These include balance, temperature, pain and time as well as internal senses for suffocation, thirst, and fullness. Scholars disagree on whether it was 1406 BC or 1250 BC. She KNEW the life she had been living was a lie and she was desperate to find the truth. The story of Rahab is found in the Book of Joshua, and it teaches several important lessons. Run your raceIn Rahab Woman of Jericho, the main character had to resist giving in to the expectation of others, including her family. "Paul to TimothyII Timothy 2: 2KJV, We have Ads Running on this site. It's also known as the "bleu, blanc, rouge", which means "blue, white, red". Woman of Faith Faith is the opposite of fear. (the head of Lets Talk Bible Study) unless otherwise stated. Who loves her family. Thats what I think of when I see the Jesse Tree. Rahab wasnt content where she was. Yet, this is the woman whose door the two spies chose to knock on. He sent the spies into the land to see if it was truly as good as He had said it was. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Did you know that Rahab is one of the most celebrated women in the Bible? A woman who risks her own life to save others. She chose an unknown God because she believed He was greater than all that she had known. The rabbis viewed Rahab as a worthy convert to Judaism, and attested that Rahab married Joshua following her conversion; their descendants included the prophets Jeremiah, Hilkiah, Seraiah, Mahseiah, Baruch, Ezekiel and the prophetess Hulda, [22] although there is no report in the book of Joshua of the leader marrying anyone, or having any family She told them how the citizens of Jericho had been fearful of the Israelites ever since they defeated the Egyptians via the Red Sea miracle (some 40 years prior). Along with the five traditional senses of sound, sight, touch, smell and taste, humans have 15 "other senses.". Hi Shay! Forgive my blunt language but when it all boiled down to it, that was the choice Rahabs family had to make: To save her familys lives, Rahab managed to convince her whole family two things: The story of Rahab is about one womans courage and her actions that saved her entire family. Read the fullaffiliate disclosure. Cookie Monster's real name is Sid. A woman of Rahabs age (40+) left unwed and without a child was shamed. Moonquakes. Lets imagine it together. Im glad your faith was boosted by Rahabs story. Much work remained. It took a lot of courage to defy a king. The name Rahab is most likely a shortened form of a sentence name rb-N, the god N has opened/widened (the womb?). Sexual sin was deeply embedded in Canaanite culture. Esther is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman. In return, the spies promised to spare her and her family when Jericho was destroyed. The Bible tells us that we cant please God without faith: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV). A terrific study does it ever say how did she become a harlot in the first place. After the fall of Jericho, the Israelites went on to conquer the rest of Canaan. Rahabs example of abandon reminds us that there are many things we are given in life that we are not meant to hold onto. She had to decide what she believed about God. The Gates also symbolized entry into the kingdom of God and were often mentioned in biblical passages. complete lack of inhibition or restraint. It must have been an interesting time to be alive because though there would have been fear, a lot of persons would have stubbornly stuck to their old ways. From the moment conflict arose between the Israelites and Rahabs people, Rahab had set in her heart whose side she was on. If she didn't, they'd be free from their promise to her. Canaan was well known for sexual perversions and abuses. But the Hebrew word, zn, is interpreted in the Septuagint as prn. According to Joshua 2:1, it was situated on the city wall, which would have made it easy for Rahab to spy on the Israelite army as they approached the city. Moses birth place was Egypt and the names of his parents were Amran and Jochebed. How does Rahabs story foreshadow the gift of the gospel. You may get so hung up on the idea that theres a harlot in the lineage of Christ that you may never fully stop to consider the lessons we can learn from Rahab. Definitely look into the Midrash! Id love to find out where you got that from. And in Hebrews, Rahab is held up as an example of someone who had faith, even though she was not part of the people of Israel. Ultimately, she was used by God to play a role in forming the lineage of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This suggests that she was close to her family and may have still been living with them. The answer can be found in Rahabs character. 125 Fun Facts. By hiding them on the roof (under stalks of flax)of her house, Rahab was able to protect them from being discovered by the soldiers who were searching for them. Strange but true, the official flag of the United States was designed by Robert G. Heft in 1958 while Heft was a junior in high school. This story highlights Rahabs faith, as she endangered her own life to help the Israelites. Interestingly, Boaz went on to marry Ruth, another woman who was not originally from the tribe of Judah. She is not remembered for her sin. Here are 15 interesting facts about the US you can now add to your list. Rahab was a prostitute who lived in the city of Jericho during the time when the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land. For forty years, the children of Israel had wandered in the wilderness without a home. These were her people and this was her King. Too often our opinion of God is based on what other peopleour family, pastor, church members, the worldsays about Him. Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, Go, view the land, especially Jericho., So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. Despite living in a city that was opposed to the Israelites, she believed in their God and chose to help them. According to the Oxford Dictionary, there are a couple of different definitions of the word abandon. Of course, the Canaanites were infamous for cultic prostitution related to idolatrous worship. Despite her profession, she was a woman of faith who put her trust in the God of Israel. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 8. God instructed Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city walls once a day for six days, followed by seven priests blowing trumpets. In Psalm 87:4 Rahab is likened to Babylon which was destroyed in the sixth century BC. Rahab was quick to abandon the life she had built for the HOPE of a new one. 2. Let's dive into the fun world of interesting facts and see what we can learn about. The city of Jericho was the first city that the Israelites conquered when they entered the Promised Land. Theres so much to learn <3, So happy to hear that Judy! I received an advanced readers copy from the publishers through Celebrate Lit; a positive review was not required. You are the tallest when you first wake up. 5. But we see Rahab taking a bold step towards her destiny leaving her past behind. Together, Rahab and Ruth became part of the lineage of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. She was a prostitute who became a believer and played a key role in the Israelite conquest of Jericho. Until the 1980s, it was illegal for a. Download our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets and join us! God is so amazing! 4. All your hair is dead. Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? Fun Facts About Space. A lot of times when we read Rahabs story we get hung up on the lie, but are there more lessons that can be gleaned from the story of Rahab? Rahab chose to have faith that God existed and that He was faithful to deliver the land He had promised to His people. (NIV) Hebrews 11:31. Now, this may not seem important to you until you realize that there were only three women listed in the genealogy of Jesus and one of them was Rahab, the prostitute. You can choose to have the faith of Rahab. pic.twitter.com/X8oPHr9usC Tami Dooms (@TamiDooms) August 6, 2022, Tonights living by faith example is Rahab, who expressed her faith in the living God: the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. (Joshua 2:11). The history of the King of Jericho is found in the book of Joshua. [23] This was SO enlightening! Polar bear fur is actually clear, and their skin is black. While I dont support this viewpoint, it was fascinating to get a glimpse of what life may have been like for Rahab, not only as she lived behind the walls of Jericho, but later when she was integrated into the Israelites camp. a. Its the type of surrender that invites God to do the work only a sovereign God can do. If she didnt, theyd be free from their promise to her. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); My Goal Is to Inspire You and Help You Have Fun Serving Our Lord - Have Fun Greg, 11/22 I added a New Feature - There will be a JLT Video Video that you can play - It will Show Lesson in Caption Form - If you turn on your sound it will Read it to You -I will have all added by 3/23 - God Bless Greg, 12/22 I have added a New Feature - Where applicable I will add a Quiz - to sharpen your knowledge going forward as we do lessons - Feel Free to Use it as you Like - Have Fun Greg, 1/12/23 I Have Added a New Category - Bible Verses on - The Topic We are Covering Will Now have a List of Associated Bible Verses - Enjoy, 2/17/2023 I Have Added a New Feature Each Lesson will Have a Unique Facts Page about the Topic - Enjoy Greg, 2/10/2023 I have Begun a New Series of Lessons - "What does the Bible Say About" I am Working Through Major Topics in Bakers Illustrated Bible Dictionary - for my Topics (Adding 30 Topics / Month} - Feel free to use - Greg, Leading Missionary Teams for 40 Years"Where Their is No Vision - The People Perish" KJVProverbs 29:18" As Iron Sharpens Iron - So One Person Sharpens Another"Proverbs 27:17"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Actually, lets rephrase that. Rahab had faith! What made her do that? Rahab let go of some of the biggest pieces of her life. She pleaded for the lives of her family. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Finally, this story teaches us that we should obey God even when it is difficult. Rahab was from Jericho. Where in The Book of Judges is the account of Rahab Found? Humans share 50% of their DNA with bananas. This story highlights Gods power and might as well as His faithfulness to His people. In a lot of modern churches, they claim theres not really a need for it. Rahab found God, ran to Him, and didn't let ANYTHING keep her back. 22. Rehab became a central strategic figure of incomparable courage as she helped Israel to enter the promised land and subdue her own people. Matthew 16:25. In this historical fiction, author Diana Wallis Taylor offers a beautiful story of intrigue that suggests Rahab was a descendent of Ephraim, one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. After all, she was an outsider, a woman of ill repute, and someone who should have been their enemy. She is remembered for the remarkable transformation. She had grown up in Jericho (according to the Midrash she had been there for nearly 40 years, possibly more). The spies are taken in by a woman named Rahab, who hides them from the authorities and helps them escape. 4. By her own admission, the Hebrew God had already given the Israelites the city of Jericho. One of the more disturbing yet interesting fun facts: All the hair on your head is dead, except for the follicles. What made her do that? Many people are familiar with the story of Rahab, the prostitute who helped the Israelites escape from Jericho. 2. 4. For this reason, they were often adorned with symbols of strength and protection, such as lions or dragons. How did Rahab show faith? However, less well known is the account of Rahab recorded in Joshua 2:124, 6:25, and 6:2025. Interested in digging deeper? Ive been digging on Rahab and had questions and you addresses many of them. Are you ready to dig deep into the story of Rahab? Rahab saves spies Joshua 2:1-7 The Hebrew tribes led by Joshua came into Canaanite territory, where they encountered city states who did not welcome the intruders. 9. Hence, it is strange that a Harlot, a Canaanite, and a liar is known as a distinguished Bible figure. It portrays a lack of commitment or diligence; sometimes to a task and other times towards a person or relationship. The three wealthiest families in the world have more assets than the combined wealth of the forty-eight poorest nations. This surprises a lot of people because Rahabs life wasnt a pretty one, but it certainly belongs. She was willing to abandon it if it meant getting to know the One true God. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Do you have the courage to stay the course? Your email address will not be published. The Book of Joshua marks the moment and describes the first movements of the Conquest: And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, Go, view the land, especially Jericho. And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there (Joshua 2:1). Also, my 14 year old niece pointed out that the Matthew scripture reference should be Matthew 16:25 instead of Matthew 17:32-33 (which doesnt exist). Manage Settings #purposedbook. How did you decide Rahab was around 40 at this point? What are the 9 Admirable Characteristics of Rahab? The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Moses was the youngest among the three children and he was the grandson of Kohath and great grandson of Levi. For a full list of well-rounded questions, I invite you to click here and print our free Rahab Bible study pdf worksheet! click here and print our free Rahab Bible study pdf worksheet! Her circumstances are unknown, but her family may have experienced brokenness that deeply affected her. 175 Random Facts So Interesting You'll Say, "OMG!" These fun facts about everything from the cosmos to the inner workings of your body will blow your mind. 1. When the Israelites were finally ready to occupy the land which had been promised for more than 400 years, God brought them to the city of Jericho. This time around, instead of sending a group of spies to scout out the land, Joshua sent only two. Then I will introduce you to the woman of the scarlet cord, the greater grandmother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Did she expect that she would one day be the ancestor of Christ? Rahab has special significance for Christians: she is among the four women listed in Matthew's gospel as ancestors of Jesus of Nazareth. Its widely believed that she was sold as a child and like most people in those situations, couldnt find a way out. In Rahabs day, it was normal for women to be bought and sold for sex (or even marriage). In return, the spies make a vow to protect Rahab and her family when they invade Jericho. she turned out to be amazing. That's who she is. Fast-forward a couple of hundred years and the next place we find Rahab is in the genealogy of Christ. What is the Biblical / Historical Description of the Wall of Jericho? Years earlier, He had delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. First, Rahab demonstrates the power of faith. Rahab helped the Israelite spies escape after their mission was complete. Even without her intervention, their victory was sure. So while Rahab is not as well-known as some other biblical figures, she played a key role in Gods plan for redemption. Finally, Rahab believed that God would reward her for helping the two spies, her, Rahab the prostitute. Moses had passed and appointed Joshua as the new leader of Israel and with Gods blessing and instruction the Israelites were again preparing to enter Canaan (the Promised Land), starting with Jericho. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Alonda Tanner is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Rahab is best known for her role in helping the Israelite spies escape from Jericho, and for her subsequent marriage to Salmon, an Israelite. 3. She let them shrivel and fade and was completely content in that because she knew what was hers going forward; LIFE. Rahab's Risk This is one of the acts for which Rahab is immortalized. And she did it in a moment. 3 Profound Reasons Idolatry is a Sin, 23 Encouraging Bible Verses About Endurance, Consider Your Ways: 3 Simple Tips for Introspection, 4 Simple Ways to Share the Faith With Your Family. How people view us is our stumbling block and often times we associate Gods view of us with mans view of us. Humans shed 40 pounds of skin in our lifetime. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth beneath., Leaving Behind Her Livelihood and Citizenship. In the 19th century, experts warned women about a disease called bicycle face, which meant getting stuck with the awkward faces they made while biking. Now, this isnt just any woman, shes a harlot. On the contrary, dogs bob their head up and down when chasing prey. When the Israelite spies came to her city, she could have easily turned them over to the authorities. She lived in a totally corrupt society that engaged in every kind of sexual perversion and idol worship which included child sacrifice. The woman men came to for a quick fix? Rahab hid the spies and saved them from the king in exchange for her life and her familys. 1. It will likely shrivel and die unless someone else comes along to provide a life source. In conclusion, there is reason to believe that Rahab did have family in Jericho. What will happen to Rahab after the lecherous king poisons her husband? Thats what I intend to deliver and hope youll find in this Rahab Bible study. This content may contain affiliate links. Who was Rahab in the Bible? Had two sons who were wicked, so the Lord put them to death. Michael A. Milton (PhD, Wales) is a long-time Presbyterian minister (PCA) and a regular contributor to Salem Web Network. What has been your experience? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Im just constantly amazed the more I learn. The Great Wall of China is not actually visible from space. 4. But most importantly, city gates were places where people would come to meet with God Himself. So lets take a moment to consider them here. 1. God still uses those who have reverent fear of Him. When I hear Tower of Babel my, Read More Nimrod and the Story of the Tower of BabelContinue, Its easy to overlook the importance of repentance in the Bible. Rahab leads the soldiers to believe the spies had come and gone. When the Israelites approach Canaan with their army, Pharaoh sends word that he is withdrawing his troops. The French flag is called "le tricolore". 50+ random facts - fun facts. The scarlet cord is a reminder that even those who are considered sinners can be forgiven and have a place in Gods kingdom. Deuteronomy 9:5. Presidents Adams and Jefferson also died the same year, 1826; President. I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you (Joshua 2:9 NIV). When we put our trust in God, He will always keep His promises. Rahab helped the Israelite spies escape after their mission was complete. What did it take to convince her entire family they would be better off living in a whorehouse? COPYRIGHT 2023 Tanner Ministry Outlets, LLC. We often think it takes a lot of courage to be brave but the best definition of bravery is doing what needs to be done, not because you dont have any fear but in spite of it. Its been fascinating to read through different portions of it! 6. As such, Raphael most likely spent his formative years in contact with the court. Take the word of a prostitute and spend an indeterminate time living in her house waiting for the Israelites to attack. 65. Rahab is praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. We see this played out throughout history, and it continues to happen today. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, (Matthew 1:5 NKJV). Not solely because of the type of livelihood she was leaving behind (although thats a part of it) but primarily because Rahab was no in a position to easily take care of herself. The more common introduction (the reason people are shocked that shed have the honor of being in the lineage of Jesus): Rahab was a prostitute. "For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:11). Rahab occupies an interesting place in the mind and heart of the modern church. God redefines those with a past. It also shows how God can use anyone, even someone with a checkered past, to further his purposes. Rahabs story is one of my absolute favorites. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. How interesting that a scarlet cord, likely, an emblem of ill-repute, became a sign of salvation. The story of Rahab and the spies from Israel is one of the most popular in the Bible. window.fd('form', { But there was no hanky-panky between Rahab and the spies, she had been able to see through their disguise and knew there was a greater force at work. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. She found God and she ran to Him and He gave her an entirely new identity. Gods with you every step of the way! 32 Interesting Facts About Noah and His Ark Andrew Krehbiel 6 MinutesRead Updated: December 12, 2022 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. There were whispers that they had been promised the land of Canaan. Instead, they had to wait for God to give them victory. Wouldnt the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son? The 10 best face oils for every single skin type. We take those $ and give them to developing our Children's Programs. The biblical story, however, suggests a . 1450. But instead, she protected them and helped them escape. Its also a misunderstanding of the actual gospel message. There is also an account of Rahab (Rahabs Story) in the Hebrew Bibles historical books, where she appears as a Canaanite woman who aided Joshuas spies in Jericho and was saved from destruction along with her family. Rahab and her family were saved from destruction when the Israelites conquered Jericho. in Elementary Education at San Diego State University and was an elementary school teacher for twenty-two years. Image credits: Adam Brill. Obedient Rahab was obedient to Gods commands, even when it put her in danger. The biblical account of the fall of Jericho describes a miraculous event in which the walls of the city came tumbling down after Joshua and the Israelites marched around them for seven days. The Bible doesnt give any conclusive evidence and it is in this gap that Ms. Taylor pens her story Rahab Woman of Jericho. But not Rahab. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way (James 2:25)? And we must always remember that this woman, rehab, was chosen by Almighty God to be a chosen instrument in bringing about salvation to the ends of the earth. In the New Testament, Rahab is praised for her faith and her works. For we have heard how the, dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who, on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon, and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. We find two names linked in holy matrimony: Salmon and Rahab. Archi. 1. When we abandon them we are essentially starving them; no longer allowing them to feast on the things that sustain them. Rahab let go of some of the biggest pieces of her life. CHAPTERS: 4 VERSES: 85 She also bargained for her family. Rahab is mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament, and her story is an example of Gods grace and redemption. Fact: Dead skin cells are a main ingredient in household dust Here's an interesting science fact for you: According to researchers at Imperial College London, humans shed around 200 million skin. Rahabs husband is chronicled in both the Old and New Testaments (1 Chronicles 2:10-11, Ruth 4:20-21, Matthew 1:4-5 and Luke 3:32). Some biblical scholars maintain that Rahab, the woman who hid Joshuas two spies, was a harlot or prostitute. Canaan (where Jericho was located) was a polytheistic land. So how did she become one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. What does the story of Rahab teach us? The people would gather at the city gate to praise God and thank Him for His goodness (Psalm 100:4). She trusted in him for the righteousness she could not produce in her own life: I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. Learn more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure policy. This act of bravery led to Rahab and her family being spared when Jericho was destroyed. And until that point in this space where I am not-still-a . Santi painted altarpieces and portraits for the court of Urbino, but died when Raphael was 11 years old. And the Bible does a good job of showing us what to do but with so many male leads its sometimes hard to visualize what a woman who pleases God looks like. It had been 40 years since Joshua, Israels leader at the time, had set eyes on the promised land. Humility creates an atmosphere where God alone is exulted. Rahabs faith in God engrafted her into a new family. The American flag. Second, this story teaches us that God is a God of justice. Diana Wallis Taylor is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including such novels asHadassah, Queen Esther of Persia; Lydia, Woman of Philippi;Mary, Chosen of God;Ruth, Mother of Kings;Mary Magdalene; andJourney to the Well.