Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
RA'HAB, a woman of Jericho who kept a public-house, and, as most suppose, was of depraved character. She had heard of the Israelites and of the favor of God toward them. Josh 2:8-11; and when the two spies sent out by Joshua came to Jericho to explore the land of promise, she concealed them from the officers who were sent in search of them, and at a convenient time let them down by a cord upon the outside of the city wall, to which her house joined.
It was agreed between her and the spies that she should take a scarlet thread and fasten it in the window or aperture through which they had escaped, and when the city was destroyed her house and all that were in it should be protected. Josh 2:17-23. When the city was taken and burnt, Rahab and her family were preserved. Josh 6:17-25, and it is supposed she married into a noble family of the tribe of Judah. She is called Rachab, Matt 1:5, and her faith is commended among the worthies in Heb 11:31.