A quiet character that fascinates
me is Salmon, the Israelite, the son of Nahshon. This interest began when I read
that he married Rahab the prostitute and fathered Boaz. The Bible introduced us
to Rahab when she was spared from the destruction of Jericho because she hid
the messengers Joshua sent to spy out the land. “She, her father’s household,
and all that she had were spared and she dwells in Israel to this day” (Joshua
6:25), meaning she never left the nation of Israel and became a part of their
people. If you recall Old Testament-era Israel, they did not accommodate
foreigners especially those from enemy nations like Jericho where Rahab hailed
from. Yet according to Matthew Chapter 1 which discusses the genealogy of Jesus
Christ, verses 5 and 6 tell us that “Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot
Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king.” This was
reconfirmed in the book of Ruth chapter 4, verses 21-22. My question is, how did
Salmon marry and procreate with ‘Rahab the prostitute’? And did he suffer any
criticism for this association?
The demonstrations of our Faith in
God often conflict with what society demands; preconceived opinions are revealed by reactions to people’s physical appearances, relationships, life choices, and more. Sadly,
some of these expectations are created by Christian circles that mete out the
worst judgment when not conformed to. Yet the whole basis of the Christian
faith is to Love; to permanently extend an unwavering hand of kindness to those
easily tagged ‘Unlovable’.
Salmon marrying Rahab completely liberated
her from a life of condemnation, just like what Jesus did for us, taking us from
hopelessness to encouragement, from darkness into light. And that’s what we
have been called to as Christians, while we may not often be in situations that
require us to die literally, we should expect (and I dare say embrace) being inconvenienced
to help others live better lives. To sacrifice a meal to help someone hungry,
risk our reputation to stand up for someone else, sit on our egos to be
instigators of peace and lead the godly way, speak the truth in love even when
it’s hard, and more. God still uses what others may condemn to emphasize the
power of His Love and forgiveness, demonstrating that there is always an open
door back to HIM.
Salmon’s marriage to Rahab must
have been a daily reiteration of God’s deliverance, acceptance, and blessing. Salmon
was available and obedient enough to be a quiet, faithful, and consistent
representation of God’s Love for someone allegedly undeserving. His acceptance
opened the door to a new life; a physical manifestation of an opportunity to become
a new person- from condemned to accepted, overlooked to chosen!
Though Rahab was described as one
who had faith in The God of Israel, I believe because Salmon was honorable, she
was empowered to stay in the faith, and till the end of time, she will be known
as the woman in the lineage of Christ, who had no business being there. She is
even more popular than he is. And as believers, we must love others, away from
the spotlight, even when it is difficult, not publicized, or against the norm.
The Bible amazes me often; filled
with stories of Redemption and connections strengthened through the power of
Faith. As Christians, we need to remember that it's always a good idea to do
right by others. With the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit, we shouldn’t
shy away from opportunities to be the bridge of connection in people’s stories of
redemption. The darkness is real and heavy, and sometimes our consistency in
love and faithfulness is the light that keeps people going.
