IMITATE THEIR FAITH -RAHAB THE PROSTITUTE

 Rahab was a prostitute. That stark fact so alarmed some Bible commentors in the past that they claimed the was merely an innkeeper. The Bible, though, is quite clear and does not whitewash the facts. (Joshua 2:1; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25) In Canaanite society, Rahab's profession was probably respectable enough. However, culture cannot always eradicate conscience, that inner sense of right and wrong that Jehovah has given us all. (Romans 2:14, 15) Rahab may have keenly sensed that her way of life was degrading. Perhaps, like many today in such walks of life, she felt that she was trapped, with no other choice if she wanted to take care of her family. 

No doubt Rahab longed for a better life. Her homeland was full of violence and depravity, including incest and bestiality. (Leviticus 18:3,6, 21-24) The prevalence of such evils in the land and had much to do with religion. The temples promoted ritual prostitution, and the worship of such demonic gods as Baak and Molech included the burning of children alive in sacrificial fires. 

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