Day 10

The spies entered and brought out Rahab, with her father, mother, brothers, and all her family; her entire family they led forth and placed outside the camp of Israel. Joshua 6:23

"Rahab’s story is brief — but her place within Salvation History is mighty! Rahab is one of four women mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus (a fancy word for sharing a person’s family tree, like we are doing here!) This is very important because long ago, when Matthew wrote his Gospel, only men were listed on a family tree. Matthew and God recognized the very important role of women in the story of Israel and our salvation. 

Remember when the Israelites were wandering through the desert for an exhausting 40 years?! They searched for “The Promised Land,” where the promises (or covenant) God made to Abraham would be fulfilled. Well, making their way into the Promised Land (Canaan) was no easy task — wandering in the desert and fighting in battles was a part of the deal. Rahab was a pivotal figure in one battle that led to the fall of Jericho, a city of the land of Canaan. 

Rahab was a courageous woman who helped the Israelites defeat the city of Jericho by hiding Israeli spies inside Jericho's city walls. She did this because, in her heart, she knew the God of the Israelites was the God of heaven and earth. She struck a deal with the Israeli messengers — if she helped them, her family’s lives would be spared.  The men instructed her to place a scarlet (dark red) cord from her window and gather inside with her family. When the soldiers returned in three days, they would see the cord and spare everyone in her room. 

Rahab was the wife of Salmon and the mother of Boaz, Boaz is an ancestor of Jesus! Her story reminds us when we find ourselves on the side of an event or situation where we are surrounded by those who deny God, we must be brave and stand up for God’s truth — even if we feel like we are standing alone. When we are brave for God, He will always stand before us with a hedge of protection over our hearts!