Grace Behind the Walls: The Redemption of Rahab

Rahab the Prostitute: A Story of Radical Redemption

Introduction

The Bible is filled with stories of kings, prophets, and warriors, but some of the most powerful testimonies come from the least expected places. One such story is that of Rahab , a prostitute living in the city of Jericho —a woman with a shameful profession, a condemned nationality, and no claim to holiness by outward appearance. And yet, Rahab’s name is recorded not only in the Book of Joshua but also in Hebrews , James , and even the genealogy of Jesus Christ .

Her story is one of radical redemption —a divine reversal of her identity, status, and destiny. Rahab reminds us that faith, not perfection, is what God honors . She stands as a beacon of hope for all who believe their past disqualifies them from God’s love and plan.

Rahab's World: Living on the Edge of Judgment

Rahab lived in Jericho , a pagan city marked for destruction by God due to its wickedness and idolatry. As part of Canaan, Jericho was opposed to Israel both spiritually and militarily. Yet within its walls lived a woman whose heart had already begun to stir toward something greater than her city or lifestyle.

Rahab was a prostitute , and her home was built into the city wall—a place of both physical and social marginalization. She was not someone society valued, and certainly not someone religious people would associate with.

And yet, God saw her. He had a plan for her life.

Lesson #1: No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
Our labels—sinner, outcast, failure—do not define our destiny when God intervenes.

The Courage to Choose: Rahab Protects the Spies

In Joshua 2 , as Israel prepared to conquer the Promised Land, Joshua sent two spies to scout Jericho. They ended up at Rahab’s house—perhaps because it was a place where outsiders wouldn’t draw attention. But Rahab did more than offer lodging. She hid the spies and lied to the king’s men to protect them.

“I know that the Lord has given this land to you…” —Joshua 2:9

Rahab had heard of Israel’s God—how He dried the Red Sea and defeated mighty kings. She feared Him, but more importantly, she believed in Him . In a city destined for judgment, Rahab chose the side of the Lord.

This decision wasn’t just risky—it was treason . She risked her life for faith in a God she had never seen, but whom she believed was real and powerful.

Lesson #2: Faith often requires courage and action.
Rahab didn’t just believe internally—she acted on her faith, even when it cost her.

A Scarlet Cord and a Promise

Before the spies left, Rahab asked for a promise: that she and her family would be spared during the coming invasion. The spies agreed, giving her a sign —a scarlet cord to hang from her window. If the cord was there and her family was inside, they would be spared.

“Tie this scarlet cord in the window… and gather your family into your house.” —Joshua 2:18

This scarlet cord became her symbol of salvation. It marked her home as a place of mercy in a city marked for destruction.

The color red evokes the blood of the Passover lamb and ultimately, the blood of Christ. The scarlet cord is a powerful foreshadowing of the Gospel— judgment passes over those who trust in the saving sign.

Lesson #3: God provides a way of salvation to all who believe.
The scarlet cord reminds us that faith + obedience = salvation . God honors those who cling to His promises.

Rahab’s Deliverance: A Family Saved

In Joshua 6 , as Israel marched around Jericho and the walls came crashing down, Rahab’s house stood firm . She and her family were rescued as promised. Jericho fell, but faith stood .

“But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family… because she hid the men Joshua had sent.” —Joshua 6:25

Rahab didn’t just save herself— her faith covered her whole household . She gathered her loved ones, trusted God, and witnessed firsthand the power of divine deliverance.

Lesson #4: Faith can have generational impact.
Rahab’s courage created a legacy of salvation—not just for herself, but for her family and beyond.

A New Beginning: From Prostitute to Ancestor of Christ

Rahab’s story doesn’t end with her rescue. She integrated into the people of Israel and later married Salmon , a prominent Israelite. Together, they had a son— Boaz , who married Ruth. Their descendant was King David, and generations later, Jesus Christ .

“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab…” —Matthew 1:5

Imagine that—a woman once known as a prostitute becomes a direct ancestor of the Savior of the world .

This is the beauty of God’s redemption. He doesn’t just forgive sins; He rewrites stories . He takes brokenness and builds greatness. He brings outsiders into His holy family.

Lesson #5: God redeems and redefines us.
Rahab is no longer remembered by her sin but by her faith . She became a matriarch in the lineage of grace.

Rahab in the New Testament: A Legacy of Faith

Rahab is mentioned twice in the New Testament, both times as an example of true faith .

1. Hebrews 11:31 :

“By faith the prostitute Rahab… was not killed with those who were disobedient.”

2. James 2:25 :

“Was not Rahab… considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies?”

These passages affirm that Rahab’s salvation wasn’t earned by her good works or morality—but by her faith in action . She trusted God and proved it through her choices.

Lesson #6: Faith transforms identity.
Rahab went from being marginalized to being memorialized —forever honored in Scripture as a woman of righteousness and faith.

What Can We Learn from Rahab’s Redemption?

1. God Sees Potential Where Others See Shame

Society judged Rahab by her profession. God saw her heart . Don’t disqualify yourself based on your past. God calls those the world forgets.

2. Faith is Bold, Not Passive

Rahab risked everything because she believed. Our faith must move us toward God—even when it’s uncomfortable, dangerous, or unpopular.

3. God Rewards Those Who Trust Him

Rahab’s faith led to salvation, legacy, and honor. God never wastes a decision to believe in Him.

4. Redemption Rewrites the Narrative

Rahab’s name once stood for sin; now it stands for salvation. Let God write the final chapter of your story.

5. You Can Be Part of Something Greater

Rahab’s life reminds us that every believer has a role in God’s redemptive plan . Her faith shaped history—and so can yours.

Conclusion: A Testimony for All Time

Rahab the prostitute became Rahab the protector… and then Rahab the matriarch of the Messiah. Her story is not just about a woman in Jericho—it’s about every one of us who has ever wondered if we’re too far gone to be used by God.

The answer is no. God specializes in using the unlikely. Rahab’s radical redemption is an eternal reminder that grace transforms, faith saves, and God restores beyond measure.

Prayer

Lord God,
Thank You for the story of Rahab. Thank You that Your love reaches beyond our past, beyond our shame, and into the deepest parts of our hearts. Like Rahab, help us to believe in You with boldness. Give us courage to trust, strength to act, and faith to follow You wherever You lead. May our stories, too, become testimonies of Your redeeming grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.