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.