Women in the Bible: Rahab

In honor of Women's History Month, we are highlighting influential women in the Bible whose stories continue to inspire us today. One such woman is Rahab, a Canaanite living in Jericho. Though she was an outsider and living in sin, her faith and bravery set her apart, making her a key figure in God’s plan. Below, we will walk through her story and explore its powerful message.

The story begins with Moses’ successor Joshua sending two spies to scout the land around Jericho, on the other side of the Jordan River, in secret—he had told the officers of Isreal that in a matter of days, their people would be crossing the Jordan River to “take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Joshua 1:11b, NLT). The spies obey Joshua, and they end up staying the night at the home of a prostitute named Rahab. 

But somehow, the secret gets out.

But someone told the king of Jericho, “Some Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab: ‘Bring out the men who have come into your house, for they have come here to spy out the whole land.’ Rahab had hidden the two men, but she replied, “Yes, the men were here earlier, but I didn’t know where they were from. They left the town at dusk, as the gates were about to close. I don’t know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them.” —Joshua 2:2-5 (NLT)

Rahab is a woman of courage. When Israelite spies come to Jericho, she chooses to hide them rather than turn them in. This decision puts her own life at risk, but she believes in the God of Israel and acts in faith.

(Actually, she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them beneath bundles of flax she had laid out.) So the king’s men went looking for the spies along the road leading to the shallow crossings of the Jordan River. And as soon as the king’s men had left, the gate of Jericho was shut. —Joshua 2:6-7 (NLT)

That night, before the spies fall asleep, Rahab speaks with them. 

“I know the Lord has given you this land,” she told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. Now swear to me by the Lord that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families.” —Joshua 2:9-11 (NLT)

The spies tell Rahab that if she doesn’t betray them, they will keep her safe and be kind to her when the Lord turns over the land.

Then, since Rahab’s house was built into the town wall, she let them down by a rope through the window. “Escape to the hill country,” she told them. “Hide there for three days from the men searching for you. Then, when they have returned, you can go on your way.” —Joshua 2:15-16 (NLT)

The spies ask Rahab to leave the scarlet rope hanging in her window and to gather all of her relatives inside the home.

“If they go out into the street and are killed, it will not be our fault. But if anyone lays a hand on people inside this house, we will accept the responsibility for their death.” —Joshua 2:19 (NLT)

Rahab does just as the spies requested; she leaves the scarlet rope hanging in the window. And, sure enough, the spies keep their oath. In Joshua 6, Joshua tells the Israelites:

“Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies.” —Joshua 6:17 (NLT)

When Jericho falls, her family is spared because of her obedience and trust in God’s promise.

So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day. —Joshua 6:25 (NLT)

Rahab is not only saved from destruction but welcomed into the Israelite community. Her story doesn’t end there—she later becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). Her journey from a profession many looked down on to a woman of faith shows that God’s redemption knows no bounds.

Rahab’s story reminds us that faith, courage, and redemption are available to all who trust in God. She stepped out in boldness, risking everything to follow Him, and in return, she became part of His greater plan.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, may we be inspired by Rahab’s example—choosing faith over fear and trusting in the redemption that God offers.

How will you step out in faith today?

Amber Dabney Smith

Your Hope Dealer