Faith That Inspires: Rahab

By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.—Hebrews 11:31, NASB95

The Bible is filled with stories from the lives of all kinds of people – some obviously noteworthy (like Moses) and some who could have easily disappeared into obscurity. Our study today concerns one of those other types, a Gentile prostitute named Rahab. Her life was one of dire circumstances and poor choices, but it changed in one decisive moment when she exhibited Faith That Inspires.

1. Have you ever felt like a misfit – that you didn’t fit in? Tell the group about that time. What was it like?
2. Read Joshua 2:1–7. In this passage, we read how Rahab risked her life for the Israelite spies by hiding them on her roof, deflecting the search for them, and sending the pursuers outside the city gates. How do Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:22–26 explain the virtue of Rahab’s actions?
3. Read Joshua 2:8–22 and Joshua 6:22–25. What words of faith does Rahab express? How does she secure the safety of her family? What are the virtues of Rahab?
4. Rahab is one of the five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1. She was the mother of Boaz and the great-grandmother of King David. Why do you think that God chose to include her in the genealogy of Jesus?
5. Matthew 1:5 says Rahab was the mother of Boaz. Who was he? (See Ruth Chapter 2) What lessons from her life might Rahab have taught Boaz as a boy that could have influenced his decisions as an adult? Why is that important?
6. Read James 2:25. What is remarkable about this reference to Rahab?
7. How does Rahab’s story help misfits?

Hebrews 11:29-31 constitute a paragraph containing a startling omission and a startling inclusion. The surprising omission is the absence of Joshua’s name in conjunction with the fall of Jericho. The surprising inclusion is the mention of Rahab and the following three facts: she was a Gentile (a Canaanite), a woman, and a prostitute.

From outward appearance, Rahab seems the least likely person to be part of God’s chosen people, yet we can infer much about her character as we examine this story closely. Rahab was a woman of solid courage, as evidenced by her willingness to commit treason and help the enemy. When her king asked her to bring out the spies who had been seen entering her inn, she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. “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. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” (Joshua 2:4–5, NASB95)

Rahab was also a woman devoted to her family. When she struck the deal to protect the spies, she asked for protection for herself and her family. She had some influence on her family; when she told them to come to her place, they showed up there. They trusted her judgment and put their lives in her hands. Rahab was intelligent and quick-thinking. She used her savvy to protect herself and her family. Her leadership skills were evidenced by the way her family responded to her.

AN EXAMPLE FOR TODAY

• Rahab demonstrates that we don’t have to be perfect for God to use us in significant ways. We do need to deal with Him in faith and with integrity. If we do, He will, as He did for Rahab, melt away the impurities of our character and mold us into the kind of women and men He would have us be.
• God is free to use who He will. We judge what we see, but we can only see the outward appearance. God also passes judgment on what He sees. But He sees inside and out—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
• Rahab reminds believers not to be judgmental. All have sinned, but for God’s grace, all would be doomed. God extends us grace, and we must extend grace to others.