Word | American Tract Society - Definition |
RAHAB | The English word Rahab represents two different Hebrew words: 1. RAHAB, a Canaanite woman of Jericho, who gave shelter to the two spies sent in thither by Joshua; and in return was spared, with all her kindred, when the city was taken and destroyed, Jos 2:1-21 6:17-25. Her faith, in doing this, is commended in Heb 11:31 Jas 2:25. The Jews and many Christians endeavor to show that Rahab was only an honest innkeeper; but more probably the designation of "harlot" given to her in our Bible is correct. If she had at some time led a dissolute life, she had evidently repented; and she afterwards became a worshipper of Jehovah, and the wife of Salmon, a prince of the tribe of Judah, Ru 4:21 Mt 1:4. The penitent publican and sinner are always welcome to Christ; and many such a one, through the renovating power of grace, will shine gloriously in heaven, while the unbelieving moralist will perish in his sins. 2. RAHAB, pride, insolence, a symbolical name for Egypt, Ps 87:4 89:10 Isa 30:7 51:9. In the last of these passages, Egypt is further symbolized as a ferocious sea-monster; but it is doubtful whether the word Rahab itself is ever used to denote a sea-monster. |