said to you[Deut. 21), are considered by the Rabbis to refer to the house of Rahab (Ruth R. ii. See Romans. 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, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you. Zacchaeus climbs down from his tree, ready to offer hospitality. It came about when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. In Psalm 87:4 Rahab is likened to Babylon which was destroyed in the sixth century BC. Rabbah27:4). Who was Rahab in the Bible? - Christianity.com Since the Lord did all this, he knows how to rescue godly people when they are tested. A similar tradition has Rahab declaring, "Pardon me by merit of the rope, the window, and the flaxen [the stalks of flax under which she concealed the spies]. A Canaanite woman living in Jericho, Rahab is a prostitute who is also a biblical heroine. By putting your faith into action you can tell whos side youre on , Carl Thank you. And I think the answer is as infinitely as Gods will and love to provide the truths we need and seek through these investigations and reporting of them. May God forgive us our trespasses and have mercy on us as He did for this biblical Rahab, God has already forgiven your sin. Spiritually, Physically, and Materially! In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? Maybe it must be presented as evidence in the Heavenly Court. Rahab lowers the spies from her house in Jericho's walls (Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1860 woodcut). As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided. When done, Evelyn Ultimately, Rahab married Salmon, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, THE PROPHETESSES OF ISRAEL / , Rahab: "Good girls, bad girls: the enduring lessons of twelve women of the Old Testament"By T. J. Wray, Rahab removed from Jericho on it's capture. That proved to be the end of him and his whole family (Joshua 7:24, 25). [12], According to the book of Joshua,[13] when the Hebrews were encamped at Shittim, in the "Arabah" or Jordan valley opposite Jericho, ready to cross the river, Joshua, as a final preparation, sent out two spies to investigate the military strength of Jericho. Name two important descendants of Rahab. 22-23, 25). By the merit of three things pardon me: the rope, the window, and the wall [pardon me for engaging in harlotry because I endangered myself when I lowered the rope for the spies from the window in the wall] (Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael, Masekhta de-Amalek, Yitro1). Only the silver and gold, and articles of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord. Who was Rahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Ruth's son, Boaz, was the father of Ruth's children. Rahab the monster is one of the many sea monsters in the Old Testament. Was He More than an Exodus Hero? The shall not want phrase actually means God will provide. "the written Torah." [9][10][11], William L. Lyons observed that biblical interpreters have viewed Rahab as a model of hospitality, mercy, faith, patience, and repentance in her interaction with Joshua's spies. Otto, I think if no one ever sits down with them, they cant ever get saved. 2:11), she alluded to her professional knowledge of the dimensions of the peoples fears, because their apprehension affected their vitality when with her (BTZevahim116ab). a completely different lineage. God sent them there so that she could help them, and by it, obtain righteousness from God. He said to God: Master of the Universe! 15a). It is a point of view that would be debated, I think. Consequently,Josh. What does I shall not want mean to you. In this case the consonants that are claimed znh are english letters that are probably not even in the original Hebrew making this claim even more dubious (the Zhn being from the Hebrew translation). He also knows how to hold immoral people for punishment on the day of judgment. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when ye came out of Egypt, and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites that were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. Also, what I always had problems with understanding is that Jesus was suppose to have the human experiences in life. The third thing to her discredit was her living in the land of Canaan, whose inhabitants were known to be harsh and evil. The spies sent to Jericho were culturally Egyptian. "The Choice to Serve God and Assist His People: Rahab and Yael". At the conquest of Jericho by the Israelites, Joshua ordered the two spies to rescue Rahab and her family, whose descendants thenceforward dwelt in Israel (vi. The spies agree to her terms and tell her to leave a red cord hanging from her window to let them know which home to spare. When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. In this way, she is identified with Egypt. You cannot be saved until your lost. 1:1): The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests (Pesikta de-Rav Kahana, op cit., 13:12). This exposition accents the power a person has to determine whether his/her deeds will be good or bad, regardless of his/her origins. Dont waste because, otherwise you will be in want. Possibly we do not know. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Her son was Boaz, the husband of Ruth. Great reminder. Who are the descendants of Rahab? According to Him, having faith without corresponding actions is not pleasing. Amongst such people, the life of Rahab shines forth to teach us many lessons and predominantly on faith and . We love you. 2:25, Heb. She was a prostitute who became a believer and played a key role in the Israelite conquest of Jericho. Pauls comments are primarily aimed at hypocrisy among believers, of which family members could be a part. I read the Bible for the stories. Rahab, who begins as triply marginalized (Canaanite, woman, and prostitute), moves to the center as bearer of a divine message and herald of Israel in its new land. I agree with all of them. Your grandmother Rahab used a rope, as it is written(Josh. that is the problem you dont think! First we have to understand the role of the Shepard, as it was the Shepards responsibility to lovingly care for, provide for and look after the sheep. It was not by chance that those spies found their way to her house. Is King David the descendant of Rahab, the woman in Jericho (Genesis 9:20-25) The people were a wicked, idolatrous who also indulged in child sacrifices and adultery. 20:16): You shall not let a soul remain alive, she brought herself closer to the Omnipresent. God had plans for Rahab from before the beginning of time. So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. She was said to be one of the four great beauties, the other three being Sarah, Abigail, and Esther (Meg. Bad news indeed for modern women. 78). 6:25]: Only Rahab the harlot and her fathers family were spared by Joshua, along with all that belonged to her. As punishment, Jeremiah, a descendant of Rahab, would come and do to them things that were[Num. Rahab the Harlot? - Biblical Archaeology Society (Viewed on May 1, 2023)
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