Title: Joshua's Action
Content 4. Joshua's Measures
“Joshua the son of Nun” (verse 1), refers to the movement of the Israelites by Joshua, not Moses.
1. sent spies
“Joshua quietly sent two men away on a spying out of Siddim” (v. 1), which is literally “in the Valley of Acacia”. In Numbers 33:49, this place is called “Abel Shittim.” Here Israel attempted several war expeditions. The spies were “boys” (Joshua 6:23). They go “quiet” and take on the role of spies. They went and searched the land and Jericho. The land describes the overall situation of the region, and Jericho was an important strategic site for them. They should check this place.
Joshua sent two men. One is risky and two can work together to get the job done.
2. The spies have settled down.
There are various theories as to the interpretation of the word “prosthetic”, “he went into a prostitute’s house and stayed there” (verse 1). Some scholars translate this word as “innkeeper,” eliminating the meaning of parasitism.
But something like this in Matthew's genealogy raises questions.
In the Gospel of Matthew, this woman appears with Tamar and Ruth. This strongly suggests that her identity was a “parasitic”. They entered the gisaeng's house because they could attract less attention from others and hear a lot of information that would allow them to carry out their duties there.
However, the spies' operations were exposed. The surrounding conditions at this time were very serious. Israel occupied the east side of the Jordan, where a great army of more than two hundred men was encamped. Therefore, they must have been afraid of when and what strategy such a huge Israel would come up with. Therefore, close surveillance would have been made around Jericho, and reports of strangers entering Rahab's house would have been delivered promptly and accurately.
3. The spies were caught
“Somehow it was reported to the king of Jericho, saying,” (verse 2), and what they reported was so accurate that it reached “a number of the children of Israel at these feet.” This was a report that could only be done under close surveillance. And they even knew that they had come "to search the land."
They had not yet spent the night there. They made the house a temporary hiding place, but it was revealed.
In Jericho, prompt action was prepared for this. “The king of Jericho sent a message to Rahab, saying,” (verse 3), all was revealed. The king learned of this and ordered Rahab to take the necessary action. “Bring out those who have entered your house, for they have come to spy out this land of money.” This is based on accurate information.
4. God's Grace Is Revealed
“The woman had already hid the two of them” (verse 4). The Bible tells the truth. This woman “already” hid them. Had it not been hidden, I would not have been able to speak so boldly. However, this woman had taken necessary measures in advance while observing the course of the situation. Therefore, what this woman said was true, not a lie. “Hidden” means hiding each one separately. They hid each person one by one, and thoroughly took care of their safety. This account reminds us that Joshua's recorder is an eyewitness witness. This woman stated, “Surely these men came to me, but I did not know where they stood… or where they went…” (v. 4). Of particular interest is the expression: “When it was dark and the gates were shut, they went out.” This is a vivid and realistic expression.
These spies met Rahab and were able to carry out their original mission. You will see the amazing blessings of God. Although Rahab knew nothing of them, she risked her life for them. With Rahab's cooperation, they came to know the wonderful grace of God.
Rahab had gone up to the roof and hid them from three generations. The strangers were hiding in the shelter God had prepared beforehand. Those who live with the hope of the kingdom of heaven will experience this kind of grace wherever they are. The three generations shown here are native to Egypt, are about 3 feet tall, and seem to have been piled up there for weaving. God prepared these conditions before they arrived there. You can see the appearance of God of grace here.
Joshua started the work, but God made it happen. This shows how the great grace of God is accomplished.