When considering all the notables in the Bible who served God’s purposes, names like Moses, Joshua, David, Isaiah, Jonah, and Paul rank highly on that list. But how often is Rahab included?

Sometimes described as an inn-keeper, the overwhelming biblical evidence mitigates for the word harlot or prostitute to describe her. Yet, in the providence of God, Rahab looms large in Israel’s history.

Found in Joshua 2, Rahab’s story is one of my favorites. Joshua sent two men to spy-out the city of Jericho, and they found lodging at Rahab’s house. When the king sent word that she should send out the spies, she instead hid them, kept them safe, and helped them escape.

Rahab told the spies that her people had heard of the many exploits of the Jews. “I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the Lorddried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt,” Joshua 2:9-10.

She said her people’s hearts had melted and no one had any courage to face the Jews. Whatever others were thinking, Rahab then makes the statement that saved her and her family: “For the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

I can’t see much difference in what Rahab said and the Apostle Peter’s confession to Jesus, “Thou art the Christ.” Regardless of human opinion, God rewarded Rahab not only for her confession but for acting in accord with that confession when she risked everything to help the spies.

The harlot was made holy. God honored her in the lineage of Jesus, (Matt. 1:5). She is a grandmother to our Lord. And Rahab among those mentioned in the Great Hall of Faith, Heb. 11:31.

The point is, whether a person is of great repute or ill repute, this doesn’t matter to God. He’s no respecter of persons. His redemption is for all who believe and obey.

There, but for the grace of God, go I.

Contact Norm Miller at nmiller@montanacc.edu