When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to possess the Promised Land, Joshua sent two men to spy on Jericho, the first city they were to encounter. Rahab received the two spies and sheltered them. She asked them to save her and her family when they attacked the city, which they did. In the New Testament she is cited as a heroine of faith (Hebrews 11:31) and of righteous works (James 2:25). She is also listed in Matthew 1:5 as an ancestor of David and Jesus.