Rahab, a Canaanite woman living in Jericho, is mentioned in the Old Testament book of Joshua. She assisted Israelite spies by hiding them and facilitating their escape, an act of courage and faith that spared her and her family during the conquest of Jericho. The New Testament includes her in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), demonstrating her significance within salvation history.
Her inclusion in Jesus’ lineage is remarkable for several reasons. She was not Jewish, highlighting the inclusivity of God’s plan of salvation. Her past as a prostitute underscores the transformative power of faith and God’s willingness to redeem anyone. Rahab’s story foreshadows the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian faith and serves as an example of courageous faith leading to unexpected inclusion in Gods narrative.