Soon after 18-year-old Bong married, the visions and screaming began. When her family accused her of being demon-possessed, Bong’s husband took her to the witch doctor. But even sacrificing chickens and pigs didn’t improve her condition. Her family sold everything to pay for medical treatment at the local hospital, but nothing changed. As a last resort, neighbors suggested she go to the Christians and ask for prayer. Prayer led to Bong’s deliverance, and she committed to follow the One who delivered her. She began sharing her new faith in nearby villages. In the first week, ten villagers responded by abandoning the traditional gods and choosing to worship the powerful God of the Christians. When Rahab heard stories describing the power of the Israelites’ God (Joshua 2), she also made choices that changed her life. 

A Surprising Response from Rahab

God had promised to help the Israelites conquer the land of Canaan. Nevertheless, Joshua sent spies to gather strategic information before the initial battle. When they arrived in Jericho, they stopped at Rahab’s house. Tradition labels her an innkeeper and a prostitute. Upon hearing of the spies’ arrival, the king demanded Rahab turn them over to him. Instead, she hid them, telling the king he was too late but might still catch them if he hurried. 

Although Westerners may criticize Rahab for lying, she wouldn’t have viewed her behavior in that light. The question in honor/shame cultures isn’t what’s right, but what’s honorable. As we saw in the Hebrew midwives, truthfulness equaled being loyal to your relationships, your group. Rahab had decided to transfer her loyalty to a new group, to seek a new identity. But why? Why would she protect the Israelites and betray her people?

Hospitality is a crucial aspect of honor/shame cultures today. In some places, a host must protect his guest even if the individual is an enemy. Was that also true in Rahab’s culture? Or was she tired of being frozen out of polite society? Maybe she was fed up with the quid pro quo (this-for-that) of serving a deity who wasn’t protecting her. Perhaps she determined to identify with the Israelite God because of what she heard through the grapevine. 

Reasons Rahab Chose to Change

Her conversation with the spies on the rooftop reveals the local gossip and her reasoning.

I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you… When we heard [how your God fights for you], our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness (Hebrew: ḥesed) to my family, because I have shown kindness to you.  

Joshua 2:9, 11-12

In the Canaanites’ worldview, all land belonged to the gods, and ownership shifted, determined by their whims or who was strongest. The Canaanites recognized their defeat was imminent. They were more convinced of the Israelites’ victory than the Israelites, which was priceless intel for Joshua and his troops. In a collectivist culture, reciprocity is the norm and the group shares any benefits. So, Rahab asked the spies to show ḥesed (covenant love) to her and her family as she had shown it to them. She wanted them to treat her as an Israelite, an insider. In choosing to change sides, Rahab made lifesaving and life-changing choices for herself and her family, but she didn’t make them in a vacuum.

God’s Hand in People’s Choices

We can see God’s work throughout Rahab’s story. He led the spies to a woman who knew who they were and why they came. Through the reports Rahab heard about the Israelite victories, she recognized Yahweh’s power. He worked in her heart to draw her to himself so she could choose him. Then he put her in a position where she could both protect and encourage the Israelites. God used Rahab to advance his kingdom and fulfill his covenant. She left a legacy of faith. Jewish tradition says she married Joshua; Matthew (1:5) says she married Salmon and became an ancestor of Jesus. 

Making Godly Choices

Our choices reveal our god. We make choices every day about which one to follow—one of the gods of our culture or the One True God. How can we choose wisely?

1. Petition God to open our eyes to his work in and around our lives.
2. Pursue his wisdom through Scripture reading, prayer, and godly counsel.
3. Pledge to do what is Christ-like rather than what is convenient.
4. Persevere in doing what God directs, trusting him to accomplish his purposes.

What legacy are we leaving by our choices?