Week 3 | Rahab & the Spies

Joshua 2 opens with the first action of Israel in its offensive against Canaan. Joshua’s determined to send two men across the Jordan and spy on the land, especially Jericho, 2.1. Jericho[i] was the first target and Joshua as the nation’s military leader needed to know what he was about to face. The text specifies that it was he that directed the spies to go and scout. Any good military leader who is about to go on the offensive will deem the dispatching of scouts as essential business. His actions here simply demonstrate his foresight and planning expertise. What happens here in no way conflicts with the events of Joshua 6, and his decision does not indicate a lack of faith in the promises of God. If anything, what Joshua does here is only strengthen his credentials as a leader and commander of the army of Israel.