Joshua 2
BSB1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. 2 And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land." 3 So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land." 4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from. 5 At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!" 6 (But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.) 7 So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. 8 Before the spies lay down for the night, Rahab went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. 10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. 11 When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. 12 Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death." 14 “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land." 15 Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window, since the house where she lived was built into the wall of the city. 16 “Go to the hill country,” she said, “so that your pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there for three days until they have returned; then go on your way." 17 The men said to her, “We will not be bound by this oath you made us swear 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If anyone goes out the door of your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head, and we will be innocent. But if a hand is laid on anyone with you in the house, his blood will be on our heads. 20 And if you report our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear." 21 “Let it be as you say,” she replied, and she sent them away. And when they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord in the window. 22 So the spies went out into the hill country and stayed there three days, until their pursuers had returned without finding them, having searched all along the road. 23 Then the two men started back, came down from the hill country, and crossed the river. So they came to Joshua son of Nun and reported all that had happened to them. 24 “The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands,” they said to Joshua. “Indeed, all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of us."
Study Notes — Joshua 2
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Joshua 2
- Themes from Joshua 2
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Joshua 2
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Joshua 2 begins with the story of Joshua sending two spies into Jericho to gather information about the city and its inhabitants. The spies encounter Rahab, a prostitute who lives in the city wall, and she hides them from the king's men. Rahab makes a deal with the spies, asking for mercy and protection for herself and her family in exchange for her help. The spies agree and give her a scarlet cord to hang in her window as a sign of their promise. The chapter ends with the spies returning to Joshua and reporting on the fear and weakness of the enemy. Key verses include Joshua 2:1, where Joshua sends out the spies, and Joshua 2:24, where the spies report back to Joshua.
Context for the Chapter
Joshua chapter 2 is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, which is described in the book of Joshua. The chapter follows the events of Joshua 1, where Joshua is commissioned by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The chapter also looks forward to the events of Joshua 3-6, where the Israelites cross the Jordan River and conquer the city of Jericho.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of uncertainty and danger. We are called to demonstrate faith and obedience, like Rahab, and to trust in God's promises and protection.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about God's power and sovereignty in the face of danger and uncertainty. The Israelites send spies into the city of Jericho, where they meet a woman named Rahab who helps them escape. The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's promises and protection. (Joshua 2:1, Joshua 2:24)
Voices from the Church
“The story of Rahab is a remarkable one, and it teaches us that faith can be found in the most unlikely of places.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The scarlet cord is a symbol of the blood of Christ, which is our only hope of salvation.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Sending of the Spies (Joshua 2:1) — The chapter begins with Joshua sending out two spies to gather information about the city of Jericho.
- The Encounter with Rahab (Joshua 2:2-7) — The spies meet a woman named Rahab, who hides them and assists their escape.
- The Deal with Rahab (Joshua 2:8-14) — The spies make a deal with Rahab, promising to protect her and her family in exchange for her help.
- The Return of the Spies (Joshua 2:15-24) — The spies return to Joshua and report on the fear and weakness of the enemy.
- The Sign of the Scarlet Cord (Joshua 2:18-21) — The spies give Rahab a scarlet cord to hang in her window as a sign of their promise to protect her and her family.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and powerful, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.
- Faith and Obedience
- The chapter highlights the importance of faith and obedience, as demonstrated by the spies and Rahab.
- Protection and Providence
- The chapter shows how God protects and provides for His people, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty.
- Salvation and Redemption
- The chapter looks forward to the events of the conquest of Canaan, which is a type of salvation and redemption.
Lessons from Joshua 2
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter teaches us that faith and obedience are essential for following God's will and trusting in His sovereignty.
- The Power of God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.
- The Significance of the Scarlet Cord — The scarlet cord is a symbol of the blood of Christ, which is our only hope of salvation.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Promises — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's promises and protection, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty.
- The Example of Rahab — Rahab is an example of faith and obedience, and her story teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and power.
Themes from Joshua 2
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.
- Faith and Obedience — The chapter teaches us about the importance of faith and obedience, as demonstrated by the spies and Rahab.
- Protection and Providence — The chapter shows how God protects and provides for His people, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty.
- Salvation and Redemption — The chapter looks forward to the events of the conquest of Canaan, which is a type of salvation and redemption.
- The Example of Rahab — Rahab is an example of faith and obedience, and her story teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and power.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the story of Rahab teach us about faith and obedience?
- How does the chapter highlight God's sovereignty and power?
- What is the significance of the scarlet cord in the chapter?
- How does the chapter encourage us to trust in God's promises and protection?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of faith and trust in the face of danger and uncertainty?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Sending of the Spies (Joshua 2:1)
| 2:1 | The chapter begins with Joshua sending out two spies to gather information about the city of Jericho. |
2. The Encounter with Rahab (Joshua 2:2-7)
| 2:2 | The spies meet a woman named Rahab, who hides them and assists their escape. |
| 2:3 | The king of Jericho hears about the spies and sends men to capture them. |
| 2:4 | Rahab hides the spies and lies to the king's men, telling them that the spies had left the city. |
| 2:5 | The king's men believe Rahab and leave the city, allowing the spies to escape. |
| 2:6 | Rahab hides the spies under stalks of flax on her roof. |
| 2:7 | The king's men search for the spies but cannot find them. |
3. The Deal with Rahab (Joshua 2:8-14)
| 2:8 | The spies make a deal with Rahab, promising to protect her and her family in exchange for her help. |
| 2:9 | Rahab asks the spies to swear an oath to protect her and her family. |
| 2:10 | The spies agree to protect Rahab and her family, and they give her a scarlet cord to hang in her window as a sign of their promise. |
| 2:11 | Rahab tells the spies that she knows that God has given the land to the Israelites. |
| 2:12 | Rahab asks the spies to show kindness to her and her family, and to spare their lives. |
| 2:13 | The spies agree to protect Rahab and her family, and they promise to spare their lives. |
| 2:14 | The spies tell Rahab to gather her family and to stay in her house until the Israelites have conquered the city. |
4. The Return of the Spies (Joshua 2:15-24)
| 2:15 | The spies return to Joshua and report on the fear and weakness of the enemy. |
| 2:16 | The spies tell Joshua that the enemy is afraid of the Israelites and that they are ready to be conquered. |
| 2:17 | The spies report that the land is fertile and that the people are numerous. |
| 2:18 | The spies give Rahab a scarlet cord to hang in her window as a sign of their promise to protect her and her family. |
| 2:19 | The spies tell Rahab that they will spare the lives of her and her family if she hangs the scarlet cord in her window. |
| 2:20 | Rahab agrees to hang the scarlet cord in her window and to gather her family and stay in her house until the Israelites have conquered the city. |
| 2:21 | The spies return to Joshua and report on the fear and weakness of the enemy. |
| 2:22 | The spies tell Joshua that the enemy is afraid of the Israelites and that they are ready to be conquered. |
| 2:23 | The spies report that the land is fertile and that the people are numerous. |
| 2:24 | The spies tell Joshua that the Lord has given the whole land into their hands and that the enemy is afraid of them. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the scarlet cord in the chapter?
The scarlet cord is a symbol of the promise and protection offered by the Israelites to Rahab and her family. It is also a type of the blood of Christ, which is our only hope of salvation. (Joshua 2:18-21)
What does the chapter teach us about faith and obedience?
The chapter teaches us that faith and obedience are essential for following God's will and trusting in His sovereignty. The spies and Rahab demonstrate faith and obedience, and they are rewarded for their trust in God. (Joshua 2:1-24)
How does the chapter highlight God's sovereignty and power?
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and power by showing how He protects and provides for His people, even in the midst of danger and uncertainty. The enemy is afraid of the Israelites, and God gives the whole land into their hands. (Joshua 2:24)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 2:1 → Hebrews 11:31 | The story of Rahab is cited in Hebrews 11:31 as an example of faith. |
| 2 | Joshua 2:9 → James 2:25 | Rahab is noted in James 2:25 as an example of faith and works. |
| 3 | Joshua 2:10 → Exodus 12:13 | The scarlet cord is a type of the blood of the Passover lamb, which was applied to the doorposts of the Israelites' homes to protect them from the angel of death. |
| 4 | Joshua 2:12 → Genesis 12:3 | The promise to protect Rahab and her family is similar to the promise made to Abraham, that all nations would be blessed through him. |
| 5 | Joshua 2:15 → Deuteronomy 1:21 | The spies' report to Joshua is similar to the report given by the spies in Deuteronomy 1:21, who were sent to spy out the land before the Israelites entered it. |
| 6 | Joshua 2:18 → Matthew 1:5 | Rahab is included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:5, highlighting her importance in the biblical narrative. |
| 7 | Joshua 2:20 → Psalm 23:4 | The promise to protect Rahab and her family is similar to the promise made by God to David, that He would be with him even in the valley of the shadow of death. |
| 8 | Joshua 2:24 → Isaiah 45:5 | The statement that the Lord has given the whole land into the hands of the Israelites is similar to the statement made by God through the prophet Isaiah, that He is the only God and that there is no other. |
| 9 | Joshua 2:1 → Numbers 13:2 | The sending of the spies is similar to the sending of the spies in Numbers 13:2, who were sent to spy out the land before the Israelites entered it. |
| 10 | Joshua 2:10 → Revelation 12:11 | The scarlet cord is a type of the blood of Christ, which is our only hope of salvation, and is similar to the statement made in Revelation 12:11, that the saints overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb. |
Sermons on Joshua 2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Joshua Facing the Challenge by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with a man with a drawn sword near Jericho. Joshua asks if the man is for or against them, and the man r |
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Do Not Be Discouraged by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher talks about feeling captive and discouraged in life. He uses the example of Ezekiel, who was held captive and had his freedom taken away. The preacher |
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The Power of Faith - Alone With God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses a desire for manifestations of God that cannot be logically explained, particularly in prison cells in Russia and other countries. He critici |
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Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests |
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Mind Over Materialism by Peter Masters | This sermon delves into the story of Rahab in the Old Testament, highlighting her transition from a polytheistic, materialistic society to a believer in the one true God. It emphas |
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Whosoever Will (Joshua Part 3) by Richard Sipley | Richard Sipley emphasizes the story of Rahab in Joshua 2, illustrating how even those deemed sinful can find salvation through faith in God. He discusses the importance of recogniz |
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Christ, God Manifest in the Flesh, Died for Sinners by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, Dr. Gordon shares a story about a little boy he encounters while walking in Boston. The boy has a cage with scared little birds inside, unable to fly out. Dr. Gordo |
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Rahab the Harlot by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Rahab and how her faith saved her and her family. He emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's promises and the assuran |
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Rahab - Example of Faith by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of faith and action in the context of biblical stories. He emphasizes the importance of not just hearing and believing the me |
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Rahab: Holy or Hypocrite - Hebrews 11:31 by Jon Courson | Jon Courson delves into Hebrews 11, known as God's Hall of Faith, highlighting the surprising inclusions and exclusions. He focuses on Rahab, the only woman in the Hall of Faith be |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 2
Matthew Henry notes that the story of Rahab is a remarkable one, and it teaches us that faith can be found in the most unlikely of places. He also notes that the scarlet cord is a symbol of the blood of Christ, which is our only hope of salvation. The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and power, and it encourages us to trust in His promises and protection. (Joshua 2:1-24) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The bravery of the spies
The spies demonstrate great bravery and faith in entering the enemy's city and gathering information. This is evident in Joshua 2:1, where they are sent out by Joshua.
The faith of Rahab
Rahab demonstrates great faith and obedience in hiding the spies and assisting their escape. This is evident in Joshua 2:4-7, where she hides the spies and lies to the king's men.
The fear of the enemy
The enemy is described as melting in fear of the Israelites, highlighting God's power and sovereignty. This is evident in Joshua 2:24, where the spies report back to Joshua.