Hebrews 11: Flawed but FaithfulSample

Rahab’s Faith Took Her From Forgotten To Faithful

Rahab’s story begins at the margins—socially, morally, and spiritually. As a prostitute in Jericho, her life would have been dismissed by most and forgotten in history. Yet when two Israelite spies entered the city, it was Rahab who welcomed them—not just into her home, but into a moment of divine destiny. What looked like an unlikely alliance was actually a setup for grace. Rahab had heard of Israel’s God and believed. Her words weren’t merely impressive—they were a declaration of faith that defied her past and her people.

As a military strategist, Joshua sent the spies to scout Jericho, a fortified stronghold. The spies found refuge in Rahab’s home, where she made a stunning confession:

“I know that the Lord has given you the land… for the Lord your God, He is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9–11 ESV).

One Bible commentary says, “This statement is rich in biblical weight. The phrase ‘God in heaven above’ is used only by Moses, Solomon, and Rahab—linking her with Israel’s greatest leaders. Similarly, the phrase “Yahweh your God is God” appears rarely in Scripture (see Jer. 10:10; 2 Chron. 20:6; Ps. 100:3), further highlighting Rahab’s deep theological insight.” (1)

The same Bible commentary continues, “After aligning with Israel’s God, she boldly asked the spies to swear by Yahweh to spare her family. This kind of oath—invoking the name of Yahweh—was typically made by Israelites and their ancestors going back to Abraham (see Gen. 24:3). Remarkably, Rahab speaks as one of them. Her faith didn’t just result in personal salvation. Joshua 6:25 (ESV) notes, ‘…And she has lived in Israel to this day...’ The quintessential Canaanite, whose life once represented the very culture Israel was called to resist, became part of God’s covenant family.”

Rahab would have seemed the least likely person to further God’s mission. Yet her story reminds us that God saves by grace alone, through faith alone, for His glory alone.

Her bold confession and courageous loyalty didn’t just save her family—it secured her a place among God’s people and in the lineage of Jesus Himself (Matthew 1:5). Rahab’s story proves that God’s grace isn’t bound by our résumé. If He can use Rahab, He can use anyone. No one is beyond His reach—and no act of faith is too small for Him to honor.

Are you letting your past define you, or are you trusting God to write a new future through faith?

(1)Bible Review (Biblical Archaeology Society, 2004).