Rahab (term)

Rahab is a term used in various contexts, most prominently in Judeo-Christian theology and biblical studies. It refers to:

• A Biblical Figure: Rahab is a woman mentioned in the Book of Joshua in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). She was a prostitute living in Jericho who aided the Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the city before its conquest. She hid them from the authorities and, in return, she and her family were spared when the Israelites attacked. Her act is often viewed as an act of faith and is cited in the New Testament as an example of righteousness by works.

• A Symbolic Name for Egypt: In some passages in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the prophetic books (e.g., Psalms 87:4, Isaiah 30:7), Rahab is used metaphorically as a name for Egypt. The reason for this usage is debated. It may relate to Egypt's past opposition to Israel, its reputation for pride, or its association with the sea monster or chaos figure of ancient Near Eastern mythology.

• A Mythological Sea Monster: In some interpretations, and particularly in older commentaries, Rahab is seen as a mythological sea monster, similar to Leviathan, associated with chaos and defeated by God at the time of creation. This interpretation draws from passages in Psalms (e.g., Psalm 89:10) and Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 51:9) that speak of God "cutting Rahab in pieces" or "piercing" it. This view connects Rahab to the primordial forces of chaos that God subdued to create the world.

Therefore, when encountering the term "Rahab," context is crucial to understanding its intended meaning. It could refer to the biblical woman, be a symbolic designation for Egypt, or allude to a mythological sea monster symbolizing chaos.