This would be a wonderful Bible Study to do on your own or with a group of people! You can go through it slowly in a couple of weeks or do it daily.

Rahab: Rediscovering the God Who Saves Me is a Bible study that is not to be missed. The time and effort that went into developing this study has to have been quite significant. It goes beyond simply looking into what the Bible says (which is a necessity, of course!). This author writes the best personal application questions I have ever encountered in a Bible study. The questions are specific and clearly exemplify how the Biblical passage is directly relevant to the reader’s life. While there are options for using only portions of each day’s reading, I highly encourage readers to go all-in to get the most out of it. I cannot wait for the accompanying video teachings to be released. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this study and will be looking into other works from the author!

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

ARC copy received from NetGalley

This is the story of Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute who lied to her king’s soldiers about the Israeli spies she was harboring in her loft. Her faith in God is rewarded after the spies keep their word and save her family from Jericho’s imminent destruction.

Rahab even makes it to the bloodline of Christ.

First things first, this is not a regular book but a devotional bible study designed to be read over several weeks. The reader is often asked to read prescribed verses and fill out blanks and notes. This might not work for those using an e-reader.

Rahab makes her entrance at around page 48 of this 181-word book. Personally, I think it could have been edited for brevity, perhaps 30-40 pages shorter.

That said, I did learn a lot about Rahab who could very well be a modern day hero. A woman living alone in a time when men’s sexual needs were not only catered to but also institutionalized, being constantly referred to as “Rahab the Prostitute”, yet displaying shining qualities – resourceful, bearing presence-of-mind, taking a leap of faith into the unknown, she even negotiated a deal with enemy spies so that her parents, siblings and their families would be spared.

Mention worthy are her detailed instructions to the spies to facilitate their escape, asking them to hide out in the mountains for three days and then proceed, all in an effort to outsmart her king’s men.

The Question of Lies

Another theme that the author Shadia does make reference to is the question of lies, how Rahab lied to her king’s men about the spies having left when they were still at her home. A couple of bibles I referenced do not use the verb “lied” to describe her action. This book too describes her action of lying as "weaving a convincing tale to throw off the king's messengers."

This got me thinking, is a white lie still a lie, or are some lies justified?

There’s a quote from an American series which goes:

“I'll tell you about lies.
There are white lies and black lies, and many shades of grey lies.
Some lies are justified.
Lies told out of kindness, lies that preserve dignity, lies that spare pain.
Everybody is a Liar, dear.”

I would recommend the book for those serious about bible study as the author has taken effort to cross-reference relevant verses from both the Old and New Testament.

Rahab by Shadia Hrichi is a thought-provoking six-week devotional which focuses on the character of Rahab and how we can all easily relate as we all have bits of her in us. Hrichi emphasizes, "Rahab's story is our story". Absolutely true. The author also clearly describes the steps of faith, grace, trust and salvation. We see how time and time again how God uses ordinary (sometimes even ostracized) people in extraordinary ways. Rahab was clever, brave and enterprising and she had only heard of God.

What an excellent group (or personal) study this would make. The format ensures plenty of space for note taking and answering questions. Included are points to ponder which I like in particular. There are also "just for fun" bits such as imagining what Rahab's home environment was like. Another thought which really resonated with me is that God saves us from ourselves, as the author described of her own situation. I like the idea of written devotionals to keep one focused (speaking from experience) and the fact that the author has weekly dates with God at the sea! We could all implement that, sea or no sea. So many practical lessons to be learned. God is always, always faithful and He never changes.

Whether you are new to Christian devotionals or not, you will definitely get something out of this. God knows our needs and will meet them in ways which are special and miraculous.

My sincere thank you to Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers for providing me with an early digital copy of this wonderful devotional book.

2.5 - 3 stars
Rahab
by Shadia Hrichi
This is a very in-depth look into the life of Rahab. I truly learned a great deal about her, her life and her family.
I do, however, have a few reservations about this study. This would be a much better group study than an individual one due to the length and the manner in which the book is designed.
I personally dislike the fill in the blank work in each section. It is much easier when an author gives you the entire verse instead of dropping out a few words here and there, especially when reading on an electronic device.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

I loved Shadia's Hagar study before, and this did not disappoint. I love her style of writing, and love the way she implores the reader to further study God's Word and how God values women. Excellent, Biblically-based work.

Rahab: Rediscovering the God Who Saves Me
Shadia Hrichi
This is the retelling of the story of Rahab. We first learn of Rahab in the Old Testament. God uses what we as humans consider the most unlikely, God used Rahab, a prostitute, a female, a brave soul and an extremely intelligent woman able to plan.
Rahab was not an Israelite, she never witnessed any miracles, nor did she know God’s laws but she had heard of God, his power and she believed. She hid and protected the Israelite spies when they entered the Canaanite lands/the Promised Land, despite the kings command she risked her life and found eternal life. She is in the lineage of Christ Jesus. Through Rahab’s story we witness the passion God has for his people; he pursues us.
This is a six-week study.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book to review. My reviews are always my unbiased opinion.

Rahab by Shadia Hrichi is an in-depth bible study. Complete with spaces for notetaking and comments.

A copy was provided for my review. All opinions are my own.