Of Special Note:
Although Rahab's lifestyle was one in which some people (Christians included) have considered "unworthy" to be placed in the lineage of Christ or to be placed in the gallery of faith with such notable people as Abraham, Noah, Enoch, Abel, Sara, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses, God still considered her a faith hero. What an honor! What a blessing! What a wonderful God we have who looks past what others see and discovers within us, as he did Rahab, a heart reaching out to him by BOLD, yet SIMPLE FAITH. See Hebrews 11.

Rahab probably learned of Israel's Exodus from various "house guests" over the years. Exodus 14:26-30 gives some of the details of that Exodus and the miracle of the Red Sea. Because of Rahab's notoriety, she was also well known by the king of Jericho. When Joshua sent a couple of his men to spy out the Amorite land, Rahab accommodated them in her home. She became aware quickly that these men were not as many of the others; they were of God. Their mission was not in seeking pleasure from her but instead to overthrow the people in her land, who were enemies. (Since she was well known, Joshua probably knew of her place. It was the perfect spot for a hideout being on the edge of town. Who would suspect that his men would hide out there? But would Rahab cooperate? God knew the answer.) She would not have a problem protecting the men. She had the means to hide them, and because of her reputation, she could easily face the king without drawing suspicion.

She also showed the status of her belief in God by her actions to seek help for her family even before herself. (" Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father's house, and give me a true token, and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.") She knew her lifestyle was displeasing to her family. This was a way to bring healing. Rahab not only had faith, she had compassion. There was more to Rahab than would meet the eye. God saw what people do not often see.

Her Significant Insight:
Rahab figured if she helped these Jewish spies, God would find favor with her and He did. Rahab was a BELIEVER! Maybe before this, and because of the lifestyle she was living, she was having a difficult time facing God. Now was her opportunity. It would also open the door for her family to be spared. Rahab looked at the bigger picture. She could use the faith that she did have and bring it to good, or she could continue as she was. This is where the scarlet cord enters the picture. The scarlet rope that Rahab used in her window would be used as a sign for the saving of her household. The scarlet rope reminds us of the blood that was applied to the doorposts during the Passover representing hope and safety for the Israelites. Here, the scarlet rope does the same type of thing for Rahab - representing the blood of Christ as the atonement for her sins (and as a hope for her freedom and the salvation that would be available to her and her family). She became an example for us when God used her actions with the scarlet rope as a bloodline to Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Rahab did not remain in her destructive lifestyle. She made a covenant with God and as He began his renewal process He did not just walk away leaving her stranded to find her own way. Rahab was given a husband, Salmon, which led to the birth of a son, Boaz, placing her in the genealogy of Christ. Some even say the man, Salmon, might have been one of the spies who came to her home.

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