OT Characters: Rahab (Guest Speaker-CJ Jones)

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Rahab Study OutlineHebrew NamesRahab: means “large,” “extended.” New Testament scriptures has it spelled the same in Hebrews and James (Ra’ab). However, the Gospel of Matthew used a slightly different spelling (Rahab as in Rachab) in the Koine (common) Greek.Jericho: means “a place of fragrance” and called the “City of Palm Trees” by the Israelites.Asherah: This was the name of a sensual Canaanite goddess Astarte (Uh-Start-ee), also related to the moon. Image often carved into wooden poles.Harlot/prostitute: “kedeshah” was a woman consecrated to prostitution in connection to Asherah worship.Further StudyHistorical studies on the Canaanites and the Bronze Age and geographical studies help us better understand the situation.The name Rahab is mentioned in Job 9:13 and 26:12, Psalms 87:4 and 89:10, and Isaiah 30:7 and 51:9 in regard to a nation (Egypt) that is proud and quarrelsome.Study out Tamar: someone who became involved in prostitution (Genesis 38:1-30), yet shows up in the genealogical line of Jesus. Study  the book of Ruth, where a Moabite persuades the Israelite Boaz to marry her; she too is in the genealogy of Matthew.Some Things We Learn About GodGod is merciful and gracious to those outside of Israel who had genuine faith and were willing to put it into action.Even though we see the here and now, we can forget that God always has bigger plans in the long run. Rahab had a bigger-picture role in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.For kidsGod loves us and has plans for us. Not one of us has an excuse because of where we come from or what mistakes we have made.If we love God we must trust and obey him, not only with words but also in what decisions we make and how we live.We should love, care for and look out for our family always, and not only look out for our own interests.Key VersesJoshua 2:1-21, 6:17, 22-25Matthew 1:5Hebrews 11:31James 2:25