The choice to serve god and assist his people: Rahab and Yael

This paper presents a series of analogies between Rahab and Yael, both gentiles, who unexpectedly choose to assist Israel against the Canaanites. The analogies are designed to illustrate the surprising and unanticipated means through which divine providence operates. Noteworthy differences between the two heroines indicate the specific significance of each story. Rahab's conduct is motivated by her recognition of God's absolute power. Yael's motives, however, are unclear. Their concealment is meant to detract attention from Yael's appealing character and focus on the prophetic role played by Deborah who had predicted Yael's behaviour.