Note: Words are shown in their original Hebrew order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1Then 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.
3So 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.”
9and 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.
10For 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.
11When 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.
13that 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.”
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.”
18unless, 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.
19If 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.
22So 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.
23Then 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.
Joshua chapter 2 recounts one of Scripture's most remarkable encounters: when two Israelite spies lodged with Rahab, a woman of Jericho, and experienced God's sovereign protection and her unexpected faith. This chapter demonstrates how God works through seemingly unlikely circumstances and people to accomplish His purposes, while also introducing a foreigner—a harlot—whose faith in the God of Israel becomes exemplary. The account sets the stage for Israel's conquest of Jericho and provides a powerful example of how genuine faith in the Lord transcends social status and national boundaries.
Joshua sends two men to spy out the land and specifically Jericho. Their choice to lodge at Rahab's house—described as a harlot—was likely providential rather than planned. When the king's men demand their surrender (verses 2–3), Rahab acts decisively. Rather than betray them, she hides the spies and deliberately misdirects the pursuers, claiming the men had already departed at dusk toward the Jordan fords (verses 4–5). Her quick thinking and courage are remarkable; she risks her own life to protect these strangers. This reveals that faith often expresses itself through practical action in critical moments.
Verse 6 clarifies Rahab's hiding place: she had concealed them among stalks of flax on her roof. Once the pursuers depart, Rahab approaches the spies and makes a stunning declaration. She confesses that she knows the LORD has given Israel the land (verse 9), acknowledges the fear that has gripped Jericho's inhabitants (verses 9–10), and demonstrates knowledge of God's mighty acts—the parting of the Red Sea and Israel's victories over Sihon and Og (verse 10). Most significantly, in verse 11, Rahab makes an explicit theological statement: "the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." This pagan woman's faith surpasses that of many in Israel. She has moved from fear to faith, recognizing that the God of Israel is the true God of all creation.
Rahab makes a bold request: in exchange for her kindness, the spies must swear to spare her household (verses 12–13). The men solemnly promise: "Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business" (verse 14). They guarantee that when the LORD gives them the land, they will show her kindness and truth. Rahab then lowers them through her window with a cord—a practical detail confirming her house was built into the town wall (verse 15). She counsels them to hide in the mountain for three days until the pursuers cease their search (verse 16). Her practical wisdom complements her faith.
The spies establish a sign of the covenant: Rahab must bind a scarlet thread in the window through which they descended (verse 18). This becomes the mark of protection for her household. The conditions are clear—only those within the house will be spared (verses 19–20), and if she reveals their business, the oath is void. Rahab agrees to everything, and the spies depart (verse 21).
The spies return to Joshua after hiding three days in the mountain (verses 22–23). Their report is striking: they confirm that fear has gripped the entire land, and "the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land" (verse 24). God's promise is assured, not primarily through military might, but through the psychological and spiritual collapse of the enemy.
Application for Today
Rahab's story teaches us that genuine faith in God transcends circumstances, social standing, and past failures. She chose to align herself with God's purposes despite personal risk. Her inclusion in Jesus' genealogy (Matthew 1:5) demonstrates that faith, not reputation, is what God honors. We too are called to recognize God's work in our world and align ourselves with His kingdom, whatever our background.
Study Notes — Joshua 2
6 sectionsJoshua chapter 2 recounts one of Scripture's most remarkable encounters: when two Israelite spies lodged with Rahab, a woman of Jericho, and experienced God's sovereign protection and her unexpected faith. This chapter demonstrates how God works through seemingly unlikely circumstances and people to accomplish His purposes, while also introducing a foreigner—a harlot—whose faith in the God of Israel becomes exemplary. The account sets the stage for Israel's conquest of Jericho and provides a powerful example of how genuine faith in the Lord transcends social status and national boundaries.
Joshua sends two men to spy out the land and specifically Jericho. Their choice to lodge at Rahab's house—described as a harlot—was likely providential rather than planned. When the king's men demand their surrender (verses 2–3), Rahab acts decisively. Rather than betray them, she hides the spies and deliberately misdirects the pursuers, claiming the men had already departed at dusk toward the Jordan fords (verses 4–5). Her quick thinking and courage are remarkable; she risks her own life to protect these strangers. This reveals that faith often expresses itself through practical action in critical moments.
Verse 6 clarifies Rahab's hiding place: she had concealed them among stalks of flax on her roof. Once the pursuers depart, Rahab approaches the spies and makes a stunning declaration. She confesses that she knows the LORD has given Israel the land (verse 9), acknowledges the fear that has gripped Jericho's inhabitants (verses 9–10), and demonstrates knowledge of God's mighty acts—the parting of the Red Sea and Israel's victories over Sihon and Og (verse 10). Most significantly, in verse 11, Rahab makes an explicit theological statement: "the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." This pagan woman's faith surpasses that of many in Israel. She has moved from fear to faith, recognizing that the God of Israel is the true God of all creation.
Rahab makes a bold request: in exchange for her kindness, the spies must swear to spare her household (verses 12–13). The men solemnly promise: "Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business" (verse 14). They guarantee that when the LORD gives them the land, they will show her kindness and truth. Rahab then lowers them through her window with a cord—a practical detail confirming her house was built into the town wall (verse 15). She counsels them to hide in the mountain for three days until the pursuers cease their search (verse 16). Her practical wisdom complements her faith.
The spies establish a sign of the covenant: Rahab must bind a scarlet thread in the window through which they descended (verse 18). This becomes the mark of protection for her household. The conditions are clear—only those within the house will be spared (verses 19–20), and if she reveals their business, the oath is void. Rahab agrees to everything, and the spies depart (verse 21).
The spies return to Joshua after hiding three days in the mountain (verses 22–23). Their report is striking: they confirm that fear has gripped the entire land, and "the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land" (verse 24). God's promise is assured, not primarily through military might, but through the psychological and spiritual collapse of the enemy.
Rahab's story teaches us that genuine faith in God transcends circumstances, social standing, and past failures. She chose to align herself with God's purposes despite personal risk. Her inclusion in Jesus' genealogy (Matthew 1:5) demonstrates that faith, not reputation, is what God honors. We too are called to recognize God's work in our world and align ourselves with His kingdom, whatever our background.