The Gideons International in Canada employs 32 people and has an annual budget of $8 million. Fact: Dead skin cells are a main ingredient in household dust Here's an interesting science fact for you: According to researchers at Imperial College London, humans shed around 200 million skin. The two spies walk up to a house thats set in the wall of Jericho and meet a woman, Rahab. She wasnt a woman in the highest echelons of society, yet she was willing to risk her life for what she believed. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, (Matthew 1:5 NKJV). By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe when she had received the spies with peace (Hebrews 11:31 NKJV). While we cannot be certain, it is possible that she was motivated to help the Israelites because she wanted to protect her loved ones from harm. As if that wasnt enough risk, Rahab goes on to help the spies create a strategic and safe return home (Joshua 2:14-16). If so, it is likely that she had other family members in Jericho who were also struggling to make ends meet. 6. But the lesson I want us to focus on today is the story of Rahab. How could Almighty God, the holy God of heaven, use such a sinner like me?" Are you ready to dig deep into the story of Rahab? How did you decide Rahab was around 40 at this point? 8. If you wish to use an image or any other content of this blog, contact connect@lotanner.com prior to using the content. It is thought that the wall was constructed using mud bricks, which would have made it vulnerable to collapse if they became wet. The story of Rahab and the spies would have been very different if she hadnt been a quick thinker. a. Many people are familiar with the story of Rahab, the prostitute who helped the Israelites escape from Jericho. We wouldnt have had that awesome story of Rahabs faith in the Bible. They say Gods grace covers our sin so it doesnt really matter how we live. The program, called Acoustic Kitty, involved surgically implanting batteries, microphones and antennae inside cats. Obedient Rahab was obedient to Gods commands, even when it put her in danger. Jesus' own lineage shows how God powerfully uses us despite our past. If youve ever had to deliver a speech before an unknown audience you understand how much nerve it takes to speak up for what you want. The Rahab story, shows faith triumphing over the King of the Amorites by her faith. The Bible doesnt give any conclusive evidence and it is in this gap that Ms. Taylor pens her story Rahab Woman of Jericho. Righteous Rahab was righteous, as evidenced by her later conversion to faith in God. After summarizing what Jericho had heard about God's people, Rahab made the most shocking statement of all. Generous Rahab was generous, as she gave her own Jericho house to the spies. 2. But these are barren lands with plants that have adapted to freezing cold winters and harsh soil conditions. But we see Rahab taking a bold step towards her destiny leaving her past behind. Rahab kept them safe and helped the spies to escape. We see this played out throughout history, and it continues to happen today. Your email address will not be published. 3. And that boy would one day marry a widow woman by the name of Ruth (Ruth 4:5, 10). In the olden days, just as today, cities were called by the names of famous men and women. window.fd('form', { 175 Random Facts So Interesting You'll Say, "OMG!" These fun facts about everything from the cosmos to the inner workings of your body will blow your mind. Rahab leads the soldiers to believe the spies had come and gone. The name Rahab is most likely a shortened form of a sentence name rb-N, the god N has opened/widened (the womb?). Joshua knew that he needed divine intervention to defeat Jericho, so he asked God for guidance. Rahab was also a Canaanite, who were the hated enemies of Israel. Rahab hid the Israelite spies before they crossed the Jordan River. Third, Rahab takes great risks to help the spies, including hiding them in her own home. Their bodies convert waste into protein. Rahabs name is likely derived from the root r--b, meaning to be wide open. This may relate to her role as an innkeeper, as it would have been necessary for her to keep her establishment open wide in order to accommodate the many travelers who passed through Jericho. Rahab saves spies Joshua 2:1-7 The Hebrew tribes led by Joshua came into Canaanite territory, where they encountered city states who did not welcome the intruders. When the Israelites approach Canaan with their army, Pharaoh sends word that he is withdrawing his troops. History Partly because of her reputation as a prostitute but also because of the restraints put on women in those times. Rahab hid the Israelite spies before they crossed the Jordan River. She Was "Declared Righteous by Works". Rahab was a prostitute. Rahabs name is most likely derived from the Hebrew word (rb), meaning wide It may also be related to the Arabic word (raaba), meaning to be merciful. Many scholars refer to it when theyre looking for cultural context, changes in Hebrew OT/NT law, or when they come across what seems to be a contradiction within scripture. There was a time when these descriptions were 100% accurate. 1. The story of Rahab and the spies from Israel is one of the most popular in the Bible. Synonyms: Recklessness. When the Israelite spies came to her city, she could have easily turned them over to the authorities. 90% of U.S. media (TV, news, radio) is owned by 6 companies. 95 Fun Facts That Will Amaze You By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer Published August 19, 2020 American flags left on the moon will eventually get bleached white by the sun. God is so amazing! The Kingdom of Bhutan uses "Gross National Happiness" as an important national measurement. What made her do that? Faith accepts that God rewards those who pursue a relationship with Him. An old man named Noah, who was really old. Thanks for sharing your experience with me , I used to think Rahab was only a prostitute and she wanted to sleep with the Christian spies. Find a digital copy of the Rahab study here. The rabbis viewed Rahab as a worthy convert to Judaism, and attested that Rahab married Joshua following her conversion; their descendants included the prophets Jeremiah, Hilkiah, Seraiah, Mahseiah, Baruch, Ezekiel and the prophetess Hulda, [22] although there is no report in the book of Joshua of the leader marrying anyone, or having any family So lets take a moment to consider them here. Some, like Welsh, are only spoken by less than 20% of a single region or country's population. Much work remained. How can she save her family from the invading Israelites? 2. She identified the spies for what they were, hid them, and had a convincing story ready with which to deceive the king's men. containerEl: '#fd-form-63050dacce6421efe0a560d4' Or grab the full book study here. Greenland is the world's largest island. The American flag. Rahab recognized the God of Israel. Its been fascinating to read through different portions of it! Despite living in a city that was opposed to the Israelites, she believed in their God and chose to help them. Ive always wondered, but I think Rahab had enough flax to completely cover the two Israelite spies. Courageous Rahab was courageous, as she hid the spies and lied to the kings soldiers. And she did it in a moment. Michael A. Milton (PhD, Wales) is a long-time Presbyterian minister (PCA) and a regular contributor to Salem Web Network. Still, the people of Jericho may have felt as if they could hide behind their walls. The answer can be found in Rahabs character. Random Fun Facts About Geography 63. Sometimes we get this idea that to escape from the things that separate us from God we need to slowly wean ourselves off of them. 5. She refused to nurture those things anymore. Why? What is the path that lies ahead of you? Sexual sin was deeply embedded in Canaanite culture. The spies disobeyed God by not going into the land when He told them to, and they were punished for it. Its not the tree that stands out, but the stories attached to it, each pointing to the faithfulness of God and His love for us. In short, the City Gates were extremely important in both a practical and symbolic sense. Do not give the enemy ground that Jesus has already taken. She had to decide what she believed about God. In Psalm 87:4 Rahab is the name of a city; also in Psalm 89:10 and in Isaiah 51:9. Rahab; the girl lost in an incredibly sinful life. I doubt it. From the moment conflict arose between the Israelites and Rahabs people, Rahab had set in her heart whose side she was on. She trusted in him for the righteousness she could not produce in her own life: I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. Both Deuteronomy and Leviticus record detestable practices of life and worship (including sexual perversions) that were the norm for Canaanite peoples. While I dont support this viewpoint, it was fascinating to get a glimpse of what life may have been like for Rahab, not only as she lived behind the walls of Jericho, but later when she was integrated into the Israelites camp. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. In this article were going to explore the real condition of the land of Canaan in Rahabs day; before it transitioned to the promised land. Judah married a Canaanite woman named Shua. These are the words I use to describe the character of Rahab in the Bible. There were whispers that they had been promised the land of Canaan. I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you (Joshua 2:9 NIV). 2. As Rahab lived in the wilderness among the Israelites, she had to wrestle with this question. 1450. 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. My friend, you can be like Rahab the prostitute, you can choose to live a life that pleases God. These things require a steady work ethic and a life source in order to thrive. I agree! The Forgotten Mothers of the Bible. The history of the King of Jericho is found in the book of Joshua. One of the most important stories in the Bible is the story of the 12 spies. Actually, lets rephrase that. A Biblical prostitute or just an innkeeper? Learn more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure policy.What do you know about Nimrod and the story of the Tower of Babel? Book: Rahab, Woman of JerichoAuthor: Diana Wallis TaylorGenre: Biblical FictionPublisher: Whitaker House Publication Date: August 4, 2020Print Length: 234 pages. Let's dive into the fun world of interesting facts and see what we can learn about. When the Israelites come to Jericho to conquer the city, Rahab hides the Israelite spies and helps them to escape. She was a Canaanite woman who lived in the city of Jericho during the time of the Israelite conquest. You probably have more hair than you think. If you've never heard of these languages, you aren't alone. But instead, she protected them and helped them escape. In addition to founding three churches, and the call as Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, Dr. Milton is a retired Army Chaplain (Colonel). Matthew calls her Rahab, mother of Boaz. The word for "window" appears three times in the Rahab narrative (Josh 2: 15, 18, 21) when she helps the men escape and marks her house so it will be spared destruction.Windows have a prominent role in the stories of several other biblical women: Michal (2 Sam 6:16), the mother of Sisera (Judg 5:28 -31), and Jezebel (2 Kgs 9:30).All these women are looking through their palace windows . A woman who risks her own life to save others. In exchange for her good deeds, the Israelite spies promised that IF Rahab was alive when they returned and IF she kept the scarlet rope (which they used to escape that night) hanging from her window when the Israelites invaded Jericho, Rahab and those in her home would be kept safe. #hebrews12endurance, What is Idolatry? The biblical account of the fall of Jericho describes a miraculous event in which the walls of the city came tumbling down after Joshua and the Israelites marched around them for seven days. When they entered the wilderness they crossed the water of the Red Sea, That Miracle made the inhabitants of the land melt. We often think it takes a lot of courage to be brave but the best definition of bravery is doing what needs to be done, not because you dont have any fear but in spite of it. Who came to rescue the earth from God's destruction? Answer: True According to Matthew 1:5-6, Rahab was the great-great grandmother of David. The Gates also symbolized entry into the kingdom of God and were often mentioned in biblical passages. So He tells the Israelites in Deuteronomy 9:5, It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath (Joshua 2:9-11 ESV). One thinks of Audens remarkable poem, The Fall of Rome, when the movement of herds on the European tundra marked the march of Goths and Visigoths: Altogether elsewhere, vast herds of reindeer move across miles and miles of golden moss, silently and very fast.. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Second, this story teaches us that God is a God of justice. Rahab is best known for her role in helping the Israelite spies escape from Jericho, and for her subsequent marriage to Salmon, an Israelite. Rahab was one of the ancestors of Jesus mentioned in the first chapter of the New Testament. Diana Wallis Taylor is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including such novels asHadassah, Queen Esther of Persia; Lydia, Woman of Philippi;Mary, Chosen of God;Ruth, Mother of Kings;Mary Magdalene; andJourney to the Well. Her bravery saved the lives of the Israelite spies and ultimately led to the fall of Jericho. Keep moving forward! Rahab is mentioned in the New Testament in the Letter of James and in the book of Hebrews. What if she had had an unrealistic impression of her own strength? This is what set the God of the Bible apart from the false gods of other nations. 32 Interesting Facts About Noah and His Ark Andrew Krehbiel 6 MinutesRead Updated: December 12, 2022 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. This caused the walls of Jericho to collapse, and the Israelites were able to enter the city and defeat its inhabitants. Rahab was a prostitute woman. In Rahab's day, it was normal for women to be bought and sold for sex (or even marriage). One of God's good girls. She was rewarded for her kindness and ultimately married Joshua, taking her place in the ranks of righteous converts.. Who Was Rahab? Now, this may not seem important to you until you realize that there were only three women listed in the genealogy of Jesus and one of them was Rahab, the prostitute. He was educated in the palace of Pharaoh and married Zipporah the daughter . For many of us, our identity is our hang-up. 3 Profound Reasons Idolatry is a Sin, 23 Encouraging Bible Verses About Endurance, Consider Your Ways: 3 Simple Tips for Introspection, 4 Simple Ways to Share the Faith With Your Family. When the Israelites were about to invade Jericho, Rahab helped two spies escape from the city and hid them from the authorities. Quechua. You can choose to have the faith of Rahab. She asked for what she wanted knowing the Hebrew spies had no reason to give it to her. Deuteronomy 9:5. Have We Turned Our Favorite Preachers and Teachers into Idols? Thats how the entire line of Abraham started! A shrimp's heart is located in its head. Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew. Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, Go, view the land, especially Jericho., So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. Are you ready to dig in? Thanks so much! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Your nails also follow the same principle - hair and nails are both made of the protein keratin. Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho during the time of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt. When your city has fortified walls, its easy to believe your city is impenetrable. After the fall of Jericho, the Israelites went on to conquer the rest of Canaan. Rahab hid the spies and saved them from the king in exchange for her life and her familys. The location of Rahabs house also made it convenient for her to help the Israelite spies escape from Jericho. When something is abandoned it is no longer receiving the nurture it needs to grow. And the Bible does a good job of showing us what to do but with so many male leads its sometimes hard to visualize what a woman who pleases God looks like. In conclusion, there is reason to believe that Rahab did have family in Jericho. This could mean that she simply provided them with lodging and food, or it could imply that she engaged in sexual activity with them, . If we only look at our past, who we were in our own strength; well fail to see the lesson, hope, and beauty of a life touched by God. As a result, when Jericho is conquered, Rahab and her family are spared. How did Rahab show faith? So if youre feeling like youre not good enough or youve made too many mistakes, remember Rahabs story and know that there is always hope with God. What are the 9 Admirable Characteristics of Rahab? In this short verse, we learn a few things about God and faith: Rahab displayed all of those characteristics. Interestingly, Boaz went on to marry Ruth, another woman who was not originally from the tribe of Judah. For Rahab trusted in God who fulfilled the covenantal promise to Abraham that he would be given land from which would bring a nation, and a descendant, who would bless the earth. But there's more to the story of Rahab so much more. Esperanto. And until that point in this space where I am not-still-a . Rahabs story is a picture of Gods plan of redemption, available to anyone who will believe Him by faith. A woman of Rahabs age (40+) left unwed and without a child was shamed. 1. And God knew that all along. The story of Rahab is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. Readers are welcome to reach out to her and read her blog at www.dianawallistaylor.com. A snail can sleep for three years. My guess is youve heard her described much differently. And the words He speaks never return void. It could be that Rahab was coerced into her lifestyle. 65. Covenants gives us a promise to hold onto and look forward to. Interesting facts and fun facts that educate, entertain, and amaze yourself. 3. Read the fullaffiliate disclosure. 6. Joshua 2:10-11. Cookie Monster's real name is Sid. It will likely shrivel and die unless someone else comes along to provide a life source. Lets take a look at the things that Rahab chose to leave behind to gain life with God. Forgive my blunt language but when it all boiled down to it, that was the choice Rahabs family had to make: To save her familys lives, Rahab managed to convince her whole family two things: The story of Rahab is about one womans courage and her actions that saved her entire family. His father, Giovanni Santi, was a court painter in Raphael's hometown. And as soon as we heard, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the, This is one of my favorite chapters to work through in the Rahab Bible Study, For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, who you utterly destroyed. If they want another lobster to know that they're happy or sad or angry or interested in a relationship, they say it with pee! Required fields are marked *. Why is knowing about the various characters in the Bible important. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. She exercised it. 33. His name means "lofty, exalted, or high mountain." There is no information about his birth or his early years. Faithful Rahab was faithful, as she protected the spies secret and did not reveal their whereabouts. 4. Simply the best collection of interesting facts, weird facts and useless facts. But not Rahab. How very beautiful to think that it is a scarlet cord of the covenant of God's grace that binds all of the Word of God together. In fact, that is a big part of why God chose to destroy the Canaanites in the first place. In the New Testament, Rahab is praised for her faith and her works. The Wall of Jericho was a fortified wall that surrounded the ancient city of Jericho. Gigi Hadid gets candid about parenting Khai. But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho--and she lives among the Israelites to this day. All for the HOPE of a new life, with the One True God and His people. Rahab was the great-great-grandmother of David, according to the Christian Bible. This was especially important at night when the gates would be closed and only those with the proper credentials would be allowed to enter. On the contrary, dogs bob their head up and down when chasing prey. Rahabs story is a reminder that anyone can be used by God, no matter their background or station in life. 3. Hydra - an aquatic creature is the only living creature that never die. Either way, it is clear that Rahab was involved in prostitution. The peoples beloved leader Moses is dead and Joshua, the new guy in charge, sends two spies to check out the land of Jericho which is the first barrier between the Israelites and Canaan. Get your copy of Rahab Woman of Jericho. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Lined up, all of the planets in the solar system could fit between the Earth and the moon. By including these four women in Christ's genealogy, Matthew is making the claim that God's great plan of salvation includes Gentiles, even unrighteous Gentiles. He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit. She didnt just let go of some things, she abandoned EVERYTHING. Finally, Rahab shows us that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. So without further ado, here are 80 interesting facts about life that will surprise you. I loved this! Women in that position often struggled to provide for themselves (the book of Ruth draws great attention to this). Her past did not disqualify her from receiving Gods mercy. And we can become a blessing to others. Even today, she is an example of how God can use anyone no matter their past for His purposes. Rahab is a very important figure in the Bible, appearing in both the book of Joshua and the New Testament. What I admire so much about Rahab is that she took the reckless route. She is not remembered for her sin. Miraculously, at his cue, the walls of Jericho came crashing down, and the Israelites were able to march into the city and claim it as their own. There was no guarantee these risks would pay off, but to Rahab, these risks were worth it. But there was no hanky-panky between Rahab and the spies, she had been able to see through their disguise and knew there was a greater force at work. Im glad your faith was boosted by Rahabs story. He has composed and performed original music for five albums. (NIV) Hebrews 11:31. Strange but true, the official flag of the United States was designed by Robert G. Heft in 1958 while Heft was a junior in high school. Rahab put her life at risk several times while helping the spies. Did she expect that she would one day be the ancestor of Christ? Something tells me she had been waiting for an opportunity like this; a chance to escape the darkness in Canaan and the hurt of her life. The Bible tells us that we cant please God without faith: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV).
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