Was Rahab a Believer?
The biblical narrative of Rahab, found in the Book of Joshua, has intrigued scholars and believers alike for centuries. One of the most debated questions surrounding her character is whether she was truly a believer in the God of Israel. This article aims to explore the evidence and arguments for and against the belief that Rahab was indeed a follower of the one true God.
In Joshua 2, we are introduced to Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho. The Israelite spies, sent by Joshua to scout out the land, find refuge in her house. Rahab hides them from the angry soldiers sent by the king of Jericho, and in return, she asks for their protection. The spies promise to spare her life and her family, provided she adheres to their instructions.
The most compelling evidence for Rahab’s belief in the God of Israel is her faith in the spies’ promise. She is willing to risk her life and the lives of her family by hiding the spies and following their instructions to tie a scarlet cord in her window. This act of faith is reminiscent of the Passover, where the blood of a lamb was placed on the doorposts of Egyptian homes to protect the firstborn children from the angel of death.
Furthermore, Rahab’s belief is further solidified when she declares her faith in the God of Israel in Joshua 2:9-11:
“I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that your terror has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”
Rahab’s words demonstrate her understanding of the power and might of the God of Israel, as well as her belief in His ability to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. This confession of faith is a clear indication that she was, at the very least, a convert to the faith.
However, some scholars argue that Rahab’s belief was more of a pragmatic decision rather than a genuine conversion. They point to her profession as a prostitute and her Canaanite background as evidence that she was more concerned with her own survival than with religious beliefs. Additionally, the fact that she was included in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 suggests that her faith was considered legitimate by the early church.
In conclusion, while there is no definitive proof of Rahab’s belief in the God of Israel, the evidence suggests that she was, at the very least, a convert to the faith. Her faith in the spies’ promise, her knowledge of the Lord’s power, and her confession of faith all point to her being a believer. Ultimately, the question of whether Rahab was a true believer is one that may never be fully answered, but her story serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the redemptive nature of God.
