Commentary on Joshua 2

Joshua 2 details the mission of two Israelite spies to Jericho, their encounter with Rahab, a prostitute, and her decision to hide them from the king's men. Rahab's faith in the God of Israel leads her to protect the spies, securing a promise of salvation for herself and her family when Israel conquers the city. This chapter highlights God's sovereign hand in preparing the way for Israel's victory, even through unexpected individuals, and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people.

Historical context

The book of Joshua picks up where Deuteronomy leaves off, with Israel poised to enter the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses has died, and Joshua, his successor, is now charged with leading the people. The immediate context of Joshua 2 is the preparation for the conquest of Canaan, specifically the strategically vital city of Jericho. This city, located in the Jordan Valley, was a formidable fortress, often considered the 'gateway' to central Canaan. Its capture was essential for Israel's military campaign.

The narrative assumes a post-Exodus generation, one that has been taught the Law and witnessed God's faithfulness. The sending of spies echoes Moses' earlier reconnaissance mission (Num 13), but with a crucial difference: this time, the report will be one of faith and victory, not fear and doubt. The cultural backdrop includes the polytheistic Canaanite society, characterized by idolatry and moral corruption, which God had judged and promised to dispossess (Gen 15:16).

Verse by verse

• 1:

  Joshua sends two spies secretly from Acacia Grove to scout out the land, especially Jericho. This act of reconnaissance demonstrates Joshua's strategic leadership, but also his reliance on God's guidance, as the mission's success ultimately depends on divine intervention. The spies' arrival in Jericho and their lodging at Rahab's house sets the stage for God's unexpected work.

• 3:

  The king of Jericho learns of the spies' presence and demands Rahab surrender them. This immediate discovery highlights the danger and urgency of the situation, underscoring Rahab's courageous decision and the risk she takes by defying her own authorities to protect the Israelite agents.

• 4:

  Rahab hides the spies on her roof under stalks of flax and then misdirects the king's men, claiming the spies had already left. Her quick thinking and deceptive actions are pivotal. While her lie is morally complex, the narrative focuses on her faith and loyalty to the God of Israel, which motivates her actions.

• 6:

  Rahab's hiding of the spies under the flax stalks, which she had laid out to dry, shows her resourcefulness and forethought. This detail also provides a plausible cover story, as such activity would be common. Her actions are a testament to her commitment to protecting the men.

• 9:

  Rahab confesses her belief in the Lord, stating, “I know the Lord has given you this land.” This declaration is the theological heart of the chapter. It reveals her understanding of God's power and His promise to Israel, demonstrating a profound faith that transcends her cultural and religious background. She recognizes the impending judgment on Jericho.

• 11:

  Rahab recounts how the people of Jericho are terrified of Israel because of what they heard about God drying up the Red Sea and defeating the Amorite kings. This confirms that the reputation of Israel's God, YHWH, had spread, instilling fear in the Canaanites. Rahab's faith is not merely intellectual assent but a response to God's demonstrated power.

• 12:

  Rahab asks the spies to swear an oath to show kindness to her family in return for her kindness to them. This request for a covenant of mercy reveals her practical faith—she acts on her belief by seeking protection for her household, anticipating the coming judgment.

• 15:

  Rahab helps the spies escape by letting them down through her window with a rope, as her house was built into the city wall. This daring escape highlights the physical danger involved and Rahab's active participation in their deliverance, further cementing her role as a key figure in God's plan.

• 18:

  The spies instruct Rahab to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign for their protection during the invasion. This scarlet cord becomes a powerful symbol of salvation, reminiscent of the blood on the doorposts at Passover (Exod 12:7, 13). It signifies a visible mark of covenant and deliverance from judgment.

• 24:

  The spies report back to Joshua, confirming that “the Lord has given us the whole land.” Their report is one of confidence, echoing Rahab's earlier declaration. The fear of the Canaanites, as observed by Rahab, is seen as evidence of God's hand preparing the way for Israel's conquest.

Key themes

• God's Sovereignty in Conquest
• Faith of Rahab
• Salvation through Covenant
• Inclusion of Gentiles
• Divine Preparation

Application

Joshua 2 offers a profound illustration of God's sovereign work, often through unexpected means and people. Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, becomes a pivotal figure in Israel's conquest, not because of her moral standing, but because of her faith in the God of Israel. This reminds us that God's grace is not limited by human categories or past failures. We are called to recognize God's hand at work even in the most unlikely places and to respond with faith, just as Rahab did.

The scarlet cord, a sign of salvation for Rahab and her family, powerfully foreshadows the blood of Christ, which serves as our ultimate sign of redemption. Just as Rahab's household was saved by placing their trust in the promise associated with the cord, we are saved by placing our faith in Jesus' atoning work. This chapter encourages us to trust in God's promises, to act on our faith, and to extend grace and welcome to those whom God is drawing to Himself, regardless of their background.

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