Review of “Rahab: Woman of Jericho” by Diana Wallis Taylor

About the Book

Book: Rahab

Author: Diana Wallis Taylor

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Some biblical scholars maintain that the woman in Jericho who hid Joshua’s two spies was a harlot or a prostitute. But if that was the case, how did this woman, Rahab, become one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ? Wouldn’t the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son?

In this historical fiction, author Diana Wallis Taylor offers a beautiful story of intrigue that explains how Rahab came to be the mother of Boaz, grandmother of Obed, and great-grandmother of Jesse, the father of King David.

In Rahab, Woman of Jericho, readers discover a Rahab who is a descendent of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. Her clan left Egypt and settled in Canaan before the Hebrews were enslaved. Although they did not wander in the desert with Moses for forty years, nor did they hear the laws that the Lord gave to His people, they still worshipped the one true God.

Rahab marries Radames, a young Egyptian officer, who is to become the new governor of Jericho. They live in the Egyptian embassy set in the city wall. When the Israelites approach Canaan with their army, pharaoh sends word that he is withdrawing his troops. Radames fabricates a story to tell Jericho’s king, but Hammurabi doesn’t believe it…and he has his eye on the beautiful Rahab.

What will happen to Rahab after the lecherous king poisons her husband? How can she save her family from the invading Israelites? God parted the waters of the Jordan River for them—will He likewise provide miracles and blessings to her Ephraimite clan if they can rejoin their people?

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My Review:

Diana Wallis Taylor is a talented author, and I was looking forward to reading her book based on the Biblical account of Rahab. The author takes this story in a different direction from some of the other books or Bible studies that I’ve read about Rahab. She bases this book on the fact that the word for “harlot” can also be translated “widow”; so she portrays Rachel as a young widow living in Jericho. She also portrays Rachel as being a Jewish young woman who married into an Egyptian household. (Be sure and read the author’s note’s notes as to why she made those two choices for this story.) She faithfully follows the Biblical narrative, and then expands the story to Rachel’s marriage to Salmon.

I liked the story and felt that she brought the character of Rahab to life as a brave, faithful, caring young woman. I felt the tension that was building in the city of Jericho as the Jews marched around it. The author never lost sight of God’s love for His people and His ultimate plan of salvation. I’m still not sure I would have given Rahab a a Jewish background, but I did felt the author did a nice job overall of conveying God’s plan for His people.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Diana Wallis Taylor is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including such novels as Hadassah, Queen Esther of Persia; Lydia, Woman of Philippi; Mary, Chosen of God; Ruth, Mother of Kings; Mary Magdalene; and Journey to the Well. She is also the author of Halloween: Harmless Fun or Risky Business?

Diana’s additional published works include a collection of poetry, Wings of the Wind; an Easter cantata, “Glorious,” written with a musical collaborator and available on Sheet Music Plus; and contributions to various magazines and compilations.

She received her B.A. in Elementary Education at San Diego State University and was an elementary school teacher for twenty-two years. She operated two coffeehouse/used bookstores and later retired from a private Christian college as Director of Conference Services.

Diana makes her home in San Diego, California. Readers are welcome to reach out to her and read her blog at www.dianawallistaylor.com.

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