Was Rahab Justified for Her Lie?

Generally, it is acknowledged that lying is wrong. Lying destroys trust, prevents healthy communication, and severs relationships. However, it is often argued that white lies are acceptable. White lies are thought to be harmless, trivial, and supposedly said with good intentions. Some Christians use Rahab as an example to prove this point.

The account of Rahab can be found in Joshua 2:1-24. She was a prostitute living in the city of Jericho. When the 2 Israelite spies came into Jericho to view the city, Rahab hid them in her house. When the soldiers came knocking, she lied that the 2 spies had left her house, and she lied that she did not know where they were. Rahab was eventually rescued by the Israelites, she features in Jesus’ genealogy, and she is commended in the New Testament Scriptures for her faith (Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25-26).

DOES RAHAB’S CASE JUSTIFY WHITE LIES? LET US CONSIDER SOME FACTS:

1. The Bible records events candidly, showing us both the good and bad

God is a perfect God and never lies (Psalm 18:30; Hebrews 6:18). God teaches us through His Word how we may be perfect like Him (Matthew 5:48; Colossians 1:28). However, the people recorded in God’s Word are not perfect like God is. The Bible, as God’s inspired Word, records history as it happened. Hence, the Bible does not attempt to hide the imperfections of His people. Peter may be chosen to be one of Jesus’ apostles, but he was not perfect: the Scriptures tell us how he denied the Lord three times (Luke 22:54-62). David may be called a man after God’s own heart, but he was not perfect: the Scriptures tell us he committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-4).

Rahab told a lie to protect the 2 spies, and the Scriptures tell us as it is. We need to consider that Rahab grew up in Jericho, a Canaanite city, where the people are exceedingly wicked (Leviticus 18:25, 30). In fact, prior to Rahab meeting the 2 spies, she had evidently given herself over to a life of prostitution. Therefore, we cannot expect Rahab to exercise God’s law perfectly since she, as a Canaanite, did not have a good grasp of God’s precepts. Her budding faith in God moved her to protect the 2 spies. She did it in the way she thought was best: by telling a lie. This does not prove that her actions were completely acceptable.

2. The Bible commends Rahab for her work of faith, but not her lie

Although God’s people may not be perfect, the Bible gives credit where credit is due. Sarah was guilty of laughing at God’s promises, because she doubted that she could give birth in her old age (Genesis 18:11-15). Nevertheless, she was commended for her faith in eventually conceiving Isaac (Hebrews 11:11). Moses was guilty of killing an Egyptian, and he had to flee Egypt (Exodus 2:11-15). Nevertheless, he was commended for his faith in choosing to suffer with the Israelites rather than enjoy the pleasures in Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-26).

The Scriptures commend Rahab for her faith. What exactly was she commended for? In Hebrews 11:31, she was commended because she had “received the spies with peace.” In James 2:25-26, she was commended because she had “received the messengers, and had sent them out another way.” The Scriptures commended Rahab for her faith in receiving and sending the spies away safely, but never for her lie.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH WHITE LIES?

1. All lies are reprehensible to God

The Bible does not make a distinction between black and white lies. It is written, “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 12:22). Lying is a sin that God hates particularly. Lying is a work of the devil, for Satan himself is the father of lies (John 8:44). Satan has been lying from the beginning: his lies resulted in Adam and Eve’s sin (Genesis 3:4). Hence, all liars will have their part with Satan in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). Note: not some liars, but all liars.

In contrast, God is a God of truth, and He never lies (Psalm 31:5; Hebrews 6:18). God’s words are true from beginning to end (Psalm 119:160). God teaches us through His Word how we may be perfect like Him (Matthew 5:48; Colossians 1:28). God promises us that “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Hence, let us walk in truth, and not in lies (3 John 1:4).

2. The ends do not justify the means

White lies are often justified on the basis of good intentions. Some believe that the “ends justify the means.” The Bible has never supported this concept. Joseph would not have saved his family if his brothers had not betrayed him; however, that does not justify their betrayal (Genesis 50:20). Jesus would not have died if Judas had not betrayed Him; however, that does not justify Judas' actions (Matthew 26:24). We may wonder: how would Jesus save the world if Judas had done the right thing? We can only guess. The real question is: how did God execute His salvation plan in spite of the people’s imperfections? That is a testament to the infinite wisdom and divine providence of God (Ephesians 3:10-11).

The apostle Paul reveals that the more sin abounds, the more grace abounds. Does that mean we should sin more so that we can obtain more grace? In the words of Paul, God forbid! (Romans 5:20-6:2). We may think that the greater good provides justification for sin. However, God reminds us that, as servants of Jesus, we cannot live in sin any longer (Romans 6:2-7). Let God take care of the greater good, for all things are within His control (Romans 8:28). For ourselves, let us trust that God’s way is always the right way (Proverbs 3:5-6).

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM RAHAB’S EXAMPLE?

1. God can use us despite our imperfections

Who would have expected a prostitute to feature in the genealogy of Jesus Christ and also in God’s “hall of faith?” (Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31). The Bible is replete with examples of God calling imperfect individuals to accomplish His will. Make no mistake: our sins lead us to eternal condemnation (Romans 6:23). However, many faithful men and women of old had successfully turned their lives around and allowed God to use them for His glorious purpose (2 Timothy 2:21).

We may have done shameful things in the past. However, in God’s eyes, your past life does not matter anymore. God gives us the opportunity to become a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Can God use you for His service?

2.  God can use us only if we have faith

Rahab may not have been a perfect person, neither did she have a perfect knowledge of God’s law. However, she knew that she had to put her faith in the one true God (Joshua 2:9-13). Her faith moved her to risk her life to protect the 2 spies. Rahab’s example is a lesson on faith and trusting obedience.

Letting go of the past is one thing. Stepping into the new life is another. Having faith in God is to entrust our lives into His care, and to obey His commands (Hebrews 11:6). Having faith means to transform our lives for His service (Romans 12:1-2). Will you put your faith in God today?

Concluding remarks

Rahab may not have been a perfect person. However, she had faith in God. We are not perfect either. Nevertheless, God teaches us through His Word how we can transform our lives to be perfect just as He is perfect (Matthew 5:48). That journey starts with faith. Let us learn from Rahab, to put our faith and trust in the one true living God.