And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.
And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.
Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.
And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.
And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.
So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:
And they said unto Joshua, Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.
Joshua 2 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to possess the Promised Land. It reveals not only God's strategic planning but also His surprising choice of instruments, highlighting His grace and power to work through unlikely people. This chapter sets the stage for the dramatic crossing of the Jordan River and the subsequent conquest of Jericho, the first major obstacle in claiming their inheritance.
Spies Sent to Jericho (Joshua 2:1)
With the mantle of leadership firmly on his shoulders, Joshua initiated the campaign to acquire the Promised Land by sending two spies from the Israelite camp at Shittim to scout the strategic city of Jericho. This reconnaissance mission was crucial for determining the best military approach. Jericho, being the first major city they would encounter after crossing the Jordan, presented a formidable challenge. The spies were tasked with assessing the city's defenses, its inhabitants' morale, and any potential weaknesses that could be exploited. To remain inconspicuous, the spies chose to lodge in the house of Rahab, a woman of Jericho who lived in the city wall. Her profession is explicitly stated as a prostitute, and while this might seem an unusual choice, it could also indicate that she ran an inn or provided lodging for travelers, thus offering the spies a degree of anonymity. It's important to note that the spies' purpose was righteous - to gather intelligence for God's plan, not to engage in any immoral behavior.
Rahab's Dilemma and Decision (Joshua 2:2-13)
News of the Israelite spies quickly reached the king of Jericho (Joshua 2:2-3), who demanded that Rahab turn them over. She faced a daunting moral dilemma: obey her king or protect the strangers who represented a power greater than any she had known. Rahab chose to protect the spies, hiding them from the king's messengers and deceiving the authorities about their whereabouts (Joshua 2:4-7).
This act raises a significant ethical question: Is it ever justifiable to lie? Rahab's situation presented her with two sinful options: betraying God's representatives or engaging in deception. She chose the course of action that she believed would ultimately bring the most glory to God – protecting His people.
Rahab's faith is further revealed in her conversation with the spies (Joshua 2:8-13). She confessed that the people of Jericho were terrified because they had heard of the Lord's miraculous interventions on behalf of the Israelites, particularly the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of the Amorite kings. "I know that the LORD has given you this land," she declared, "and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:9-11). Rahab's statement is a powerful declaration of faith in the God of Israel, acknowledging His sovereignty and power. She recognized that the LORD, and not the gods of Jericho, was the true God of heaven and earth.
Recognizing the inevitable conquest of Jericho, Rahab pleaded with the spies to spare her and her family when the city was captured (Joshua 2:12-13). She demonstrated kindness and compassion, and in turn, sought protection for her loved ones.
The Scarlet Cord and the Promise of Salvation (Joshua 2:14-21)
The spies agreed to Rahab's request, promising to spare her and her family if she followed their instructions. They instructed her to tie a scarlet cord in the window of her house, which was built into the city wall, as a sign to the Israelite army. Anyone inside the house with the scarlet cord displayed would be spared. This scarlet cord is a powerful symbol, foreshadowing the blood of Christ that offers salvation to all who believe.
The spies warned Rahab that if anyone ventured outside the house, they would not be responsible for their safety (Joshua 2:18-20). This highlights the importance of remaining within the designated place of refuge, a concept that resonates with the idea of remaining in Christ for protection and salvation. Rahab faithfully followed the spies' instructions, securing the scarlet cord in her window, demonstrating her trust in their promise and, ultimately, in the God they represented.
The Spies' Return and Report (Joshua 2:22-24)
After successfully completing their mission, the spies returned to Joshua and reported all that had transpired (Joshua 2:22-23). They were confident that the Lord had given the entire land into their hands, based in large part on Rahab's testimony and the palpable fear that gripped the inhabitants of Jericho (Joshua 2:24). Rahab's actions and words served as a powerful confirmation of God's plan and encouraged the Israelites to move forward with faith and courage.
Rahab's Legacy: A Testimony of Grace and Redemption
Rahab's story is a remarkable testament to God's grace and His ability to use anyone, regardless of their background or past, for His purposes. Despite being a Gentile prostitute living in a city marked for destruction, Rahab demonstrated extraordinary faith and courage, choosing to align herself with the God of Israel.
The New Testament affirms Rahab's faith and righteousness. Hebrews 11:31 commends her for welcoming the spies and not perishing with those who were disobedient, and James 2:25 highlights her act of sheltering the spies as evidence of her faith in action.
Even more remarkably, Rahab became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5), a testament to God's incredible grace and transformative power. Her story provides hope and encouragement to all, reminding us that God can redeem and transform even the most unlikely individuals, using them to accomplish His purposes. She is a powerful illustration of how faith, even in the face of great risk, can lead to salvation and a place in God's eternal plan. Joshua 2 serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace extends to all who trust in Him, regardless of their past.
And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.
And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.
Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.
And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.
And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.
So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:
And they said unto Joshua, Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.
Joshua 2 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to possess the Promised Land. It reveals not only God's strategic planning but also His surprising choice of instruments, highlighting His grace and power to work through unlikely people. This chapter sets the stage for the dramatic crossing of the Jordan River and the subsequent conquest of Jericho, the first major obstacle in claiming their inheritance.
Spies Sent to Jericho (Joshua 2:1)
With the mantle of leadership firmly on his shoulders, Joshua initiated the campaign to acquire the Promised Land by sending two spies from the Israelite camp at Shittim to scout the strategic city of Jericho. This reconnaissance mission was crucial for determining the best military approach. Jericho, being the first major city they would encounter after crossing the Jordan, presented a formidable challenge. The spies were tasked with assessing the city's defenses, its inhabitants' morale, and any potential weaknesses that could be exploited. To remain inconspicuous, the spies chose to lodge in the house of Rahab, a woman of Jericho who lived in the city wall. Her profession is explicitly stated as a prostitute, and while this might seem an unusual choice, it could also indicate that she ran an inn or provided lodging for travelers, thus offering the spies a degree of anonymity. It's important to note that the spies' purpose was righteous - to gather intelligence for God's plan, not to engage in any immoral behavior.
Rahab's Dilemma and Decision (Joshua 2:2-13)
News of the Israelite spies quickly reached the king of Jericho (Joshua 2:2-3), who demanded that Rahab turn them over. She faced a daunting moral dilemma: obey her king or protect the strangers who represented a power greater than any she had known. Rahab chose to protect the spies, hiding them from the king's messengers and deceiving the authorities about their whereabouts (Joshua 2:4-7).
This act raises a significant ethical question: Is it ever justifiable to lie? Rahab's situation presented her with two sinful options: betraying God's representatives or engaging in deception. She chose the course of action that she believed would ultimately bring the most glory to God – protecting His people.
Rahab's faith is further revealed in her conversation with the spies (Joshua 2:8-13). She confessed that the people of Jericho were terrified because they had heard of the Lord's miraculous interventions on behalf of the Israelites, particularly the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of the Amorite kings. "I know that the LORD has given you this land," she declared, "and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:9-11). Rahab's statement is a powerful declaration of faith in the God of Israel, acknowledging His sovereignty and power. She recognized that the LORD, and not the gods of Jericho, was the true God of heaven and earth.
Recognizing the inevitable conquest of Jericho, Rahab pleaded with the spies to spare her and her family when the city was captured (Joshua 2:12-13). She demonstrated kindness and compassion, and in turn, sought protection for her loved ones.
The Scarlet Cord and the Promise of Salvation (Joshua 2:14-21)
The spies agreed to Rahab's request, promising to spare her and her family if she followed their instructions. They instructed her to tie a scarlet cord in the window of her house, which was built into the city wall, as a sign to the Israelite army. Anyone inside the house with the scarlet cord displayed would be spared. This scarlet cord is a powerful symbol, foreshadowing the blood of Christ that offers salvation to all who believe.
The spies warned Rahab that if anyone ventured outside the house, they would not be responsible for their safety (Joshua 2:18-20). This highlights the importance of remaining within the designated place of refuge, a concept that resonates with the idea of remaining in Christ for protection and salvation. Rahab faithfully followed the spies' instructions, securing the scarlet cord in her window, demonstrating her trust in their promise and, ultimately, in the God they represented.
The Spies' Return and Report (Joshua 2:22-24)
After successfully completing their mission, the spies returned to Joshua and reported all that had transpired (Joshua 2:22-23). They were confident that the Lord had given the entire land into their hands, based in large part on Rahab's testimony and the palpable fear that gripped the inhabitants of Jericho (Joshua 2:24). Rahab's actions and words served as a powerful confirmation of God's plan and encouraged the Israelites to move forward with faith and courage.
Rahab's Legacy: A Testimony of Grace and Redemption
Rahab's story is a remarkable testament to God's grace and His ability to use anyone, regardless of their background or past, for His purposes. Despite being a Gentile prostitute living in a city marked for destruction, Rahab demonstrated extraordinary faith and courage, choosing to align herself with the God of Israel.
The New Testament affirms Rahab's faith and righteousness. Hebrews 11:31 commends her for welcoming the spies and not perishing with those who were disobedient, and James 2:25 highlights her act of sheltering the spies as evidence of her faith in action.
Even more remarkably, Rahab became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5), a testament to God's incredible grace and transformative power. Her story provides hope and encouragement to all, reminding us that God can redeem and transform even the most unlikely individuals, using them to accomplish His purposes. She is a powerful illustration of how faith, even in the face of great risk, can lead to salvation and a place in God's eternal plan. Joshua 2 serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace extends to all who trust in Him, regardless of their past.