Joshua 2:3

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."

Study Bible

So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab
The king of Jericho represents the Canaanite authority and governance in the city. Jericho was a fortified city, one of the oldest known in history, strategically located near the Jordan River. The king's awareness of the spies indicates a well-organized intelligence network. Rahab, a resident of Jericho, is significant as she is later mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) and praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. Her inclusion in the biblical narrative highlights God's grace and the theme of redemption.

and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house,
The king's command to Rahab underscores the seriousness of the threat perceived by the Canaanites. The spies' entry into Rahab's house, a place likely known for lodging, suggests a strategic choice for gathering intelligence while maintaining a low profile. This phrase also foreshadows Rahab's pivotal decision to protect the spies, aligning herself with the God of Israel rather than her own people, which is a profound act of faith and courage.

for they have come to spy out the whole land.”
The mission of the spies was to gather information about the land of Canaan, particularly Jericho, as part of Israel's preparation to enter the Promised Land. This reconnaissance mission is reminiscent of the earlier spying mission in Numbers 13, where Moses sent twelve spies. The phrase highlights the strategic importance of Jericho as a gateway to Canaan. Theologically, this mission signifies God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The spies' task also prefigures the ultimate victory and inheritance of believers through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King of Jericho
The ruler of the city of Jericho, a Canaanite city-state. His authority and concern for the security of his city are evident as he seeks to capture the Israelite spies.

2. Rahab
A resident of Jericho, known as a harlot, who plays a crucial role in the Israelite spies' mission. Her actions demonstrate faith and courage.

3. The Spies
Two Israelite men sent by Joshua to scout the land, especially Jericho, as part of Israel's preparation to enter the Promised Land.

4. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, significant for its strategic location and as the first city to be conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership.

5. The Mission
The espionage mission undertaken by the Israelite spies to gather intelligence on Jericho, which is pivotal for Israel's conquest of Canaan.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
Rahab's account exemplifies how faith can lead to courageous actions. Despite her background, her faith in the God of Israel prompted her to protect the spies, showing that God can use anyone for His purposes.

God's Sovereignty
The account demonstrates God's control over events. The spies' encounter with Rahab was not by chance but part of God's plan to deliver Jericho into Israel's hands.

The Role of Risk in Faith
Rahab took significant risks by hiding the spies. This teaches us that faith often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God with the outcomes.

Redemption and Transformation
Rahab's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1) shows God's redemptive power and willingness to transform lives, regardless of past sins.

Obedience to God's Mission
The spies' mission underscores the importance of obedience to God's directives, even when the path is fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rahab's faith challenge our understanding of who can be used by God for His purposes?

2. In what ways does the account of Rahab and the spies illustrate the concept of faith being accompanied by works?

3. How can we apply the principle of taking risks for our faith in our daily lives?

4. What does Rahab's transformation and inclusion in the lineage of Jesus teach us about God's grace and redemption?

5. How can we discern and obey God's mission for us, even when it involves stepping into unknown or dangerous situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 11:31
This verse highlights Rahab's faith, which led to her being spared during the fall of Jericho. It connects her actions to the broader theme of faith in action.

James 2:25
This passage emphasizes Rahab's justification by works when she received the spies and sent them out another way, illustrating the harmony of faith and works.

Joshua 6
The fall of Jericho, where Rahab's faith and actions lead to her and her family's salvation, fulfilling the promise made by the spies.