The Background: Life on the Wall of Jericho

Rahab’s character is introduced in Joshua chapter 2 as the Israelites, led by Joshua, prepare to enter the Promised Land. Her background provides a dramatic contrast to the holiness of the mission.

• Her Location: Rahab lived in Jericho, a heavily fortified, wealthy Canaanite city—the first obstacle for Israel. Crucially, her house was built upon the city wall (Joshua 2:15). This physical location symbolizes her place on the edge of society, both literally and figuratively.

• Her Work: The Bible explicitly identifies Rahab as a harlot (prostitute). This profession placed her at the very bottom of the social ladder and outside the covenant people.

• Her Knowledge: Despite her location and lifestyle, Rahab had heard the stories of the mighty works the God of Israel had done, particularly the Exodus and the defeat of the Amorite kings (Joshua 2:10–11). The power of God's reputation had reached her even within the doomed city.

I. The Character of Action-Oriented Faith

When Joshua sent two Israelite spies into Jericho, they sought refuge in Rahab’s home. This moment required her to make a definitive, life-or-death choice.

• The Choice: When the King of Jericho demanded the spies be handed over, Rahab lied and hid them under stalks of flax on her roof. She chose to protect the agents of the God she had only heard about, siding with God's people against her own city and king.

• The Confession: Rahab’s decision was based on faith, which she clearly articulated to the spies: “For the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” (Joshua 2:11) Her belief led directly to her action.

• The Token: In return for her help, the spies instructed her to tie a scarlet cord in her window—the visible sign that her household was to be spared during the destruction of Jericho. This cord became the symbol of her faith and her salvation.

II. The Character of Grace and Inclusion

Rahab's later life beautifully illustrates God's radical grace and inclusion, becoming a profound character lesson for all believers.

• Salvation: When the walls of Jericho miraculously fell, Rahab and her entire family were saved because she had acted on faith and displayed the scarlet cord (Joshua 6:25).

• Inclusion: Rahab was not just saved; she was integrated into the people of God. She later married Salmon, a man of the tribe of Judah, and their son was Boaz (the eventual husband of Ruth).

• The Royal Line: Most remarkably, Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). Along with a few other women (Tamar, Ruth, Bathsheba), her inclusion underscores that the lineage of the Messiah was defined not by perfect pedigree, but by divine grace reaching the outsider, the sinner, and the marginalized.

Applying the Truth Today

Rahab's character is a powerful message of hope and grace for the new Christian, especially for anyone who feels their past makes them unworthy. Rahab’s background—the prostitute from an enemy nation—did not disqualify her from God’s greatest blessings.

She demonstrates that salvation is available to anyone who hears the truth of God and acts upon it in faith. Her story assures you that the moment you choose to side with God, your past is forgiven, your identity is changed, and you are immediately grafted into God's family.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. Faithful Action. Rahab's faith was proven by her action (hiding the spies). What immediate, clear step is God asking you to take today to demonstrate the faith you profess?

2. The Scarlet Cord. The cord was the symbol of her safety. What does the blood of Christ (the ultimate scarlet cord) represent in your life as the only thing that saves you from judgment?

3. No Margins. Rahab was welcomed into the line of the Messiah. How does her story assure you that no matter your background, failure, or social standing, you are fully welcomed and loved by God?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp her background and confession, read Joshua 2:1–11. Next, focus on her request for inclusion in Joshua 2:12–14. Finally, see her lasting legacy in Matthew 1:5.