Why is Rahab’s Story Our Story? by Shadia Hrichi

by Rachael Adams | Dec 21, 2023 | The Love Offering Guest Blog Series

The story of Rahab the prostitute has fascinated Bible students and lay persons for centuries. Her story appears in a mere two chapters in the book of Joshua, and the events are curious right from the start. The book opens with God commissioning Joshua to lead the Israelites after the death of their leader Moses. Yet no sooner do the people come to the edge of the Promised Land than God puts the whole drama on hold to tell us the story of a Canaanite prostitute. This interruption of the conquest story is not an accident, and it gives us our first glimpse into the theological significance of Rahab’s story.

As I was writing the RAHAB Bible study, I suppose I should not have been surprised when God allowed me to experience, not one, but two unexpected events that challenged my faith. After all, faith is a key theme in Rahab’s story.

The first happened when the home I had been renting for 11 years was suddenly placed for sale and I had to find a new home—and fast. God waited until there were just 12 days left—as I hung onto the last thread of my faith—before He opened the door to the lovely little cottage I now rent, answering my prayers down to the last detail—and more. But in the experience, I discovered my faith wasn’t as strong as I thought it was, and that was humbling.

Yet then I consider the faith of Rahab, who was about to lose not just her home, but her entire city, community, perhaps even her family and life as well. Instead of becoming paralyzed by fear like everyone else in the city, Rahab responded in faith, courage, and action. I deeply admire Rahab’s courage—and faith.

The second event was far more difficult. I was just weeks away from my book deadline, which already had me under a lot of pressure, when my brother called from New York. My mom had been admitted to the hospital and by the next day, had been placed on life support. Within hours, I was on a flight, praying that I would arrive in time to say goodbye and share the gospel with mom one last time as I never knew for sure where she stood with the Lord. I arrived in time to see mom, though she was sedated. The next morning, mom passed. But in the dark days that followed, God’s light shined. I found an old journal where mom wrote a prayer where she thanked God that I had told her about Jesus—and then I read her humble prayer of salvation.

Just as Rahab’s bold and daring faith convinced her family to take refuge in God, God allowed me to see that my witness and prayers for my family were making a difference. Rahab’s courageous faith is a beautiful example for all of us.

The fact that Rahab’s faith is called out in several key passages in the New Testament gives us another glimpse into the theological significance of her story. The story of Rahab is not only about Rahab—it’s about us. We are the prostitute.

The entire Bible is a picture of God’s passionate pursuit of His adulterous Bride. From the first page of Genesis to the last page of Revelation, God is orchestrating His plan of salvation—to bring His beloved bride safely home. Rahab’s story reminds us that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is ready and willing to embrace us if we turn to Him to be saved. In short, Rahab’s story is our story.

[used by permission, Shadia Hrichi and Leafwood Publishers]

About the Author:

Shadia Hrichi is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author, and speaker who stirs the hearts and minds of her audience through personal story, illustration, and her unwavering confidence in the authority of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies as well as a master’s in criminal justice. Shadia is the author of several Bible studies, including RAHAB, TAMAR, HAGAR, LEGION, and WORTHY OF LOVE and the recipient of the 2022 WCCW “God’s Word is Alive” Award. Residing in northern California, Shadia is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, women’s retreats and other events, and loves to visit the ocean each week for “a date with Jesus.”