Can a life of sin and shame change to one of faith and courage? Rahab’s story in the Bible says yes. She is known for her brave acts and strong faith. Her life shows the power of making bold choices.
Rahab’s story in the Bible is about six key decisions. These decisions changed her life and left a lasting mark. Her story teaches us that faith can turn ordinary lives into amazing legacies.
This is the story of how Rahab in the Bible took six powerful steps of faith. These decisions didn’t just help her survive—they helped her become a part of God’s plan. And believe it or not, her story can help us find courage in our own lives too.
Who Was Rahab? A Quick Snapshot
Rahab shows up in a few big parts of the Bible. We first meet her in the book of Joshua chapter 2, living in Jericho. She worked as a prostitute, and at first, that might make you wonder why her story matters.
But here’s the surprise: Rahab isn’t just a side character—she’s a hero of faith. Later in the Bible, in Hebrews 11:31, she’s listed next to great people like Moses and Abraham. In James 2:25, she’s praised for doing the right thing, not just saying the right words.
And in the book of Matthew 1:5, she shows up in the family tree of Jesus. That’s right—Rahab was the great-great-grandmother of King David and part of the same family line that led to Jesus.
It’s a reminder that your past doesn’t decide your future. Even if life started off rough, with faith and courage, things can turn around.
The Situation Rahab Was In
Jericho wasn’t an easy place to live. It was a powerful city with huge walls and a lot of fear inside. People there didn’t believe in the God of Israel. But they had heard stories—how God helped His people cross the Red Sea and win battles. And those stories made everyone nervous.
Rahab had also heard these stories. But instead of getting scared, she chose to believe. She believed that the God of Israel was the one true God. And when two Israelite spies came to her house, she made a huge decision: she hid them. She protected them, even though it could have cost her life.
Rahab didn’t have proof. She hadn’t seen any miracles with her own eyes. But she trusted what she heard. And that trust gave her the courage to act.
6 Bold Decisions That Redefined Rahab’s Life
Rahab’s story isn’t just a story of survival.
It’s a story of bold choices—choices that pushed past fear, shame, and doubt. Choices that showed real faith in action.
She didn’t grow up learning about God. She didn’t have a perfect past. Yet when her moment came, Rahab listened to the whisper of truth—and she responded with courage.
Her decisions didn’t just save her life.
They changed her identity. They shaped her future.
And they laid the foundation for a legacy that would eventually lead to Jesus.
So what exactly did Rahab do that was so bold, so life-changing?
Let’s take a look at the six powerful decisions she made—ones that can inspire us to trust God more boldly in our own lives.
1. Hiding the Spies – A Risky Act of Faith
Rahab didn’t know the two Israelite men who came to her door. They were strangers, spies from an enemy army. Turning them in could’ve earned her favor with her king—and maybe even a reward.
But Rahab didn’t do that. She chose to protect them instead.
She hid the men on her roof, covered them with bundles of flax, and sent the king’s soldiers on a wild goose chase. She risked her life… for faith.
Why? Because she believed in the stories she had heard about the God of Israel. She believed He was powerful. She believed He was real. And she trusted Him more than she feared her king.
Lesson: Faith often begins with risk—when we choose God over fear.
2. Hanging the Scarlet Cord – Asking for Mercy
After hiding the spies, Rahab didn’t stop there. She asked them for something more—mercy for her and her entire family when the city would fall.
The spies agreed and gave her a simple sign: hang a red cord in your window, and anyone inside your house will be safe.
That red cord became a promise. A silent prayer. A symbol of her faith.
When Rahab tied it in the window, she wasn’t just hoping to be saved—she was declaring, “I trust God to keep His word.”
Lesson: Real faith isn’t just hidden in our hearts—it’s something we show to the world.
3. Obeying Without Hesitation – Protecting Her Family
Rahab didn’t waste time after the spies left. She brought her family into her home—everyone she loved—and kept them there, just as she was told.
She didn’t argue or ask questions. She didn’t wait to see if the Israelites were serious. She acted.
That obedience might seem simple, but it took guts. The city was full of tension. Fear was everywhere. Yet Rahab trusted God and followed instructions exactly.
Lesson: When we obey in faith, even in hard moments, we make space for God to move.
4. Letting Go of Her Old Life – Embracing a New Identity
After Jericho fell, Rahab didn’t return to her old life. She didn’t reopen her home or cling to her past. She left it all behind—the city, the culture, the gods she once followed.
She started fresh. She joined the people of Israel and became part of their community. That was no small thing. Rahab had lived as a Canaanite, as someone outside of God’s promises. But by choosing to follow the God of Israel, she stepped into a brand-new identity.
She wasn’t just “Rahab the prostitute” anymore.
She became “Rahab the believer.”
A woman of courage. A woman of purpose. A woman with a future.
Lesson: Sometimes, walking with God means walking away from who we used to be.
5. Becoming a Living Example of Faith
Rahab’s story didn’t fade after Jericho. In fact, it grew even stronger over time.
The New Testament writers remembered her—not for her past, but for her faith. In Hebrews 11:31, she’s honored as one of the greats. In James 2:25, she’s lifted up as someone who showed her faith through action.
What makes this amazing is that Rahab didn’t come from a religious background. She wasn’t raised knowing God. But when the chance came, she trusted—and that trust changed her entire story.
People still talk about her today because her faith was real. It wasn’t just something she said—it was something she lived.
Lesson: You don’t need a perfect past to be an example of faith—you just need a willing heart.
6. Becoming Part of God’s Family – Leaving a Legacy
One of the most incredible parts of Rahab’s story is this: she didn’t just survive—she became family.
She married a man named Salmon, and together they had a son named Boaz. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Boaz went on to marry Ruth—another woman of deep faith—and became the great-grandfather of King David.
And through David’s family line came Jesus.
Yes, Rahab in the Bible is part of Jesus’ family tree.
God didn’t just save her. He wove her into the very story of salvation.
From outcast to ancestor of the Messiah—Rahab’s legacy still echoes today.
Lesson: The bold choices we make today can shape generations to come.
What We Can Learn from Rahab’s Life
Rahab’s story is short in the Bible—but her impact is huge. She didn’t just make one brave move; she made six bold decisions that showed what real faith looks like. Her life proves that God doesn’t wait for us to be perfect—He looks for people who are willing to trust Him.
Let’s take a moment to look at some of the big themes we can take away from her journey.
Themes and Takeaways
1. Courage is often uncomfortable.
Rahab made her biggest decisions in the middle of fear and danger. She didn’t feel safe—but she chose faith anyway.
2. Obedience matters.
Rahab followed instructions even when it didn’t make sense. She didn’t delay or debate—she acted.
3. Your past doesn’t disqualify you.
No matter where you come from or what your past looks like, God can still write a new story with your life.
4. Faith involves action.
Rahab didn’t just say she believed—she showed it. Through her choices, she proved her trust in God.
5. Today’s decision affects tomorrow’s legacy.
Rahab’s choices shaped the future of her family and played a part in the coming of Jesus Himself.
Reflection Questions
These questions are here to help you think more personally about Rahab’s story and what it means for your life:
What’s your “scarlet cord”?
What small act of faith are you being asked to hang out in the open?Who are you bringing with you?
Just like Rahab gathered her family, who in your life needs to be included in your faith journey?What old identity might you need to let go of?
Is there something in your past you’re still carrying, even though God is calling you into something new?What bold step is God asking you to take?
Is there a decision you’ve been delaying out of fear or doubt?
Conclusion – A Life Redeemed by Boldness
Rahab’s life started with brokenness, but it didn’t end there.
She chose courage over comfort, faith over fear, obedience over ease. And those choices changed everything—not just for her, but for everyone who came after her.
She’s proof that no one is too far gone for God.
That even when we feel small, our faith can make a big difference.
And that a single bold decision can lead to a legacy that lasts for generations.
So what about you?
What bold step of faith are you being invited to take today?
Whatever it is—no matter how risky or scary it feels—know this: God can take that one step and turn it into something bigger than you ever imagined.
Let your faith become your legacy. Just like Rahab.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rahab in the Bible
1. Why is Rahab included in the genealogy of Jesus?
Rahab is included in Jesus’ family line (Matthew 1:5) because of her faith and obedience. Even though she was once a prostitute, God used her to protect the Israelite spies and gave her a new life. She later became the mother of Boaz, linking her directly to King David and, eventually, Jesus. Her story reminds us that God can redeem anyone.
2. What can we learn from Rahab’s faith?
Rahab believed in God even before she saw His miracles with her own eyes. Her faith led her to take bold actions—protecting the spies, obeying instructions, and trusting God’s promises. She shows us that real faith isn’t just about what we say—it’s about what we do, even when it’s risky.
3. What does the scarlet cord represent in Rahab’s story?
The scarlet cord Rahab tied in her window was a sign for the Israelite army to spare her and her family. Spiritually, many see it as a symbol of protection and salvation—similar to how the blood on the doors protected the Israelites in Egypt. It’s also a picture of how God marks those who trust in Him.
4. Did Rahab completely leave her past behind?
Yes, Rahab made a clean break from her old life in Jericho. After the city was destroyed, she joined the people of Israel and followed their God. She didn’t return to her former way of living—she started fresh with a new identity and a new future in God’s family.
5. How does Rahab’s story show God’s power to redeem?
Rahab’s story proves that no one is too far gone for God. Despite her past, He welcomed her, honored her faith, and gave her a place in His plan. Her life went from being marked by shame to being remembered with honor. Her story is a beautiful example of God’s grace and redemption.
