Summary of Ruth – “God Grants the Wishes of a Prostitute”

Rahab:

Joshua 2, 6:22-28, Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25, Matthew 1:5

As we conclude our study of the book of Ruth, we now realize that the wishes of the prostitute, Rahab were finally granted. What’s the connection, you might ask? Rahab, the prostitute, was the mother of Boaz (Matthew 1:5), who is the kinsman-redeemer in the book of Ruth.

If we travel back in time to after Moses’ death, we find, a newly commissioned Joshua (Joshua 1:1-5), and Moses’ army. God prepares this army to fight to conquer the city of Jericho (Joshua 1:6-11), which was their entrance to the Promised Land. Jericho is where Rahab and her family lived. We’d long ago forgotten about her, we certainly had no idea that she’d have any other significance in Bible history other than helping Joshua’s spies. However, God uses Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz to grant the wishes of Rahab, for the protection of her family. While it’s true that Rahab was a prostitute, did we discount the fact that she was a business woman. Though we may not agree with the product she was marketing, it helps to remind us that God can and does use anybody He sees fit to use. After all He’s using us to spread His message of His unconditional love and acceptance of all who believe in Him.

Rahab knew men, and she instantly knew the difference between the desires of the King of Jericho and his men, and this God she’d heard about and His men (Joshua’s spies). She was probably intrigued that the spies only wanted safe shelter, a place to sleep, and an escape route from her. They were not like most of the men who came to her house.

Being a business woman, she saw the opportunity to get something from these spies, after all she was risking her life to save them.

She’d heard that the spies’ God had caused the Israelites to escape Pharaoh by making a dry highway just for them through the Red Sea, and not one Israelite soul was lost by drowning. Yet, when Pharaoh’s army pursued them onto that dry seabed they and their horses drowned when God released the water (Exodus 14:26). She had encountered lots of men in her business dealings, becoming rich enough to support herself and her family. These men, however, were obedient to their God, who protected His people in a way that Rahab was unaccustomed to. She felt that she could help these men and trust their God to save her family in the destruction that would surely come. The spies enter into a contract with Rahab to save all who were in her house (Joshua 2:17-24).

We see God’s hand as He rescues Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz to make them into a family. We see Rahab honored in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Ruth and Boaz are honored as the great-grandparents of David.

Let’s take a fresh look at how God has salvaged our families today. Encourage each member by your example, to love God with their heart, soul, and mind.

Reverend Glenda Brunson