Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho, possessed a surprising amount of knowledge about the God of Israel. Here's a breakdown of what she knew and how she knew it:
What Rahab Knew:
* She knew Yahweh (the Lord) was God in heaven above and on earth below. This was her core conviction. It wasn't just that Israel's God was powerful; she believed He was *the* supreme God.
* She knew of the miracles God had performed for the Israelites. Specifically, she knew about:
* The drying up of the Red Sea when the Israelites left Egypt. This was a foundational event in Israelite history, demonstrating God's power over nature.
* The defeat of Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites. These victories demonstrated God's power over opposing armies and His commitment to giving the Israelites the land.
* She understood that the God of Israel had given the land of Canaan to the Israelites. This wasn't just a military conquest in her eyes; she saw it as divinely ordained.
* She recognized that the people of Jericho were terrified because of God's power. She observed the effect of God's reputation on her own people, noting their fear and dread.
* She believed that God was all-powerful and capable of delivering on His promises. This faith led her to plead for mercy for herself and her family.
How She Knew:
* Word of Mouth and Reputation: The stories of the Red Sea and the Amorite kings had spread throughout the region. The Israelites' reputation as a people protected and empowered by a powerful God preceded them. News travels fast, especially stories of dramatic events.
* Observation: Rahab likely observed the fear and anxiety of her fellow Jericho citizens. Their reactions to the approaching Israelites reinforced her belief in the power of their God.
* Potential Encounters/Trade: Jericho was a trading city. While not explicitly stated, it's possible that Rahab, through her interactions with people from different regions, had come into contact with people who knew about or even worshipped Yahweh.
* Intuition/Faith: Ultimately, Rahab's knowledge wasn't just factual. She had a level of faith that went beyond mere information. She had a sense that this God was different and that He was truly in control.
In Summary:
Rahab's knowledge of the God of Israel, though likely based on secondhand accounts and fear, was significant because it led to faith and action. She believed enough to risk her own life and the lives of her family to protect the Israelite spies, thereby aligning herself with the God she acknowledged as supreme. Her story is a powerful example of how even those outside the covenant can recognize and respond to the power and truth of God.