Rahab

Ladies Bible Study- Rahab - Nov. 17

We began by speaking about faith:

Thinking about faith, Rahab was all about faith. Her heart had been so prepared by God, even living in an entirely pagan world, her faith was strong. She knew what God could do. She had great fear, knowing what God had done in the lives of the Hebrews. She knew about what had happened in Egypt and how the Israelites had conquered the kings from other countries. They had also heard of the recent crossing over the Jordon and the water parting. They knew that God was still with them.

Unlike the “demons who believe in God and tremble”, she did have fear, but she also had trust, trusting their God to have mercy upon her and her family. Through her trust came her obedience.

The Israelites had experienced the fear of God as they went through the wrath against their disobedience at Ai. They understood the price of sin, but they also learned of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Like them, Rahab, she had fear, but was learning about God’s mercy and forgiveness. Even in her ignorance she acted in trust.

Prov. 8:13

¹³ “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverted mouth, I hate.

Faith in evidence- seeing the things that God does. Psalm 111

1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart, In the company of the upright and in the assembly. 2 Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied by all who delight in them. 3 Splendid and majestic is His work, And His righteousness endures forever. 4 He has made His wonders to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and compassionate. 5 He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever. 6 He has made known to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are sure. 8 They are upheld forever and ever; They are performed in truth and uprightness. 9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name.10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Rahab had this assurance in her heart. She knew that God would be with her.

Question 1:

Deut. 18:9-12; 20:17-18; 1 Kings 17-29 What is your response to the order of God to the Israelites to “utterly destroy” people such as the Amorites?

God has a perfect plan, even when we don’t understand it. God was protecting his chosen people.

Am I willing to examine myself as an idolater, worshipping anything other than God, we are as guilty as the people of these lands.  

The word “learn” in Duet. 18- is like the word “goad”, we are being prodded to move forward to follow God and away from the world.

So what are the abominations that God hates: Prov. 6:16-19

¹⁶ There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
¹⁷ Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸ A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,
¹⁹ A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.

We discussed at length each of these and how they reflect in our own lives.

Rahab Nov. 3

The bible study started with prayer.

Continuing with the story of Rahab.

Question:  what would have happened if someone had made a sound (talking) while the men were walking around Jericho?  It’s hard to know what would have happened since it was not discussed in the bible, but when one of the Israelites took some items from the city of Ai there were severe consequences.  You cannot doubt the sovereignty of God.

Back to the discussion of who married Rahab.  The lineage of Salmon goes back to Amminadab of Judah, a very trusted person to Moses.  Nashon was son to Amminadab.  Both were considered to be Princes.  Salmon was son of Nashon.  Rahab ended up marrying a respected leader, Salmon, of a respected family. 

It was amazing what the people of Jericho witnessed before the city was destroyed.  The people of Jericho saw the dust of 3 million people moving to Mt. Nebo.  The Israelites probably had their banners flying.  The fear of what was ahead must have been something to behold.

 When the Israelite army started their journey from Mt Sinai, the Ark of the Covenant left first, then Judah was the first tribe out which provided the protection for the ark and everyone else.  Judah was the front army.  Judah was the favored tribe because Jesus came from their lineage.  This time in history established the importance of the tribe of Judah.

What was the deal that Rahab struck the Israelite spies?  “Our lives for your lives”  It was interesting that Rahab struck in the deal to also save her family and not just herself.  It showed a depth of feeling for her family and showed a prepared heart. 

Between the time the spies returned to Joshua and approached Jericho, they crossed the Jordan and the men were circumcised the other side – so time elapsed before the Israelites started the attack.  Rahab had to be patient and keep her mouth closed.

There is a mutual oath between the spies and Rahab.  She will not tell of what the spies were doing “our lives for your live”.  The spies will show kindness to Rahab and her family.  Hebrew kindness is frequently translated to love or unfailing love.  A demonstration of the covenant God had with the Israelites, which shows his unfailing love.

Size of the city of Jericho, is about 10 acres and held approximately 2,000 people.  It puts perspective on what the walking was like for the soldiers.

Shera handed out a handout evaluating the term FAITH and how it related to other terms.  This is something we can work on before the next session.  What is the evidence of faith and assurance?  One of the reasons the story of Rahab is in the bible is to show God’s sovereignty and the faith of Rahab.  Whatever sadness or shame or guilt we have in our lives can be overcome by the grace of God and his enduring love. 

What was the significance of Rahab’s hanging a scarlet cord in her window?  The color red often denotes offense, sin, immoral or promiscuous, from the dictionary.   Biblically, scarlet is a color from the blood of the Passover lamb when the Lord struck down the first born of Egypt. 

While looking at the Faith handout look at Psalms 111, Job 19:25, the book of Joshua.   Joshua was never weak in his faith.  Joshua 1:9, 23:10-14, 3:10-13.  Duet 3:21-22 (Moses speaking to Joshua), Ecclesiastes 8:12.  Book of James.   Hebrews 11:1 – what does it really mean?  Faith is the hope and the assurance that what God says will occur. 

Close out in prayer.