But Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rahab's salvation wasn't just about sparing her life; it extended to her entire household and possessions, signifying that her act of faith brought holistic redemption and safety to all connected to her. This act of saving "all that she had" underscores that God's grace isn't limited to just the individual who believes, but can profoundly impact and rescue those within their sphere.
But Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls, Joshua's command was to utterly destroy the city and everything in it as a sacred offering to God. However, an exception was made for Rahab and her household, who had previously aided Israel's spies. This verse records the preservation of Rahab and her family, ensuring their survival within Israel, as a direct consequence of her courageous act of faith.
Jericho was utterly devoted to destruction, yet one household was spared. How does this demonstrate God's surprising grace?
The complete annihilation of Jericho was a judgment from God on a deeply wicked culture. Yet, Joshua 6:25 highlights a dramatic exception: Rahab and her entire household were saved alive.
This wasn't a mistake or an oversight. It was a deliberate act of mercy, directly tied to Rahab's courageous act of faith. She risked her life to hide the Israelite spies, demonstrating a belief in the God of Israel even before she was formally part of His people.
Her salvation, along with her family's, shows us that God's grace isn't limited by our past, our profession, or our ethnicity. When individuals turn to Him in faith, even from the most unexpected places, God makes a way for their rescue and inclusion.
Rahab's faith wasn't just a feeling; it led to actions that had eternal consequences. What does this teach us about living out our faith?
Joshua 6:25 directly links Rahab's salvation to her act of hiding the messengers. This isn't just a historical footnote; it's a powerful theological statement.
Scripture elsewhere emphasizes this connection. James 2:25 famously asks, 'Was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?'
Her faith compelled her to act against her city's decree and her own self-interest. She risked everything based on her belief that the God of Israel was real and powerful. Her actions weren't the source of her salvation, but they were the undeniable evidence and fruit of her genuine faith.
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This shows us that true faith isn't passive. It engages with the world, makes difficult choices, and often requires us to step out in obedience even when it's scary.
Rahab, a foreigner and a former prostitute, became a vital link in the Messianic line. What does this reveal about God's plan?
The mention that Rahab 'has lived in Israel to this day' is more than just a historical marker. It points to her integration into the Israelite community and, remarkably, her lineage.
The New Testament explicitly connects Rahab to the ancestry of Jesus: 'Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab' (Matthew 1:5).
This is astounding! A woman from the enemy city of Jericho, previously known for her profession, is counted among the faithful ancestors of the Savior. Her story wasn't just about personal salvation; it was woven into God's grand redemptive plan for humanity.
It underscores that God's purposes often defy human expectations. He can take anyone, regardless of their past or background, and use them powerfully to advance His kingdom and bring His ultimate plan to fruition.
Understand the original words
chayah · Hebrew Verb
The act of preserving someone from death or danger. In Scripture, it often refers to both physical deliverance and the ultimate spiritual salvation provided by God’s grace.
Rahab's story, set against the dramatic fall of Jericho, highlights God's surprising grace, extending salvation not only to a nation but also to an individual outsider who demonstrated faith and courage.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Enter the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into the land of Canaan. This marks the beginning of their conquest of the land.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Spy Out Jericho
Joshua sends two spies into Jericho to scout the city's defenses and layout before the Israelite army arrives. These are the messengers Rahab hides.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
The Fall of Jericho
Following God's instructions, the Israelites march around Jericho for seven days, and on the seventh day, they shout, causing the city walls to collapse.
c. 1400 BC
Rahab and her Household Spared
Because Rahab hid the Israelite spies, Joshua orders that she, her family, and all their possessions be spared from the destruction of Jericho.
c. 1390 BC - 1350 BC
Rahab Settles in Israel
Rahab is integrated into Israelite society. Later, she marries Salmon, a prince of the tribe of Judah, and becomes an ancestress of King David and Jesus.
This passage directly references Rahab's faith, highlighting her act of hiding the spies as a demonstration of saving faith, paralleling the verse's focus on her salvation due to this act.
James 2:25This verse explicitly states that Rahab was justified by her works, referencing the same act of hiding the spies, thus reinforcing the connection between her action and her salvation.
Matthew 1:5This genealogical record shows Rahab married Salmon and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus, demonstrating the profound impact and integration of her faithful act into the lineage of faith.
Romans 11:24The inclusion of Rahab, a foreigner and former prostitute, in Jesus' lineage (as seen in Matthew 1:5) serves as a powerful example of God's grace in grafting Gentiles into His people, mirroring the concept of inclusion through faith.
Luke 7:47-50While not directly mentioning Rahab, Jesus contrasts the forgiven sins and saving faith of a sinful woman with those who lack it, resonating with the theme of salvation for those considered 'outsiders' who demonstrate genuine faith, much like Rahab.
cambridgeJoshua 6:25: "And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho."
25 . she dwelleth in Israel ] These words do not necessarily imply that she was alive at the time the Book of Joshua was written, but that the family of strangers, of which she was reckoned the head, continued to dwell among the children of Israel. She married Salmon, of the…
calvinJoshua 6:20-27: "So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city."
- So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout,…
Rahab's salvation wasn't just about sparing her life; it extended to her entire household and possessions, signifying that her act of faith brought holistic redemption and safety to all connected to her. This act of saving "all that she had" underscores that God's grace isn't limited to just the individual who believes, but can profoundly impact and rescue those within their sphere.
After the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls, Joshua's command was to utterly destroy the city and everything in it as a sacred offering to God. However, an exception was made for Rahab and her household, who had previously aided Israel's spies. This verse records the preservation of Rahab and her family, ensuring their survival within Israel, as a direct consequence of her courageous act of faith.
After the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls, Joshua's command was to utterly destroy the city and everything in it as a sacred offering to God. However, an exception was made for Rahab and her household, who had previously aided Israel's spies. This verse records the preservation of Rahab and her family, ensuring their survival within Israel, as a direct consequence of her courageous act of faith.
"But Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho." — Rahab's salvation wasn't just about sparing her life; it extended to her entire household and possessions, signifying that her act of faith brought holistic redemption and safety to all connected to…
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Last reviewed October 2026