Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

Character Study of Rahaba gospel sermon by Jeff S. SmithIntroductionRahab the harlot is almost alone in having her chief shame so inextricably connected to her name. I can’tthink of anybody else in the Bible or out who is described as plainly and unfortunately as is Rahab theharlot. The more surprising thing, however, is that the character of this harlot is lauded in the NewTestament, not due to her harlotry, but to her faith in serving God otherwise.DiscussionI. Her CharacterA. Background1. the name Rahab is from the transliterated Hebrew “Rachab,” (bxr, pronounced raw-khawb',Strong’s #07343) and literally means “broad” or “wide” 38a. she is always described as “the harlot,” from the Hebrew “Zanah,” (hnz, pr. zaw-naw',Strong’s #02181), usually meaning “a prostitute” 39 , but sometimes simply an innkeeper 40b. the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, however uses the word“porne,” which is clearly indicative of a fornicator and harlot2. Rahab the harlot lived in Jericho, first among the targeted cities of the Promised Land that theJoshua, his spies and the army of Israel would seek to conquer3. tradition identifies this woman as the Rahab who married Salmon and became the mother ofBoaz who would marry Ruth and enjoy a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:5)4. (the word “Rahab” also appears several times in the Old Testament without reference to thiswoman, instead describing Egypt (see Psalm 87:4, 29:10, Isaiah 30:7) or a sea monster (see Isaiah 51:9))B. Hiding the Spies1. Rahab’s claim to Bible fame comes in the early days of the conquest of the Promised Land(Joshua 2:1-7)2. from this we might learn that Rahab was sort of a shady innkeeper because it would seem astrange place for the spies of God to choose otherwise3. their arrival in Jericho had not gone unnoticed, however, and the king himself ordered Rahab toproduce her unwelcome guests, which she refused to do, choosing instead to take their side and concealthem in her flaxen roof, later lying about their whereaboutsC. Melted Heart1. surely the spies expected to be turned in and executed, but Rahab did the unthinkable becauseshe believed more in Jehovah than in the king of Jericho (Joshua 2:8-16)2. the story of Israel’s miraculous escape from Egypt had preceded the Hebrews and their victoryover Sihon and Og only reinforced their reputation as divinely-led conquerors3. the melting of hearts would later become a classic New Testament objective, but we see it herein Jericho first and it is instant evidence of a working, active faithD. Salvation1. with the spies on the street below, Rahab has whispered to them a few final instructions, towhich they respond with certain conditions regarding her salvation (Joshua 2:17-21)a. first, a scarlet cord must be bound in the same window from which they escapedb. second, all her relatives must be secured inside the house or they will be lost, regardless ofthe tumult outside that might seem to suggest fight or flight as better alternativesc. third, she must not betray their confidence by giving them away upon second thoughts2. and so the two spies returned to Acacia Grove and the conquest began in earnesta. Israel crossed the Jordan River (chapter 3), commemorated the passage with twelve stonemarkers (chapter 4), circumcised the sons of Israel (chapter 5) and finally approached the walled city(Joshua 6:1-2)b. they marched around the city according to God’s orders for six days and then seven timeson the seventh day, trumpeting and shouting as the walls toppled (Joshua 6:16-17, 20-25)Character Studies! 171