Rahab

Rahab by Jeanne Gomm of Gomm Stain Glass Studio 2016

Rahab

Rahab is probably my favorite woman of the Old Testament. She was a heroine, a harlot, a refugee and an immigrant. She was also smart, kind, caring, courageous and full of faith. Rahab saved the Israelite spies from certain death and in turn they saved Rahab and her family.  Rahab had grown up worshiping false gods but had gleaned a fervent testimony as she learned of Him whom she came to know as THE living God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the God of strength and miracles.

I wonder how Rahab was treated. She had given up her homeland, her occupation and her faith tradition. Was she accepted or was she shunned? When she came to gather water from the well, did the other woman speak to her kindly or did they turn away and speak about her? After all, Rahab’s past could provide plenty of fodder for wagging tongues. Was she considered a threatening stranger or was she invited in to the circle and comfort of loving sisterhood?

We will probably never know, but either way,  Rahab stayed the course. If there were those who mocked her, she like Nephi of old, “heeded them not” (1 Nephi 8:33). My favorite quote from her is, “…for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and earth beneath” (Joshua 2:11). To me, Rahab's story is one of grace and redemption. It reminds me that "no matter what our past has been we have a spotless future" (Brown).

Rahab’s story becomes more fascinating as we learn of her posterity. According to Jewish tradition it includes seven kings and eight prophets. In Matthew chapter 1 we read that one of those is He who is known as King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s.

Bible King James Version 

Brown, H., B. 1883-1975.

The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ 

Gomm, J., (artist) Gomm Stain Glass Studio