The Charred Vessel

This dramatic monologue tells the story of Rahab, the woman often remembered solely as "Rahab the prostitute." However, Rahab reflects on her true legacy—her faith, righteousness, and role in biblical history. She questions why history refuses to recognize her as the wife of Salmon, the mother of Boaz, the mother-in-law of Ruth, or the ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ. Instead, she is forever labeled by her past.

Rahab recalls how she risked everything to hide the Israelite spies sent by Joshua and how she recognized Yahweh's power when others in Jericho did not. She acknowledges her place in Jesus' genealogy, one of only four women named in Matthew 1, and highlights the unfair stigma placed upon her despite the flaws of others in biblical history.

Ultimately, this monologue challenges perceptions of redemption and God’s use of unexpected individuals to fulfill His divine plan.

For a script on Rahab for children, try Lady No One Loved.

Cast: 1 f (monolog)

Bible Reference: Joshua 2 & 6, Matthew 1

Set: standard

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: standard

SFX: none

Props: none

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions: none

Time: 6

Rahab’s Lament

(Actor enters, visibly frustrated, addressing the audience.)

ACTOR:
Once again, it happens.
Frustrating is what it is!

Surely one could be allowed the dignity of being remembered in a reasonable manner. Perhaps as the mother of so-and-so, the wife of this person or that, or even perhaps the person who once talked with he or she.

Is it asking too much to be remembered for a positive happening, no matter how trivial?

Could they surely not say, “Here comes the wife of Salmon, the Judahite, he sometimes known as Salma or Sala.”
After all, I truly was someone’s wife.

Now, likely most would not recognize the name Salmon, nor remember his scant mention in Biblical transcripts. But being the wife of a largely forgotten person would be preferable to the arrogant disgrace with which history has painted me.

Or perhaps if I were forever labeled as the mother of Boaz. (Pauses, observing the audience.)
Aha, now I see a small spark of recognition in your eye.

Yes, indeed, it would be excellent that history might record me only as the mother of my most industrious and well-to-do son.

Or, what if I were never known as anything more than the mother-in-law of Ruth, the Moabite woman—the one so committed to her own mother-in-law, Naomi, that she left family and country to become companion and caregiver?

Yes, that I might be remembered as the mother-in-law of she for whom a major book of the Bible would be named. Yes, yes, remembered in that light would be fine, just fine!

Or what a mantle of power and prestige would I claim if I were recorded in history as the great-great-grandmother of one King David, the Shepherd King!

(Leans forward, eyes piercing.)
Oh, yes, now I do have your attention, do I not?

And the truth is, my blood ran through the royal veins of King David.

(Pauses, smirks.)
Impressed you are, I am sure!

And since I am a close ancestor of King David, obviously, I am also an ancestor to Jesus, the Christ, the Savior of all the world.

(Studies the audience, nods slowly.)
Now indeed, I can see the respect in your face as you regard me in light of notables such as Boaz, Ruth, King David, and Jesus Himself.

Since this is my true claim to fame in historical statements, why is it that it is not in that manner that I will ever be remembered?

What is my name?

It is… Rahab.

(Pauses, then gestures towards the audience.)
See? Exactly my point! And don’t try to hide your truthful reaction!

Not Rahab, ancestor of Jesus.
Not even Rahab, mother-in-law to Ruth.

No, Rahab, the harlot. Rahab, the prostitute.

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