Recent Reads - The Crimson Cord

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The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story by Jill Eileen Smith - It seems there are at least as many questions about Rahab as there are details offered in the Scriptures. She is described as a 'prostitute' but some scholars take the view that she could have been simply an innkeeper. The book of Joshua details how she stepped out in faith and protected the Israelite spies and secured their promise to protect her and her household when Jericho was destroyed. After that she is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus as the mother of Boaz (and therefore the great-great-grandmother of King David, if I've counted correctly!), with Salman as the father. The book of Hebrews also commends her for her faith.

Smith's historical novel telling of Rahab's story creates a rich background for the character, imagining a life and family for her before Israel is camped on the other side of the Jordan. Rahab is married to a gambler who makes her life a misery. When he finally runs afoul of the prince of Jericho, Rahab's troubles multiply, because she herself winds up a slave to repay his debts. Under the veneer of being a mistress to one of the noblemen, but soon she is forced into the role of courtesan and prostitute. Smith gives a very believable and heart-breaking story of how Rahab may have lived, and the hopelessness and helplessness of her situation.

In Part 2, Salman is introduced and his background developed from clues in Scripture. Smith builds on the belief of some scholars that Salman was one of the two spies sent ahead to Jericho, and creates personalities and a friendship for these spies and fills in believable details about their mission, their visit to Jericho, and their interactions with Rahab.  After the fall of Jericho, when Rahab and her family members are foreigners living with Israel, Salman and Rahab struggle with their attraction to each other - Salman cannot forget that Rahab is a foreigner and a prostitute, and fears that any relationship with her would come under judgment from God; and Rahab's past makes it almost impossible for her to trust any man. Rahab makes the courageous decision to serve Israel's God and obey him whole-heartedly, but wonders whether she can find forgiveness for all her sin and whether she is free to marry even if she decides she wants to.

I loved this fictional telling of historical people and events for its attention to historical and Biblical details, and its sensitive and faithful handling of some of the difficult questions that arise from the Biblical narrative. Questions that are raised today about this Old Testament story are surely similar to questions Rahab must have had - why did God command that everyone be killed, even women and children? Why did God's punishment for Achan's sin seem so harsh? How could one keep all the difficult parts of God's law? Smith's version of the story highlights the Biblical themes of redemption, justice and mercy in the life of Rahab as she comes to faith in God.

By the same author: Michal; Sarai: A Novel

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