The Law of Moses states without ambiguity: 'No Ammonite or Moabite shall be admitted to the assembly of . Radames fabricates a story to tell Jerichos king, but Hammurabi doesnt believe itand he has his eye on the beautiful Rahab. For Rahab, the God of Israel is also the God of Jericho. Required fields are marked *. She lived in a totally corrupt society that engaged in every kind of sexual perversion and idol worship which included child sacrifice. Now for some truly funny fun facts. Im glad your faith was boosted by Rahabs story. The prostitute. Subscribe to the CompellingTruth.org Newsletter: Many people are familiar with the story of the Israelites marching around the city of Jericho to bring down the walls. I am so glad that God gives us a second chance no matter our past. This left him an orphan, as his mother had passed when . 2. The history of the King of Jericho is found in the book of Joshua. Humility creates an atmosphere where God alone is exulted. A lot of the women featured in the Bible are walk-on characters who werent even given a name let alone enough screen time for us to really know anything about them. The City Gates was extremely important in the ancient world for both security and symbolic reasons. Living purposefully for Christ starts with laying down all that was, and clinging to all that He is. Its the type of surrender that invites God to do the work only a sovereign God can do. The word for "window" appears three times in the Rahab narrative (Josh 2: 15, 18, 21) when she helps the men escape and marks her house so it will be spared destruction.Windows have a prominent role in the stories of several other biblical women: Michal (2 Sam 6:16), the mother of Sisera (Judg 5:28 -31), and Jezebel (2 Kgs 9:30).All these women are looking through their palace windows . Rahab in the Bible was a perceptive woman, intelligent and well-informed. In addition, she is a great example of the power of God to transform us from our sinful state into the person He wants us to be. The scarlet cord is a reminder that even those who are considered sinners can be forgiven and have a place in Gods kingdom. So here we are 40 years later, a new generation of Israelites (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, none of the Israelites from the previous generation were still alive). A terrific study does it ever say how did she become a harlot in the first place. "By faith Rahab the prostitute escaped the destruction of the disobedient, because she welcomed the spies in peace." HEBREWS 11:31 Background After 40 years of struggle, Israel stood poised to enter the Promised Land. But these are barren lands with plants that have adapted to freezing cold winters and harsh soil conditions. 50+ random facts - fun facts. Milton has also served as chancellor and president of seminaries and is the author of more than thirty books. Know yourselfwhat if Rahab hadnt accepted that she couldnt save herself from the invading army? formId: '63050dacce6421efe0a560d4', But why is she included in the lineage of Jesus? This is a misunderstanding of Gods grace. But most importantly, city gates were places where people would come to meet with God Himself. A woodpecker's tongue actually wraps all the way around its brain, protecting it from damage when it's hammering into a tree. Shop the viral Uniqlo bag going viral on TikTok. But more importantly, it may give you a desire to revisit the book of Exodus to experience once again the wondrous things God did on behalf of His people. Run your raceIn Rahab Woman of Jericho, the main character had to resist giving in to the expectation of others, including her family. In any case, Rahab is an intriguing figure whose story provides us with a unique insight into the history of the Israelites. Then they heard about the kings of Sihon and Og who were obliterated in battle (Numbers 21:21-26, 32-35). Rahab was an innkeeper. While there are many theories about Rahabs origins, the most likely explanation is that she was a native of Jericho. I received an advanced readers copy from the publishers through Celebrate Lit; a positive review was not required. They chase while keeping their head level. The book of Esther is one book everyone will enjoy . Rahab hid the Israelite spies and helped them escape. 80 Interesting Facts About Life That Will Surprise You Human Body Facts. Despite her profession, she was a woman of faith who put her trust in the God of Israel. He had sexual relations with his daughter-in-law that produced . It may very well have been that Rahab was "a religious prostitute in pagan practices. Rahabs story is told in Joshua 2:1-24. The Wall of Jericho was a fortified wall that surrounded the ancient city of Jericho. The confidence in Rahabs statements here astounds me. Where is Rahab mentioned in the New Testament? However debaucherous, brothers, bars, and red light districts have often functioned as infamous meetings placed for military espionage. She found God and she ran to Him and He gave her an entirely new identity. First, Rahab demonstrates the power of faith. Rahab. formId: '5e128eefed5f9800263d7fc0', Rahab wasnt content where she was. Readers are welcome to reach out to her and read her blog at www.dianawallistaylor.com. Book: Rahab, Woman of JerichoAuthor: Diana Wallis TaylorGenre: Biblical FictionPublisher: Whitaker House Publication Date: August 4, 2020Print Length: 234 pages. We first meet Rahab in Joshua chapter 2. Read More How to Make A Jesse Tree?Continue. "When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:11). Presidents Adams and Jefferson also died the same year, 1826; President. Thus, as God worked all things together for the good, using the humble and the most unlikely, God raised up a harlot to become the great-great-grandmother of King David. God still uses those who have reverent fear of Him. She refused to nurture those things anymore. Her name was Rahab. Do not give the enemy ground that Jesus has already taken. The story of Rahab reminds us that faith doesnt always make sense (in my experience, it never does). Esther is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman. She was willing to abandon it if it meant getting to know the One true God. Matthew calls her Rahab, mother of Boaz. The English language is spoken in more than 100 countries around the world. This is the type of commitment we were called to have as women following Jesus. This story teaches us many things about God, His character, and His faithfulness. Rahab; the girl lost in an incredibly sinful life. 46 Interesting Facts You Probably don't Know. While we cannot be certain, it is possible that she was motivated to help the Israelites because she wanted to protect her loved ones from harm. Covenants In the Bible (Starting In Genesis), Nimrod and the Story of the Tower of Babel, 6 Examples of True Repentance in the Bible. The French flag is called "le tricolore". 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. a. A purchase? 2. I was so nervous but this post helped me tremendously! Rahab is a harlot or prostitute living in Jericho, a Canaanite city. (from here on out well refer to it as the Promised Land). Dont get me wrong, Hannahs my girlthe woman I want to grow up to be when I grow up and over the years, Ive come to a have reluctant compassion for Penninah. He was educated in the palace of Pharaoh and married Zipporah the daughter . 9. I imagine that being a harlot in Jericho was a life that came with its own stigma. Faith accepts that God rewards those who pursue a relationship with Him. 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? Together, Rahab and Ruth became part of the lineage of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. 3. Matthew 16:25. Scholars disagree on whether it was 1406 BC or 1250 BC. If you've never heard of these languages, you aren't alone. Yet, in an instant, she abandoned her people and her king. 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). But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho--and she lives among the Israelites to this day. Faith requires a belief in God and that God exists. That's right. Final Thoughts Facts about Rahab in the Bible, Use Google Church Grant For Your Church $10,000 / Month - God Bless Steve, Stuck on Sermon / Need Class Ideas / Outlines / Ask Ja, Copyright 1920-2023 Jesus Leadership Training. Melting ice and icebergs make frizzing noise called "bergy selter". Diana makes her home in San Diego, California. This was in keeping with Gods command that all the inhabitants of Canaan be destroyed. 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, Inspiring Mother Breaks Down after Earning Golden Buzzer with Celine Dion Hit, 7 Things that Will Keep Me from Coming Back to Your Church, 6 Truths about Jesus Coming into the World, 9 Christians You Don't Want to Sit Beside on Sunday Morning, 10 Things You Should Know about the Intermediate State of Death, 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children Again. It's funded by membership dues, non-member donations, bequests and major gifts and donations from its 275 chapters. 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. As a result of her actions, she and her family were spared when the city was destroyed. Deuteronomy 9:5. Each of us has to run the race set before us if we are going to accomplish what God has given us to do. Lined up, all of the planets in the solar system could fit between the Earth and the moon. And until that point in this space where I am not-still-a . 4. Rahab knew what was going on. Greenland is the world's largest island. Rahab was a resident of Jericho, who sheltered two spies whom Joshua had sent to scout out the city. Interesting and Fun Animal Facts 1. These things require a steady work ethic and a life source in order to thrive. In conclusion, there is reason to believe that Rahab did have family in Jericho. So if youre feeling like youre not good enough or youve made too many mistakes, remember Rahabs story and know that there is always hope with God. - Let's Talk Bible Study | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. What a story! As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. History Your email address will not be published. It is interesting to note that Matthew is the only biblical writer to tell us that Rahab was the mother-in-law of Ruth. If she didn't, they'd be free from their promise to her. Her documented profession as a prostitute keeps her from being a Sunday School staple like Jonah and the Whale or David and Goliath, but her story draws people back over and over again. Its also a misunderstanding of the actual gospel message. According to the Bible, the walls of Jericho were destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites when they invaded the city (Joshua 6:1-27). Rahab was also a Canaanite, who were the hated enemies of Israel. Rahab also had to convince her whole family to move into her house if they wanted to be saved. Thats what I think of when I see the Jesse Tree. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. This caused the walls of Jericho to collapse, and the Israelites were able to enter the city and defeat its inhabitants. A woman of Rahabs age (40+) left unwed and without a child was shamed. When the Israelites come to Jericho to conquer the city, Rahab hides the Israelite spies and helps them to escape. The story of Rahab is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. What if Rahab the harlot wasnt a Canaanite? The program, called Acoustic Kitty, involved surgically implanting batteries, microphones and antennae inside cats. From her, we learn that even though Jericho was a sinful city, there were still people there who were willing to turn from their evil ways and follow God. Rahab married Salmon and had a son named Boaz. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 8. She chose an unknown God because she believed He was greater than all that she had known. Actually, lets rephrase that. Even today, she is an example of how God can use anyone no matter their past for His purposes. Here are 15 interesting facts about the US you can now add to your list. In Psalm 87:4 Rahab is likened to Babylon which was destroyed in the sixth century BC. Its deemed irresponsible. When we read the story of Rahab we assume that she was a Canaanite. In return, the spies make a vow to protect Rahab and her family when they invade Jericho. Thats what I intend to deliver and hope youll find in this Rahab Bible study. 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. The Israelites had been instructed by God to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, they were to shout and blow their trumpets. Salmon was from the tribe of Judah, which means that Rahab was also technically from that tribe (although she was not born into it). She wasnt a woman in the highest echelons of society, yet she was willing to risk her life for what she believed. Rahab is one of five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus. She was rewarded for her kindness and ultimately married Joshua, taking her place in the ranks of righteous converts.. Who Was Rahab? And in Christ Jesus, the blood-stained crimson cross of shame became the gleaming symbol of salvation. How did you decide Rahab was around 40 at this point? But as hard as it is to have faith, there are rewards in the end. No matter the hairstyle and no matter the thickness, the average human being has around 100,000 hairs growing on their head at any one time. Lobsters have bladders on either side of their heads, so they communicate by urinating at each other. I loved this! Belief Rahab believed in Gods promise of salvation, even before she had seen any evidence of it. You are the tallest when you first wake up. The Forgotten Mothers of the Bible. You might think any or all of these things because Rahab was a prostitute. Why is knowing about the various characters in the Bible important. The Rahab story, shows faith triumphing over the King of the Amorites by her faith. Finally, this story teaches us that we should obey God even when it is difficult. )She was a "harlot", and probably combined the trade of . She exercised it. Jesus' own lineage shows how God powerfully uses us despite our past. Rahab was a prostitute who lived in the city of Jericho during the time when the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land. Rahab; the harlot. That's who she is. By her own admission, the Hebrew God had already given the Israelites the city of Jericho. The story of Rahab is found in the Book of Joshua, and it teaches several important lessons. She is Known as one of the women of the bible, many women copied the Faith Rahab. The cool thing about encountering God is that the identity we have in Him transcends the broken person we were before Him. 3. One million Earths could fit inside the sun. He lived for 120 years. Rahab was a prostitute. According to the Oxford Dictionary, there are a couple of different definitions of the word abandon. The account of Rahab Reminds us that from the moment we choose to believe and follow God, the impact we have on the world can change. Too often our opinion of God is based on what other peopleour family, pastor, church members, the worldsays about Him. What I admire so much about Rahab is that she took the reckless route. In this story, Rahab is a prostitute who lives in Jericho. There were whispers that they had been promised the land of Canaan. Humble Rahab was humble, as she considered herself unworthy of salvation. Esperanto. Download our free Rahab Bible Study pdf worksheets and join us! By including these four women in Christ's genealogy, Matthew is making the claim that God's great plan of salvation includes Gentiles, even unrighteous Gentiles. 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, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Joshua 2:8-11. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. To learn more visit and subscribe: https://michaelmilton.org/about/. The sun makes up more than 99% of the mass in our solar system. You might think from her profession that she was destined to die an early death, to fade away into shame, the disgraced woman. The outer layer of skin is also replaced every month. Strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges. Wouldnt the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son? We see this played out throughout history, and it continues to happen today. 2. Let's dive into the fun world of interesting facts and see what we can learn about. She is one of the prominent figures in the Christian tradition. His most recent book is a second edition release: Hit by Friendly Fire: What to do when Another Believer Hurts You(Resource Publications, 2022). Rahabs story is told in the Book of Joshua, chapters 2 and 6. Gods with you every step of the way! Thank you for catching that! The verses state Salmon was the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, and go on to state Boaz was the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. The Gates also symbolized entry into the kingdom of God and were often mentioned in biblical passages. Whenever the Army of Israel entered Canaan, Rahab acted according to a prearranged plan and hung out a scarlet cord from the window of her establishment. Most of them just skim the surface of Rahabs story. What if she had had an unrealistic impression of her own strength? This suggests that she was close to her family and may have still been living with them. 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. Read More The Land of Canaan In the BibleContinue, This content may contain affiliate links. Rahab helped the spies escape over the city wall with the aid of a crimson cord lowered through her window, but not before the spies told her that she needed to hang that same scarlet cord in her window when they invaded. 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. Know Godwhat do you know and believe about God? Who came to rescue the earth from God's destruction? CHAPTERS: 4 VERSES: 85 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.