Joshua 2:1 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Sent — Or, had sent: See note ... "Joshua 1:11" Two men — Not twelve, as Moses did, because those were to view the whole land, these but a small parcel of it. To spy — That is, to learn the state of the land and people. It is evident Joshua did not this out of distrust; it is probable, he had God's command and direction in it for the encouragement of himself and his army. Secretly — With reference not to his enemies, that being the practice of all spies, but to the Israelites; a good caution to prevent the inconveniency which possibly might have arisen, if their report had been discouraging. Jericho — That is, the land about Jericho, together with the city. Heb. The land and Jericho, that is, especially Jericho. Harlot's — So the Hebrew word is used, Judges 11:1, and so it is rendered by two apostles, Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25, such she either now was, or rather, had been formerly. Lodged — Or, lay down; as the same word is rendered, Joshua 2:8, composed themselves to rest; but they were hindered from that intention.