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.
Ver. 1. And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim.] Where the people then encamped, Num 33:49 and where the Midianites sometime, by the counsel of Balaam, Satan's spell man, outwitted the Israelites by setting fair women before them, who soon drew them into those two sister sins, idolatry and adultery. Numbers 25:1,2 ; Num 25:18
Two men.] Not twelve, as Numbers 13:2,3, for those were too many by ten; and did much harm among the people.
To spy secretly.] Heb., Silently. Silence is oft no small virtue; and he is a rare man who can both keep and give counsel.
Go view the land.] Of which though God had promised to possess them, yet Joshua knew that means was to be used. So 2 Samuel 5:24. David had a promise of victory over the Philistines; but yet so as that he must fetch a compass behind them; and when he heard "the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberries," then he was to bestir himself.
Into a harlot's house.] Or, Hostess, as some render it; but such as stuck not familiarly to entertain strangers. Heb 11:31 Jam 2:25 Upon her conversion she was advanced to become grandmother to Jesus Christ; who by his purity washeth off all our spots; like as the sun washeth and wipeth away all the ill vapours of the earth and air.