Seeking Truth in Today's Troubled World

The story of Rahab, found in the Book of Joshua, is one of the most fascinating and multi-layered narratives in the Bible. Rahab’s actions play a pivotal role in the conquest of Jericho and the broader story of God’s plan for Israel. Here’s an explanation and commentary on Rahab’s lie, her protection of the Israelite spies, and the theological significance of her actions. 

The Story of Rahab (Joshua 2) 

Rahab was a woman who lived in the city of Jericho, a major city in the land of Canaan, which the Israelites were preparing to conquer. In Joshua 2, two Israelite spies are sent by Joshua to secretly scout the city of Jericho. They arrive at Rahab’s house, which is located on the city wall. Rahab, a woman described as a “prostitute” in the text, hides the spies from the king’s men who are searching for them. When asked where the spies have gone, Rahab lies, saying that they had already left the city before the gates were closed for the night. In truth, she had hidden them on her roof under stalks of flax. 

In exchange for her protection, Rahab makes a deal with the spies: she asks for her family’s safety when the Israelites attack Jericho. The spies agree, instructing her to tie a scarlet cord in the window through which they had escaped as a sign to the Israelite forces that her house should be spared. 

Rahab’s Lie: A Point of Ethical Tension 

One of the most debated aspects of Rahab’s story is the fact that she lies to protect the spies. The Bible generally condemns lying (e.g., the Ninth Commandment, “You shall not bear false witness”), so Rahab’s actions might seem morally problematic. However, several key points can help contextualize her actions: 

1. Rahab’s Faith in God: Rahab’s lie must be seen in light of her faith in the God of Israel. In Joshua 2:9-11, she speaks of her belief that the Israelites’ God, Yahweh, is the true God who has given them victory over other nations. Rahab had heard about the miracles God performed for the Israelites (the parting of the Red Sea, the destruction of other kings), and she recognized that God’s power was greater than any human authority. Her faith in God appears to surpass her loyalty to the pagan gods of Jericho. 

2. Rahab’s Risk and Courage: Rahab’s actions demonstrate profound courage. She risks her life and the safety of her family to protect the Israelite spies, choosing to align herself with the God of Israel rather than the pagan city of Jericho. This act of defiance against her own people reveals that she saw something greater than mere survival in the face of political or national allegiance. She is willing to act in accordance with her belief in Yahweh, even though it places her in great danger. 

3. The Context of the Lie: The lie was told to protect lives—both the spies and Rahab’s own family. The act of deception is not glorified in the Bible, but the greater moral point in this story is Rahab’s faith and her willingness to act on it. The fact that God ultimately blesses Rahab and her family suggests that, while lying is sinful, God can still work through human actions to accomplish His purposes. Rahab’s actions are seen as a step of faith, and it is her faith that is ultimately praised (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25). 

Rahab’s Role in God’s Plan 

1. Salvation for Her Family: Rahab’s lie and her alliance with the Israelites leads to the salvation of her family. When Jericho is conquered, Rahab’s house is spared because of the scarlet cord she hung in the window, as promised by the spies. The scarlet cord is sometimes viewed as a symbolic foreshadowing of the blood of Christ, representing salvation and redemption (much like the Passover lamb’s blood in Egypt). Her family is saved from the destruction that falls upon Jericho, a tangible demonstration of God’s mercy and protection for those who align with Him. 

2. Rahab’s Legacy: Rahab’s inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus is one of the most striking aspects of her story. In Matthew 1:5, Rahab is named as one of the ancestors of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This highlights the idea that God can bring redemption and glory out of even the most unexpected and unlikely individuals. Rahab, a foreigner, a prostitute, and a liar, is integrated into the covenant promises of Israel and plays a part in the lineage of the Messiah. This reflects the theme in the Bible that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of past sins or social status. 

3. God’s Sovereign Will: Rahab’s actions, even though they involved deception, were part of God’s overarching plan to establish Israel in the Promised Land. Despite the morally complex situation, God used Rahab’s faith and her actions to bring about His will. This reminds us that God’s purposes are not hindered by human failure or sin. While God never condones sin, He is sovereign and can bring about His redemptive plan in spite of human imperfection. 

Theological Commentary: Faith and Works 

Rahab’s story is often discussed in terms of faith and works. In both Hebrews 11 and James 2, Rahab is commended for her faith and her actions. Hebrews 11:31 says, “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” James 2:25 echoes this, saying, “In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?” Rahab’s actions demonstrate that genuine faith leads to corresponding deeds. She didn’t just believe in God’s power—she acted on that belief, even at great personal cost. 

In the end, Rahab’s story is one of redemption, faith, and the power of God to use unlikely people for His purposes. Her lie, while ethically troubling, does not overshadow the greater theme of her faith in the God of Israel. Her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ is a testament to God’s grace, showing that He can work through flawed and sinful human beings to accomplish His redemptive plan. Rahab’s actions, though complex, point to the deeper truth that God’s mercy extends to all who turn to Him in faith, regardless of their past. 

~JH