The term “Rahab” in the Bible carries a symbolic weight that transcends its literal meaning. In specific contexts, “Rahab” does not refer to the historical figure Rahab, the Canaanite woman of Jericho who helped Israel’s spies and became part of the lineage of Christ (Joshua 2, Matthew 1:5). Instead, it is a poetic term used to represent chaos, pride, or nations in opposition to God, most notably Egypt. This figurative use offers profound theological insights and showcases God’s sovereignty over all forces of disorder and rebellion. Understanding the symbolic use of “Rahab” illuminates key themes of God’s authority, power, and ultimate victory, as revealed progressively throughout Scripture.
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1. The Context of “Rahab” in Psalm 89:10
In Psalm 89:10, the psalmist declares, “You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.” This verse is part of a larger psalm extolling God’s covenant faithfulness and His sovereignty over creation. Here, “Rahab” is a metaphor for a chaotic and prideful force that God defeats. Scholars often associate this reference with Egypt, a nation that historically opposed God’s purposes for His people. The imagery of “crushing Rahab” evokes God’s deliverance of Israel during the Exodus, particularly through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. These acts revealed God’s control over both natural and supernatural elements, demonstrating His power to subdue even the mightiest adversaries.
From a dispensational perspective, this event occurred during the Dispensation of Law, when God revealed His holiness and power through His covenant relationship with Israel. The crushing of Rahab (Egypt) signifies God’s authority over earthly powers and serves as a type of His future victory over all chaos and rebellion.
2. Isaiah’s Use of “Rahab” as a Symbol of Egypt
The prophet Isaiah also uses “Rahab” to represent Egypt in several instances. In Isaiah 30:7, he writes, “To Egypt, whose help is utterly useless. Therefore I call her Rahab the Do-Nothing.” Here, Isaiah critiques Judah’s reliance on Egypt for military protection against Assyria, pointing out Egypt’s inability to act as a reliable ally. By calling Egypt “Rahab the Do-Nothing,” Isaiah underscores its futility and prideful arrogance, which stands in contrast to the sufficiency of God’s protection. Egypt’s reliance on its power and wealth, rather than submitting to God, made it a symbol of human pride and rebellion.
In Isaiah 51:9, the term “Rahab” appears again in a poetic reflection on God’s past deliverance: “Awake, awake, arm of the Lord, clothe yourself with strength! Awake, as in days gone by, as in generations of old. Was it not you who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced that monster through?” This passage recalls God’s decisive victory over Egypt during the Exodus, portraying Egypt as a monstrous embodiment of chaos and oppression. It highlights God’s ability to defeat both tangible and spiritual forces that oppose His redemptive purposes.
3. Rahab as a Symbol of Chaos in Job
The Book of Job contains two notable references to Rahab that emphasize God’s power over chaos and pride. In Job 9:13, Job acknowledges, “God does not restrain his anger; even the cohorts of Rahab cowered at his feet.” This verse portrays Rahab as a symbol of prideful resistance to God. Even the most powerful entities, represented by Rahab and its allies, are powerless before God’s sovereign wrath.
Similarly, in Job 26:12, Job declares, “By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces.” This poetic imagery alludes to the ancient Near Eastern concept of God’s victory over primordial chaos, often represented as turbulent waters or a sea monster. Rahab, in this context, embodies the chaotic forces that threaten God’s order, which He decisively subdues through His wisdom and might.
4. Rahab in Psalm 87: A Future Hope
While most references to Rahab symbolize chaos, pride, or rebellion, Psalm 87:4 offers a different perspective: “I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’” Here, Rahab again represents Egypt, but in a future-oriented context. The psalm anticipates a time when even Egypt and Babylon, traditional enemies of Israel, will acknowledge the Lord. This reflects the eschatological hope of God’s ultimate rule over all nations, a theme consistent with dispensational theology. During the Millennial Kingdom, nations that once opposed God will be brought into submission and join in worshiping Him.
5. Theological Significance of Rahab’s Symbolism
The symbolic use of “Rahab” throughout Scripture reveals several key theological truths:
- God’s Sovereignty: Rahab represents forces of chaos, pride, and rebellion that oppose God’s authority. Whether referring to Egypt or a metaphorical sea monster, the consistent theme is that God decisively subdues all opposition.
- God’s Deliverance: In many cases, Rahab symbolizes Egypt, highlighting God’s deliverance of His people during the Exodus. This historical act serves as a type of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and Satan.
- God’s Judgment and Redemption: While Rahab often symbolizes judgment, passages like Psalm 87:4 demonstrate God’s redemptive plan to bring all nations into submission and worship.
From a dispensational viewpoint, these truths unfold progressively across the ages. In the Dispensation of Law, God’s victory over Rahab (Egypt) displayed His faithfulness to Israel. In the Church Age, believers see the ultimate fulfillment of these victories in Christ’s work on the cross, where He triumphed over sin, death, and spiritual forces of darkness (Colossians 2:15). In the Dispensation of the Kingdom, all chaos and rebellion, represented by Rahab, will be permanently subdued under Christ’s reign.
6. Distinguishing Rahab the Symbol from Rahab the Person
It is important to clarify that the symbolic use of “Rahab” has no connection to Rahab the historical figure from Jericho. The Rahab of Joshua 2 was a Canaanite woman who demonstrated faith in the God of Israel and played a key role in Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land. Her inclusion in Christ’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5) underscores the redemptive nature of God’s plan and stands in stark contrast to the symbolic use of Rahab as a figure of chaos or rebellion. The two usages are entirely distinct and should not be conflated.
Conclusion: God’s Victory Over Chaos and Pride
The symbolic use of “Rahab” in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of God’s authority over all forces of chaos, pride, and rebellion. From Egypt’s defeat in the Exodus to the eschatological hope of Psalm 87, these references demonstrate that no power, physical or spiritual, can withstand God’s sovereign rule. As believers, we can rest in the assurance that the same God who crushed Rahab is the One who secures our ultimate victory through Christ. In the coming Kingdom, all rebellion will be subdued, and the nations will acknowledge His glory.
“Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:8)
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