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Rahab: Faith and Salvation in Jericho

The document discusses the archaeological findings in Jericho, focusing on the figure of Rahab, a harlot who symbolizes faith and redemption. It outlines her journey from sin to salvation, emphasizing her belief in God's word and her actions that demonstrated her faith. Rahab's story serves as a metaphor for the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ and the concept of divine judgment and grace.

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7 views2 pages

Rahab: Faith and Salvation in Jericho

The document discusses the archaeological findings in Jericho, focusing on the figure of Rahab, a harlot who symbolizes faith and redemption. It outlines her journey from sin to salvation, emphasizing her belief in God's word and her actions that demonstrated her faith. Rahab's story serves as a metaphor for the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ and the concept of divine judgment and grace.

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Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The alliance with Rahab

Archaeologists have done a lot of research in Jericho. They say that the city occupied an area with
about 3.2 hectares and was surrounded by internal and external walls. The internal wall was 3.6
thickness meters, and the outer one, 1.8 meters thick, and there were houses on top of the walls (v.
The walls were about 9.1 meters high, and the excavations show that these walls
were "violently destroyed". From the many people who lived in Jericho, we know the name of
just one—Rahab, the harlot (see Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25). She portrays the spiritual story of the believer.
in Jesus Christ.

A. She was a sinner


In this case, the sin was moral impurity, but "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom
At that time, it was not uncommon for prostitutes to manage inns.

B. She was under conviction


God had already condemned the city of Rahab; it was just a matter of time before the death sentence was carried out.
Everything in the city, as well as all the people who lived there, would be destroyed (6:21), both the
people condemned like the uncondemned! Jericho is a portrait of today's condemned world.
People cannot feel trust and peace, for death is approaching.

She received a grace period


For many years, the city was set aside for judgment (Dt7:1-5,23-24; 12:2-3).
Genesis 15:13-16 reminds us that God waited 400 years before allowing the judgment
fell upon the earth! Rahab and all the other inhabitants of Jericho heard about the exodus from Egypt
which happened 40 years ago. Joshua 4:19 and 5:10 add other days of waiting, which
take into account the additional week in which Israel marched around the city (6:14). How
God is patient!

D. She heard the Word of God


Raabe had heard a message of judgment that ultimately revealed to her the truth of God.
Notice how she refers to God in her speech: "the Lord".

E. She believed in the Word


"Faith comes by preaching, and preaching by the word of Christ" (Heb 10:17). It is faith that saves the
sinner, even the most wicked (Romans 4:5). Hebrews 11:31 tells us that faith saved Rahab. Note
that her security comes from the Word: 'I know that the Lord has given you this land' (v. 9).

F. She proved her faith through works


The fact that she risked her life by receiving, hiding, and protecting the spies proves that Rahab trusted.
in God. She identified herself with the people of the Lord, not with the pagans who surrounded.
James 2:25.

C. She tried to win over other people


Think of the risk that Rahab took by sharing the Word with her family! When people
believe in Christ, their first desire is to share him with others, especially with their own.
family (John 1:35-42; Mark 5:18-20).
H. She was saved from judgment.
There was a double judgment upon the city: first, the quake that destroyed the city; then, the fire.
that destroyed everything that was in the city. Rahab's house was on the wall (2:15), but,
apparently, this part of the wall did not fall! After Rahab and her loved ones were taken out
From her house, Joshua ordered that the rest of the city be destroyed by fire. Perhaps Rahab and her...
the family became restless when things started to shake, but they were in perfect
safety in the hands of God (6:22-25). Today, Christians see the whole world around them trembling,
but they are not sure if God will rescue them before sending His judgment by fire upon the world
(1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9).

I. She went to a wedding


In Matthew 1:5, we see Rahab included by marriage into the Jewish nation and mentioned as an ancestor.
the Messiah! Rahab and her family enjoyed a wedding feast, while the people of
Jericho suffered death! See Revelation 19:7-9 and 17-19. Rahab was saved by faith, not because of the
the character of her or her religious work. This is the only way for God to save people (Eph 2:8-9).
Do you believe in Jesus as Rahab believed in Joshua?

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