March is Women’s History Month and we are celebrating by highlighting the many women who play a major part in stories told in The Bible. Today we are spotlighting Rahab which means “Storm,” “Arrogance,” “Broad,” or “Spacious”
Rahab was both clever and wise. She saw judgment coming and was able to devise an escape plan for herself and her family before her her city was demolished. As soon as she heard what God had done for the Israelites, she cast her lot with his people, risking her life in an act of faith. She found joy that God had given her, an idolater and prostitute, the opportunity to know him and belong to his people.
Scriptures To Read Around Rahab’s Story
2 CORINTHIANS 12:10 – When I am weak, then I am strong.
ACTS 4:13 – When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
ISAIAH 40:29-31 – He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
JOSHUA 2:9-10, 12 – I know that the LORD has given this land to you 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. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt…. Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you.
Let’s continue the conversation. See more of Rahab’s story by reading Joshua 2:1-21 and answering the questions below…
God commanded the complete destruction of Jericho and other Canaanite cities because of their extreme sins, including child sacrifice, shrine prostitution, and injustice of the powerful against the weak. What does it say about him, then, that out of the whole city he spared a prostitute and her family?
Rahab betrayed her city. What reasons did she give for doing this? Can you think of any additional reasons she might have had?
Why do you think the spies made a deal with her?
Also read James 2:25-26 and answering the questions below…
James said Rahab was an example of the principle that real faith is linked to action. How did she demonstrate this?
What risks have you been willing to take for your faith? What risks haven’t you been willing to take for your faith? Why?
Source: Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda
