When the Israelites prepared to
invade and destroy the city of Jericho to enter the Promised Land, the spies
that Joshua sent out were hidden in safety in the household of a prostitute
(Joshua, Chapter 2). Her name was Rahab, and because of her assistance, they promised to protect her and her family from the
coming destruction of the city. Joshua, in fact, materialized that promise and Rahab dwelt
among the Israelites (Joshua 6:22-26).
Here’s an interesting question for
you. How is Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, related to Ruth? Most Bible students know about
Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, and of Ruth’s love for her. Ruth remained so even
after both of these women were widowed. When we read of Boaz taking Ruth as his wife, we
usually don’t think about Boaz having a mother but, of course, he did. Boaz’s
father was Salmon and his mother was Rahab! (See the lineage of Jesus in the first chapter
of Matthew. The KJV version shows "Rachab".) So, Ruth’s second
mother-in-law was Rahab, that harlot of Jericho.
Ruth and Rahab, both Gentiles, were to
be honored by God for their love for His people. As we read further in Matthew we learn
that Rahab was the great-great-grandmother of King David. Ruth was David’s
great-grandmother. They would have been even prouder of the fact that they were to be
honored by God by being part of the lineage of Jesus, the promised Messiah.
Of all the women mentioned in Matthew,
Chapter 1, only Mary was a chaste women.
Tamar, was the wronged daughter-in-law of Judah, who deceived him,
became pregnant by him and bore Perez. (Genesis , Chapter 8)
Rahab was a harlot.
Ruth was a Moabite, who married an Israelite.
Bathsheba, whom David brought to him to commit adultery, later bearing
Solomon. (II Samuel, Chapters 11 and 12)
...... all honored by God.
Ruth’s wonderful relationship with
Naomi is a beautiful story. I feel certain that she enjoyed this same kind of relationship
with Rahab. My, what stories they could have shared! What examples Naomi and Rahab were to
Ruth! And, what hope for women today! God uses whom He pleases, to glorify Him. Even the
lowest of character have the opportunity to become one of His children and serve him.
I’ve always loved these stories
because I have such a great mother-in-law myself, Berniece Gary.