Rahab who is an ancestor of Jesus lived in Jericho, during the time when the Israelites were planning on their conquer of the holy land. Rahab lived on the outskirts of Jericho because of her place in society. She was a prostitute and therefore shunned in the city. When two spies were sent from Joshua into the city, they came upon Rahab in need of help. She in turn sheltered them, and knew much about the Israelites activities. When the king found out about the spies he ordered Rahab to turn them in, she hid them on her roof and told the king the spies had come and gone, their identity unknown to her. Before the spies left, Rahab requested that her and her family be saved when the Israelites came fighting for the city. They said to hang a scarlet string (speaks to the lambs blood of the Israelites in Egypt) from her window so the warriors would know not to harm the residents. When the warriors came to take the city, Joshua sent the two spies to rescue Rahab and her family. From then on they all lived among the Israelites.
In Biblical times Israelites had problems with foreigners, specifically foreign women. They viewed them as only seducing Israelite men into worshiping other gods. (handout) But Rahab was a exception to this stereotype. Although a prostitute and a Canaanite, Rahab recognized the Israelites God as God, "Yahweh your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below." (2:11b) She also proved to be trustworthy and helpful, when hiding the spies. Jesus too was an exception, he challenged traditions and concepts. The Bible, especially the Book of Joshua, neglects to include many women. The women who do get mentioned, such as Rahab represent an exception. Rahab is mentioned in the Old Testament as well as in Jesus' genealogy written by Matthew, because of the dangerous acts she made that contributed to the Israelites conquer. Rahab and Jesus committed dangerous acts towards freedom. Rahab lying to the king to save the spies in anticipation of the freedom of the Israelites. Jesus committed dangerous acts daily. Welcoming outcasts, such as prostitutes and lepers. Preaching such radical ideas in hopes that they would lead to freedom of spirit, that the high priests challenged him and called him blasphemous. Rahab is included because of her exceptions to stereotypes and her fight for freedom that Jesus duplicated in his life.
Cites: Bible.com
Jewishencyclopedia.com
Joshua Handout
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It seems that Rahab is being portrayed as a just and righteous woman. In reality, she sold her people out to save herself and her family. She did not help the Israelites because she believed in their cause, or because she believed in freedoms. She did it for selfish reasons.
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