Who or what is Rahab in Job?

Question

The most famous Rahab in the Bible is the prostitute of Jericho who hid the two Hebrew spies in Joshua 2. But there seems to be a different Rahab introduced in Job:

“God will not turn back his anger;
    beneath him bowed the helpers of Rahab.

—Job 9:13 (ESV)

By his power he stilled the sea;
    by his understanding he shattered Rahab.

—Job 26:12 (ESV)

Wikipedia suggests that the word רהב (rahab <7293>) ought to be translated as "proud". But most English translations translate it as a name, instead.

How should this Hebrew word be translated in Job? Can any connection be made to the woman who lived in the time of Joshua?

Answer 1

Perhaps it's a case of YAPSM (Yet another primordial sea monster) in the Bible.

In recollecting from the only secular scripture class I've taken, which you may take with a grain of salt if you wish, there's Leviathan and Behemoth which represent crocodiles and hippos accordingly.

Rahab, is another sea monster, (s)he also makes her presence known in connection with the seas in

You rule the raging sea; you still its swelling waves.

You crush Rahab with a mortal blow; with your strong arm you scatter your foes.

Psalms 89:10-11 NABRE

But sheesh, it's hard to know when God is talking about tribes being destroyed or people being destroyed or ancient beasts being destroyed.

According to the Jewish Encyclopdeia a Rahab is an ocean dwelling dragonish sorta thing. Which is also known as Tiamat.

Which somehow reminded me of being 5 years old again playing Final Fantasy.