LABC Update – August 10, 2022

Family,

The central scripture for this coming Sunday is Hebrews 11;29 -12:2. In this text Rahab is praised for faith expressed in the assistance she gave the Hebrew spies on their reconnaissance mission to Jericho.

We know very little about Rahab other than her name, the actions she took to help the spies and that she is described as a prostitute. We are left hungering for her back story.

Of her the Common English Bible (Study Version) writes – She is identified as a prostitute, but the exact nature of that identity is uncertain. Prostitution simply for economic survival was practiced (Prov 6:26). The nature of Rahab’s prostitution isn’t specified. It’s also not clear whether the two Israelite spies came to Rahab as her customers. Some of the language of the story implies sexual activity (they bedded down there), but there is no indication the spies actually engaged in sex  with Rahab. What is clear, however, is that Rahab’s identity as a prostitute is ironic. Though she engaged in disreputable activity, she hides the spies and is preserved for this act when the Israelites invade Jericho (Josh 6:17). The NT includes her in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt 1:5). She is also praised as a person of great faith ( Her 11:31) and as one who was  justified by the act of harboring the Israelite spies (Jas 2:25).

This is the way the way the 19th century artist, Frederick Richard Pickersgill portrayed her in “Rahab and the Spies.”

http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/641670

I look forward to learning with you as we consider the theme of “Back Stories” on Sunday.

Pastor Jim

Today on LABC Zoom – Prayer and Bible Study with Pastor Jim

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