Sunday Prepper Bible Study-Hebrews 11:31
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Hebrews 11:31
Now this is getting embarrassing. Last week, in Hebrews 11:23, we had to overlook the fact that Moses’ parents defied the king’s edict and still made it into the Hall of Faith. Now, we have a hooker to contend with. Have you read the story? She lied to the authorities about the whereabouts of the Jewish spies. Isn’t that one of the ten commandments? Yet, she winds up in the very same Hall of Faith with Abraham, Moses and David. While Daniel and Isaiah are implied to be among the who’s who of Hebrews Chapter 11, their names don’t even appear. But Rahab, a prostitute, lies to the authorities and makes the cut. Just when you thought you had it all figured out.
Let’s take a closer look. Exodus 20:16 says “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” That sounds like it’s wrong to lie about someone in court to get them in trouble. But what about Revelations 21:8? Doesn’t it say that all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone? Indeed it does.
But what was Rahab’s motivation? She meant to deceive the authorities which were coming under the judgement of God, in order to save the lives of God’s servants. Trust me, the last thing I want to do is to muddy the waters of morality and tell you that it’s okay to lie. But today’s Bible verse makes it abundantly clear that Rahab chose the greater good by deceiving the authorities and protecting the lives of the spies.
As our government strays farther and farther away from the path of righteousness, the more we will have to wrestle with making the right decisions as to how far we will go in submitting to unjust laws and perhaps even how forthcoming we will be in providing accurate information to such a government. Pray that God will always grant you the discernment to choose the greatest good and that your faith will lead you to the course of action that most honors him.
While you won’t find it in the Bible, Franklin’s famous quote, “Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God”, may be best exemplified by the story of Rahab.
Come back every Sunday for a new Prepper Bible Study! The most important prep of all is knowing GOD. Jesus said “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul?” Prepper translation: “What good will it do you to survive the coming economic collapse, nuclear war or even a zombie apocalypse if you don’t know you will go to heaven when you die.” A recent study found that 10 out of 10 people die! On that day we will meet our Maker. It only makes sense to be prepared for that day. Click here to learn more about knowing GOD.
Have a blessed day and happy prepping!
Mark
I used to teach my children discernment in what you call lying. I believe if you go back to original texts you may find something like this… You owe truth to whom truth is due. It’s like during the holocaust, hey, are you hiding Jews in your basement? Oh yea you caught me let me show you where. The soldiers were in authority but a higher law was in effect. They were not due the truth because of their evil intent. This does take spiritual discernment, you need to think of the truth as unto The Lord. Hope this helps. God Bless
Fantastic analysis! Thanks for sharing.
It doesn’t say “because she decieved the authorities.” She believed in the God of Israel, that’s why she welcomed the spies. It does say in Joshua “because she hid the spys.” I think it is obvious that the reason was her motivation, she believed in God. It never says that lying is good. You can choose the greater good with out lying.
“And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? “(Jam 2:25 ESV)
It doesn’t say ‘when she lied.’
Maybe not giving info and taking the consequences that come would be the best choice. I have a hard time studying the bible and saying that lying is the better choice.
” 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. And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” (But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.)”
Joshua 2:4-6
Doesn’t get much clearer than that. Whatever you want to call it, she actively provided false information to the authorities, and according to the writer of Hebrews, she chose the greater good. Thanks for reading and thanks for the comment.