The reconnaissance of Jericho is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. This event marks the beginning of the Israelites' military campaign to take possession of the Promised Land, a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Biblical Account

The account of the reconnaissance of Jericho is found in Joshua 2. As the Israelites camped on the eastern side of the Jordan River, Joshua, the leader of Israel after Moses, sent two spies to secretly explore the land, especially Jericho. Joshua 2:1 states, "Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there."

Rahab's Role

Rahab, a resident of Jericho, played a crucial role in the reconnaissance mission. Despite her occupation as a prostitute, Rahab demonstrated remarkable faith and courage. She hid the spies on her roof under stalks of flax when the king of Jericho sent men to capture them. Rahab's actions were motivated by her belief in the God of Israel, as she confessed in Joshua 2:9-11 : "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, so that all who live in the land are melting in fear because of you. 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 east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below."

The Scarlet Cord

In exchange for her protection, the spies promised Rahab that she and her family would be spared during the impending conquest of Jericho. As a sign of this covenant, Rahab was instructed to tie a scarlet cord in her window, which would identify her house for the Israelite forces. Joshua 2:18 records the spies' instructions: "Unless we enter the land, you must tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and gather your family into your house."

Return and Report

After safely escaping Jericho, the spies returned to Joshua and reported their findings. They conveyed the fear that had gripped the inhabitants of Jericho, affirming God's promise of victory. Joshua 2:24 states, "The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands; indeed, all the inhabitants of the land are melting in fear because of us."

Theological Significance

The reconnaissance of Jericho underscores several theological themes. It highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. The event also illustrates the power of faith, as exemplified by Rahab, who is later commended in the New Testament for her faith (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25). Furthermore, the account foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant community, as Rahab, a Canaanite, becomes an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Historical and Archaeological Context

Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, was strategically significant due to its location near the Jordan River and its fortified walls. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of ancient fortifications, though the precise dating and correlation with the biblical account remain subjects of scholarly debate. Nonetheless, the biblical narrative emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jericho's fall, attributed to divine intervention rather than military might.

The reconnaissance of Jericho serves as a testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the history of Israel.Joshua 2:1-24
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.
Nave's Topical Index

What is Spy Wednesday / Holy Wednesday? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about spying/eavesdropping? | GotQuestions.org

What is Passion Week / Holy Week? | GotQuestions.org

Spy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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