Today when we hear the name Rahab, we often think of this lady whom the LORD used to save the spies and deliver Jericho into the Hebrews’ hands. Did you know the name ‘Rahab’ translated from Hebrew means ‘broad’ or ‘fat’ and in common usage it refers to ‘fierceness’, ‘insolence’, and ‘pride.’ In the Bible, the word ‘Rahab’ is used commonly as an insult for the country of Egypt. Rahab, the lady in this passage, was a marginalized, prostituted Canaanite. But Rahab is saved and Rahab is redeemed!
After Rahab’s faith and deeds were used by God to save the Hebrew spies and deliver Jericho over to the LORD, do you know how the Lord transformed her life? According to Jewish tradition, she, a lady who was extremely marginalized, became the ancestor of eight priests (Tal Megillah 14b). She is listed as one of four women of surpassing beauty (Tal Megillah 15a). Rahab may mean ‘broad’ but this Rahab is nonetheless a beauty. She is – to quote Reba – she is not a back of the store lady; she is a front of the store lady! Like we all can be front of the store people! The Bible tells us Rahab married Salmon, one of the princes of Judah (Ruth 4:21, 1 Chr 2:11, Mt 1:5).
We remember the wealthy landowner, Boaz, who married the Mobitess Ruth; Boaz was Rahab the Canaanite’s son. Ruth was Rahab’s daughter-in-law. Ruth and Boaz had a child, Obed, who was Rahab’s grandson. His son, Rahab’s great grandson was Jesse and his son, Rahab’s great great grandson was King David from whose line God promised Salvation and Dominion for ever! (Mt 1:5-6; cf. 2 Sam 7). This salvation was of course accomplished through another descendant of Rahab the redeemed Canaanite – that is Jesus, the Redeemer himself! (cf. Mt 1:16).
God chose to do this through, to send His only begotten son through the ancestral line of the redeemed life of Rahab. Scholar Richard Hess tells us, “the story of Rahab confirms God’s welcome to all people, whatever their condition. Christ died for all the world and the opportunity is available for all to come to him through faith, even the chief of sinners [like you and like me] (1 Tim 1:15)...Rahab exhibits faith and understanding of the God who saves her. She becomes part of the family line that leads to the birth of Jesus (Mt 1:5) and [she is] a model of faith for all Christians” (Hb 11:31).
Rahab, who was once a prostituted Canaanite on the margins of society stands redeemed, saved, holy, cleansed, and as one of the heroes of the faith. You and I here today, no matter what we done, no matter who we have been, no matter what has happened to us, we too can be saved, we too can be redeemed. Jesus died on the cross so that we could die to our sins and He rose from the grave so that we could live out a holy, redeemed life (cf. Romans 10:9-13)!
As such, it is my prayer that today each of us would - like righteous Rahab - take God up on His offer of His Salvation and of His Redemption.
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