Rahab was not commended for lying, but for her faith in protecting the spies and aligning herself with the God of Israel. Scripture praises her actions, not her method. Her lie is recorded but not endorsed, it was her faith and courage that God honored.
“By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.”
(Hebrews 11:31)
When Israelite spies entered Jericho, Rahab hid them from the king’s men. She told the authorities that the spies had already left, though she had concealed them on her roof.
“Then the woman took the two men and hid them. So she said, ‘Yes, the men came to me… but I did not know where they were from.’”
(Joshua 2:4)
This was a lie, but it was driven by her decision to side with the Lord against her pagan city. Her justification was not the falsehood, but the faith behind it. She had heard of God’s power and chose to act in fear of Him:
“The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”
(Joshua 2:11)
James also affirms Rahab:
“Was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?”
(James 2:25)
This refers to her actions, her faith expressed through courageous obedience, not her deception. Her lie is never praised, but her loyalty to God is.
Rahab’s story is a case where a flawed human chose God over her own people. God used her in His plan, and she was later included in the lineage of Christ:
“Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab…”
(Matthew 1:5)
God does not need lies to accomplish His purposes, but He can work through imperfect people who choose Him. Rahab’s commendation is for her faith, her protection of God’s people, and her allegiance to the God of Israel.
