Study of Rahab begins

Ladies Bible Study Oct. 20

We began our study of Rahab!  We enjoyed the study of Sarah so much, but it is nice to move on to our new study!  We read Joshua 2:1-23, Joshua 6:20-26, Hebrews 11:30-31 and James 2:14-26.The fact that Rahab is mentioned in James with Abraham, shows that there is significance to her works. 

Jericho is in the part of Israel that is in debate and causing upheaval right now.  We looked on maps printed by Shera to get an idea of the areas involved and the Exodus map.  The road from Jerusalem was a road that Jesus traveled. It was an interesting historical visit, and the question asked was the historical facts important to our study and we agree that the history allows us to have a better insight into the people of this land.

We looked at Deuteronomy 2:25 and 11:25, God put the fear of the Israelites into the hearts of those in the lands that God would lead them. And the people of Jericho had the great fear of the Israelites.

Question one – How would you describe the spiritual makeover of Rahab if you were to describe her to a friend.

Was it important to God that she was a harlot? We agreed that God probably used her because her profession to allow these men to gain access to her home and have trust in her confidences to keep things secret.  God was preparing her.  God wanted us to know that she was listed as a harlot, allowing us to see that she was used by God and listed in the scriptures.

 It shows that our past will follow us, there are consequences for our sins that often label us, but God can still use us if it is his will.   She had heard the stories of the miracles of Israel all her life. She believed those stories and trusted the Israelites with her life and the life of her families.  She had little knowledge of God, but she heard about them and through that hearing she believed!!  She believed enough to not turn these men in to the authorities in her town, she feared God more than man.  She was willing to risk all for a God she barely knew, even though it was God giving her the faith.

The events took place quickly in her life.  The men arrived and soon the soldiers came seeking them. She had to quickly make the decision of what her stand would be, and yet God had been preparing her heart all along.  She encouraged and directed the spies.  She related the greatness of their God and then gave them direction to assist them in their escape. 

Question 2 – In what way was Rahab like the Israelites who came to conquer her city?

They believed in the same God.  The Israelites like Rahab were thinking of the acts of God, remembering the acts of their fathers who failed to enter the promised land.  The Israelites knew this was their moment to enter the promised land and they moved forward with purpose.  Rahab had purpose as well!  Her purpose was to honor the Israelite God through protecting these men.  This is an example of faith with works!!  We are going to learn more as we go through this study how the works of faith are evident in our lives!!

Proverbs 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

During the days that the Israelites traveled around the walls of Jericho, they would have suffered the jeers and things being thrown at them as they walked.  They were quiet as they walked, but they were most likely in prayer during their walk.  Their hearts being prepared for the battle before them and their learning to trust God.

Question 3: How had Rahabs heart been prepared to believe in Yahweh?

She had heard the stories and she probably disliked her life and would have loved to leave that lifestyle.  She had seen the gods of her people that did not do anything to change situations, yet she saw the Israelite God as the one God that had done miracles to change the direction of great nations and the movement of his people.  She wanted to trust this Israelite God.