College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Joshua 2 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 2
Rahab hides the spies. The two spies sent out by Joshua found the house of Rahab to be a place where they could learn about the activities of the community. Although they must have taken every precaution to conceal their true identity, the king of the city learned of their presence in his city and questioned Rahab about them. At the risk of her life, she hid the men on the flat roof of her house.
A covenant made with Rahab. Rahab showed a remarkable insight into the signs of the times, She also made a noble confession of faith in the nature of God. The spies, therefore, hearkened to her request for protection. A sign by which she could identify her house was arranged, and the spies were let down over the city wall and sent on their way back to the camp of Israel.
The spies return to Joshua. After hiding three days in the mountains around Jericho, the men made their way safely back east across the Jordan River to the spot where the waiting armies of Israel were poised under Joshua's command anticipating the first battle in the Promised Land. These two spies brought back an encouraging report, in contrast to the report brought back by ten of the twelve spies sent out by Moses forty years earlier.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
The Lord, He is God. Such was the confession of faith made by Rahab, the Canaanite harlot. One would hardly expect to find such faith in the heart of such a person. She recited how the inhabitants of the land had heard about the miracle at the Red Sea. They had also heard about the victories won by the armies of Israel as they fought against Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites who ruled on the east side of the Jordan. Surely sinners today can see the hand of God in the affairs of men everywhere, and they should be willing to make this same good confession. Even more, they should accept Jesus Christ as God's Son and Savior.
2.
Our life for yours. The spies had been saved by Rahab. As a result, they were willing to enter into an agreement whereby she could identify her house and spare the destruction of herself and her family when the battle was fought against Jericho. At the same time, they could not jeopardize the lives of their fellow soldiers. If Rahab betrayed them, they would not be bound by their agreement. Surely they were in a situation which was fraught with peril. It was a life-and-death matter. Christian workers are engaged in similar important activities every day. They have given their lives in the service of Christ as they seek to save the souls of those with whom they come in contact. No more important business can ever be conducted.
3.
God keeps His promises. When the two spies returned to Joshua, they said, Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land (Joshua 2:24). More than forty years before this time, six hundred thousand men of Israel had started on the journey to the Promised Land. Some lost faith along the way and died in the wilderness, but God never wavered. He brought the faithful into the land flowing with milk and honey. He will always be as steadfast to all who trust Him.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 2
1.
How many men did Joshua send to spy out the land?
2.
What was the name of the harlot into whose house they entered?
3.
What kind of a ruler was over Jericho?
4.
In the midst of what kind of farm produce did the spies hide?
5.
What was the name of the king of the Amorites whom the Israelites had conquered?
6.
What was the name of the king of Bashan whom Israel had conquered?
7.
By what means did the spies escape from the harlot's house?
8.
How long did the spies hide in the mountains?
9.
By what sign was the harlot to identify her house?
10.
What was the harlot's statement of faith in God?