Later to become Rahab the Faithful Rahab the Harlot Later to become Rahab the Faithful rRahab – Heb. Signifies to be “wide, roomy, broad or proud rHer occupation as an harlot is verified in Heb.11:31 & James 2:25 where the original Greek is “e porne”. The same word is translated “whore” in Rev.17:1 and the same Greek word is used in the Septuagint translation in Joshua rShe gave up sin and sought salvation and became scripturally famous for her faith, by which she saved herself and her family from the destruction of Jericho Josh.6:25. James even links her with Abraham as examples of faith in action. rProvidence was working in the lives of Israel and Rahab to develop faith. When Israel passed over Jordan the males were required to be circumcised which should have caused them to remember that their inheritance of the land was not based on fleshly origins but faith. Cp.Gen.17:8 rIn contrast, Achan of the tribe of Judah manifested the flesh by his theft (Josh.7:21) and the circumstances of his fleshly genealogy are pertinent to Rahab. Achan’ great, great grandmother was Tamar (who played the harlot with Judah – but a great woman of faith) Gen 38:15-16. Tamar subsequently bore twins, Pharez the firstborn and Zerah his twin, the great grandfather of Achan. Josh 7:1,24.

Amazingly, Zerah had a scarlet thread tied to his hand as he appeared to be born first but his brother came out first (his brother therefore usurping the right of firstborn) Gen.38:29 -30 Also amazing, when Israel attacked Jericho, Rahab’s token of protection was a scarlet thread in the window (Josh 2:18) and she subsequently married Salmon the great, great grandchild of Pharez and usurped Achan’s position in entering the land! Matt.5:1