How do you explain it? God designated acacia wood for making the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10), likely because it was heavy, durable, and resistant to decay. When you have a need, where do you go for the answer? Pay special attention to Jericho. So they went out, came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab, and lodged there. The Hebrew word that the Torah uses is ("meraglim"), which means "spy". ``The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law. 2:1 After this, Nun's son Joshua sent two men from the Acacia groves as undercover scouts. Joshua sent two spies, Pinchas and Caleb, to obtain firsthand information as to how the Canaanites were viewing the coming invasion. When the Israelites accepted the false report, they wept over the false belief that God was setting them up for defeat. This miracle was like when God led Israel across the Red Sea on dry land. As a prostitute and a pagan woman, Rahab had very little in common with the Israelite spies. 2Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two men as spies(A) from the Acacia Grove,[a] saying, Go and scout the land, especially Jericho. So they left, and they came to the house of a woman, a prostitute named Rahab,(B) and stayed there. Spies Sent to Jericho. Igal son of Joseph, from the tribe of Issachar. This Egyptian root (nsj, with the preformative p as a definite article) appears in Exodus 6.25 as the personal name of Aarons grandson, Phinehas (= Pa-neas). So Moses died there. To learn about Jericho, Joshua "sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim" (v. 1). And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men to me, but I knew not from where they were: Exodus 1:19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. They were led into the Promised Land by Joshua; the victory at Jericho marked the beginning of possession of the land. So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city. 23 Later, the two men returned from the hill country, crossed over the Jordan River, approached Nuns son Joshua, and told him everything that had happened to them. The Israelites' belief of the false report amounted to the acceptance of lashon hara (lit." Tune in any time to stream great Biblical teaching and encouragement. Hes ready to use humble, willing servants in similar ways todayincluding you. Why did the Israelite spies visit the house of Rahab the prostitute? Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 24They told Joshua, The Lord has handed over the entire land to us. However, Rahab the harlot and her father's household and all she had, Joshua spared; and she has lived in the midst of Israel to this day, for she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. Rahab was allowed to live peacefully in Israel the rest of her life because she protected the spies. All rights reserved. 1 Who were the two spies sent to Jericho? Joshua 2:124, 6:22 Joshua told the two men who had scouted the land, Go into the prostitutes home and bring her out of it, along with everyone who is with her, just as you promised her. 23 So the young men who had been scouts went in and brought Rahab out, along with her father, her mother, her brothers, and everyone else who was with her. Mell Balment - Mindset Mentor (AKA The Deep Belief Hacker). Learn about each of Dr. Stanleys 30 Life Principles in this set of sermons. Moses asked for an assessment of the geographic features of the land, the strength and numbers of the population, the agricultural potential and actual performance of the land, civic organization (whether their cities were like camps or strongholds), and forestry conditions. If you dont report our mission, we will show kindness and faithfulness to you when the Lord gives us the land., 15Then she let them down by a rope through the window, since she lived in a house that was built into the wall of the city. 4 What does the wall of Jericho symbolize? The men told her that if she and her family kept this secret, they would be spared. I dont know where they went, but if you hurry, you may catch them.. Charles F. Stanley is the founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author. 11When we heard this, we lost heart, and everyones courage failed[c] because of you,(H) for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below. When these two spies' presence was discovered, the spies hid in Rahab the harlot's house to avoid capture. 21Let it be as you say, she replied, and she sent them away. Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. 2 The king of Jericho was told, "Look! 5At nightfall, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I dont know where they were going. She said, ``According to your words, so be it." Yet God was fulfilling His plan to establish the nation. Joshua and Caleb were the two spies who brought back a good report and believed that God would help them succeed. So Rahab let down a rope through the window. I beg you, since I have shown you kindness, that you also show kindness to me and my family. Joshua 2:1 - Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' So they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lodged there. Joshua sent two scouts or spies into the promised land. All rights reserved. This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Spies research. The Anchor Bible Dictionary Volume 2 H-J. [d] Give me a sure sign[e] 13that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and save us from death., 14The men answered her, We will give our lives for yours. pp.107-108. The men told Rahab to hang a scarlet cord in the window so they would know which house was hers. And they went, and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lodged there. Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/bible-study/bible-stories/rahab-and-the-two-spies/, Joseph: The Slave Becomes the One Who Saves, Moses: From Pharaohs Palace to the Burning Bush, Gideon, Baal and the Curse of the Midianites, Part 1, Gideon, Baal and the Curse of the Midianites, Part 2, Jehoshaphat and the Choir That Led an Army, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego and the Fiery Furnace, Jesus Enters Jerusalem and Cleans the Temple. Macmillan Company. They are spies!, Rahab had taken the two men up on the roof and hidden them under some stalks of flax. When they were compiled it was probably thought of as a blot rather than a glory; but the fact may have been preserved in the traditions of the house of David. and said to the men, ``I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you. Rahabs marriage to Salmon is not mentioned in the account of her hiding Joshuas messengers sent out to spy out Jericho, although the narrative regarding her role concludes that she dwells in Israel to this day. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 8 Before the scouts had lain down, she went up to them on the roof 9 Im really convinced that the LORD has given you the land, she said, because were overwhelmed with fear of you. What did the woman do when the kings men came looking for the spies? Were Rahab and her family protected when the walls fell down? Salmon (Hebrew: almn) or Salmah ( almh, Greek: ) is a person mentioned in genealogies in both the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and in the New Testament. Rahab/Sons Jos). Get the latest blog posts from Life, Hope & Truth straight to yourinbox. Two of the spies Joshua and Caleb did not go along with the majority and tried to convince the Israelites that they could conquer the land: Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." Numbers, 13:30 [2] Joshua and Caleb were the two spies who brought back a good report and believed that God would help them succeed. What did the spies tell the woman to hang in her window so that she would be spared when Israels armies came to Jericho? Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! SBN 081023211, p.189. They came to Rahab's house, and when she learned that the king of Jericho sought them, she wanted to hide the spies. 2And it was told the king of Jericho, Behold, certain men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land. 3Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that have come to you, who entered your house; for they have come to search out all the land. 4But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them; and she said, True, men came to me, but I did not know where they came from; 5and when the gate was to be closed, at dark, the men went out; where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them. 6But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof. Joshua had the priests march around the city walls and Yahweh caused the walls to collapse, allowing the Hebrews to storm the city. (Numbers 13:1-14, 9) Grammarly They left when it was dark. However, the final point remains that their "report" resulted in a great outcry and the Israelites despaired of entering the promised land and were punished by God accordingly, as outlined above. Rahab is mentioned in the Faith Chapter as being a woman of faith (Hebrews 11:31). 1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. 5 days ago And sometimes our desire for answers gets in the way of experiencingHim. Please send me newsletters, announcements, and other important communications from InTouchMinistries. 7So the men pursued after them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords; and as soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut. Who were the two spies sent to Jericho? Joshua sent in the spies themselveswho would actually recognize Rahabto retrieve them (verses 22-23). 20But if you report this incident, well be free from the oath to which youve made us swear.. In Jewish tradition, Joshua is remembered for his bravery, humility, and faithfulness. God wanted him to go into the Promised Land and take over the cities. For less than $5/mo. Where did Rahab and salmon live in the Bible? 7The men pursued them along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they left to pursue them, the gate was shut. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. They heard how God had delivered His people from Egypt and dried up the Red Sea so Israel could cross over. Rahab is a good example of a woman who changed. In Numbers 13:, the Hebrew word describing the group is also the word usually translated as "men" or the word usually translated as "princes". Before his temptation, Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights in the Judean desert (Matthew 4:2, Mark 1:13, Luke 4:2). Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, ``Go into the harlot's house and bring the woman and all she has out of there, as you have sworn to her.". 2 Samuel 16:18,19 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide, 2 Samuel 17:19,20 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular, To hide, to hoard, reserve, to deny, to protect, to lurk, Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural, Preposition | first person common singular, Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle, Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular, Rahab receives and conceals the two spies sent from Shittim, OT History: Joshua 2:4 The woman took the two men (Josh. The men then said, If you tell anyone about us, our agreement will be ended. She agreed. Rahab became the mother of Boaz, the kinsman redeemer of Ruth, whose son was Obed, who was the grandfather of King David. Spare my parents, my brothers and sisters, and all that they have. So the king sent men to Rahabs house to get the two Israelite spies but she hid the men and told the messengers from the king that she did not know where they went. Doubleday Publishing Group. All rights reserved. 5 At dusk, when it was time to close the city gates, the men left. To learn about Jericho, Joshua sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim (v. 1). 1992. One of the most famous episodes in the biblical conquest of Canaan was the assault on the city of Jericho. How was Rahab like an vessel for honor? Early History of the Spies family. He was chosen as the representative from his tribe, Ephraim, to explore the land of Canaan, and was in agreement with Caleb that the Promised Land could be conquered. One of the most famous episodes in the biblical conquest of Canaan was the assault on the city of Jericho. Salmon ( Hebrew: almn) or Salmah ( almh, Greek: ) is a person mentioned in genealogies in both the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and in the New Testament . This the Evangelist had from tradition, or from the Jewish records. Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed. Read Joshua 6:17-25. 8Before the men fell asleep, she went up on the roof 9and said to them, I know that the Lord has given you this land(E) and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you. We even saw descendants of Anak there.". Her faith, in doing this, is commended in Hebrews 11:31 James 2:25.The Jews and many Christians endeavor to show that . But archaeologists tell us there was no Jericho, so there were no spies and no harlot - the spy story just did not happen and we can only surmise how it arose. But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them in the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof. Body and soul. Before Israel's battle against the city of Jericho, Joshua sent two spies into the city to investigate ( Joshua 2 ). Joshua remembered the promise to Rahab. Joshua secretly sent two spies to scout out the fortified city of Jericho. Reputation: Neutral . Joshua trying to understand why the two spies he sent into enemy territory immediately went to the house of a prostitute . They departed and came to the hill country, and remained there for three days until the pursuers returned. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. Do you find it significant that shes mentioned in the context of items for Gods treasury? The men came to the inn of Rahab, in the wall of the fortifications of the city of Jericho. ``But if you tell this business of ours, then we shall be free from the oath which you have made us swear.". God promised Caleb and Joshua that they would receive the land which they had explored for themselves and their descendants. He was also chosen to explore the land of Canaan, and he was (along with Joshua) the other man who said that the God of Israel could help the Israelite people to victory against the Canaanites. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Joshua had taken over leadership of the Israelites after Moses death. (Rahab was not living the right way at this time, but God was planning to use her for a special purpose.) Then the two men returned and came down from the hill country and crossed over and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and they related to him all that had happened to them. Doubleday Publishing Group. Phinehas was one of the two spies sent by Joshua to explore Jericho, as mentioned in Josh. 20And if you report our mission, we are free from the oath you made us swear.. Consider how this study applies to your life. ``The city shall be under the ban, it and all that is in it belongs to the LORD; only Rahab the harlot and all who are with her in the house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. According to Rabbinic tradition (as seen in the Mishnah Taanit 4:6), the sin of the spies produced the annual fast day of Tisha B'Av. (The rest of this story continues in the Bible story Joshua at Jericho: The Walls Fall Down.). Abib 2 Spies in Jericho (2:1-21) Abib 3-5 Spies in hiding outside Jericho (2:16, 22) . This report stirred fear amongst the Israelites although God had proven himself when he delivered them from the Egyptians. However, we now know from archaeologists that there had been no city at Jericho for centuries before the arrival of the Hebrews.As a prelude to the attack on the city, Joshua sent two spies, who found refuge with the harlot, Rahab, who in turn made a covenant to be spared when the attackers slaughtered her fellow citizens (Joshua chapter 2). What might it mean to set out from Shittim to walk among unbelievers? 18Behold, when we come into the land, you shall bind this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down; and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your fathers household. Have you experienced this unity? 2 Then the king of Jericho was told, Look! Now, even if there really had been an assault on Jericho, this is an improbable story, since the spies provided no information of value, and were unlikely to do so.Perhaps the simplest answer could lie in that the name Rahab (or Rachab) is very similar to the Hebrew verb rāhab, generally translated as either 'to beset, storm or assault,' or 'to be proud/arrogant'. As a prelude to the attack on the city, Joshua sent two spies, who found refuge with the . All rights reserved. They are His chosen vessels too. Your presence may be whats needed for someone else to declare faith. She helped Israel come into the Promised Land. Joshua was filled with The Spirit because Moses had laid hands on him. Rahab, mentioned in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25 is the same unless, when we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and gather to yourself into the house your father and your mother and your brothers and all your father's household. 2 And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho.". Hebrews 11:31 also includes her in the hall of faith. Have you ever been surprised by a persons faithor perhaps by your own? Caleb was also told that he would live to go into the Promised Land. Then when the LORD gives us this land, well treat you graciously and faithfully., 15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, since her house was built into the town wall where she lived. Son of Joseph, from the Acacia groves as undercover scouts in Jericho 2:1-21. A need, where do you find it significant that shes mentioned in the wall of the fortifications of most... Communications from InTouchMinistries hands on him well be free from the Acacia groves as undercover scouts page shows a! The false report, they would be spared when Israels armies came to the on... To close the city gates, the Lord has handed over the entire land to.. Was setting them up for defeat your words, so be it. the city, Joshua sent the... Of sermons which youve made us swear God wanted him to go into the Promised land by ;... Here tonight to search out the land lodged there. `` the land which they had explored themselves... Of Joseph, from the Acacia groves as undercover scouts names of the two spies sent to jericho ;!!, Nun & # x27 ; s son Joshua sent two men as spies from! Although God had delivered His people from Egypt and dried up the Red Sea so Israel could cross.! Him to go into the Promised land fell down to yourinbox Torah uses is ( `` ''. Under some stalks of flax to us Israels armies came to the inn of Rahab the prostitute Issachar! 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