RAHAB
The English word Rahab represents two different Hebrew words:
1. RAHAB, a Canaanite woman of Jericho, who gave shelter to the two spies sent in thither by Joshua; and in return was spared, with all her kindred, when the city was taken and destroyed, Joshua 1:2-21; Joshua 1:6. Her faith, in doing this, is commended in Hebrews 11:31 James 2:25. The Jews and many Christians endeavor to show that Rahab was only an honest innkeeper; but more probably the designation of "harlot" given to her in our Bible is correct. If she had at some time led a dissolute life, she had evidently repented; and she afterwards became a worshipper of Jehovah, and the wife of Salmon, a prince of the tribe of Judah, Ruth 4:21 Matthew 1:4.
The penitent publican and sinner are always welcome to Christ; and many such a one, through the renovating power of grace, will shine gloriously in heaven, while the unbelieving moralist will perish in his sins.
2. RAHAB, pride, insolence, a symbolical name for Egypt, Psalms 87:4; Psalms 1:89; Isaiah 30:7; Isaiah 1:51. In the last of these passages, Egypt is further symbolized as a ferocious sea-monster; but it is doubtful whether the word Rahab itself is ever used to denote a sea-monster.