CONTENTS
This Chapter contains that memorable history which is handed down to gospel times, with such honourable testimony of the harlot Rahab. Joshua having sent spies from Shittim to Jericho, Rahab in faith received them into her house, concealed them, and before she sent them away in peace made a league with Israel through them, for her own personal safety and that of her family. The return of the spies to Joshua, with the assurance they gave of the certainty of their success in the conquering of the country, from what they had seen and heard, is also related in this Chapter.
The dismission of these spies was not from any distrust, but rather a conviction, that the Lord would deliver Jericho into the hand of his people. Joshua sent those men that they might be convinced even before the victory, what the Lord would do. Joshua's conduct here was similar to that of John the Baptist, sending his disciples unto Christ, not for his conviction but for theirs. Matthew 11:2-3. Their coming to the house of Rahab, surely was from the over-ruling power of God. That promise is never to be lost sight of: I will bring the blind by a way they know not. Isaiah 42:16. See also Proverbs 3:6. Jericho was about seven or eight miles from the water side. We are not told how those spies got over Jordan. No doubt the Lord that was with them made their way prosperous.