And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook that Joshua didn't just send spies to scout the land generally; he specifically directed them to view Jericho. This targeted mission highlights Jericho's strategic importance as the first major obstacle and the key to entering the promised land.
And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from their long journey, the Israelites stand on the edge of the Promised Land. Joshua, their new leader, sends two spies to survey Jericho, the formidable city guarding their next major obstacle. The spies discreetly enter the city and find lodging in the house of a woman named Rahab, unaware of the pivotal role she will play.
Joshua's mission to spy Jericho wasn't born of doubt, but of a profound reliance on God, even while employing human strategy.
Joshua, facing the formidable task of conquering Canaan, didn't just rely on God's promises; he also employed wise military tactics. Sending two spies secretly from Shittim shows a calculated approach to gather intelligence. This wasn't a sign of distrust in God, but a recognition that God often works through diligent human effort.
The spies sought refuge not in a typical inn, but in the house of Rahab, a woman whose profession defied Israel's laws and whose actions defied her nation's loyalties.
The spies' choice to lodge in Rahab's house is striking. While some commentators suggest she might have been an innkeeper, the text and New Testament references (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25) strongly indicate her identity as a 'harlot.'
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Rahab's story is a radical demonstration of God's grace, shattering ethnic and social barriers to include a foreigner and a sinner in His redemptive plan.
Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, stands as a remarkable testament to God's inclusive grace. Her decision to hide the Israelite spies and trust in their God, rather than her own people, marked a profound turning point not just for her but for the entire nation of Israel.
Understand the original words
ragal · Hebrew Verb (participle)
Refers to a leader who acts on behalf of others; in the Old Testament, it often denotes a person commissioned by God or a human authority to perform a specific mission or reconnaissance.
zonah · Hebrew Noun
A woman who engages in sexual relations for money; in Scripture, this term is used to identify Rahab's profession prior to her conversion and inclusion in the lineage of the Messiah.
erets · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; it is the object of the Israelites' journey and divine conquest.
This mission occurred at a pivotal moment, just before Israel's entry into the Promised Land, highlighting Joshua's strategic caution and God's use of unexpected individuals like Rahab to advance His purposes.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites camp at Shittim
After decades of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are encamped in the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from the land of Canaan. This is their last stop before entering the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Joshua sends spies to Jericho
Joshua, the new leader of Israel, sends two secret agents to scout the city of Jericho and the surrounding land, gathering intelligence for the upcoming invasion.
c. 1406 BC
Spies lodge with Rahab
The spies enter Jericho and seek refuge in the house of Rahab, a woman identified as a prostitute. Her home, located on the city wall, provides both concealment and a vantage point.
c. 1406 BC
King of Jericho alerted
Word reaches the king of Jericho that foreign spies have entered the city. He immediately orders their capture, sending soldiers to Rahab's house.
c. 1406 BC
Rahab hides the spies
Rahab cleverly conceals the spies on her roof under stalks of flax, deceiving the king's men and buying time for her guests to escape.
c. 1406 BC
Spies escape to the Jordan
Under the cover of darkness, Rahab helps the spies flee towards the Jordan River. They hide in the hills for three days until the king's pursuit ceases.
c. 1406 BC
Spies report to Joshua
The spies return to Joshua, reporting that fear has fallen upon the inhabitants of Canaan. Their successful mission and Rahab's testimony bolster Israel's confidence.
This passage explicitly commends Rahab for her faith, highlighting that she welcomed the spies and was not lost with those who were disobedient. It connects Rahab's actions in Jericho to the broader theme of faith demonstrated through deeds.
James 2:25Similar to Hebrews, James also points to Rahab as an example of faith demonstrated by works, stating she was justified by her act of hiding the spies and sending them away by another route. This highlights the practical outworking of her belief in God's promises.
Matthew 1:5This verse shows Rahab as an ancestress of Jesus, linking this specific event in Joshua's conquest to the unfolding redemptive history of God. It emphasizes that God uses unexpected people and circumstances for His purposes.
Numbers 13:1-16This earlier account describes Moses sending twelve spies to survey the land, which resulted in fear and disbelief among the Israelites. The contrast between this mission and Joshua's spies, who brought back a report that encouraged Israel, highlights the different outcomes of faith versus fear when exploring God's promises.
Judges 7:9-15This passage describes Gideon overhearing a conversation in the Midianite camp that confirmed God's promise of victory, strengthening his faith. Like Rahab hearing about Israel's past miracles, Gideon's encounter demonstrates how hearing about God's power can instill courage and assurance.
calvinJoshua 2:1-24: "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."
Miserat [31] autem Josue filius Nun viros duos exploratores clam, [32] dicendo: Ite, considerate terram et Jericho. Profecti sunt igitur et ingressi sunt domum mulieris meretricis, cujus nomen erat Rahab, et dormierunt illic.
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there…
jfbJoshua 2:1: "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."
CHAPTER 2Jos 2:1-7. Rahab Receives and Conceals the Two Spies.1. Joshua … sent … two men to spy secretly—Faith is manifested by an active, persevering use of means (Jas 2:22); and accordingly Joshua, while confident in the accomplishment of the divine promise (Jos 1:3), adopted every precaution…
It's easy to overlook that Joshua didn't just send spies to scout the land generally; he specifically directed them to view Jericho. This targeted mission highlights Jericho's strategic importance as the first major obstacle and the key to entering the promised land.
Fresh from their long journey, the Israelites stand on the edge of the Promised Land. Joshua, their new leader, sends two spies to survey Jericho, the formidable city guarding their next major obstacle. The spies discreetly enter the city and find lodging in the house of a woman named Rahab, unaware of the pivotal role she will play.
Fresh from their long journey, the Israelites stand on the edge of the Promised Land. Joshua, their new leader, sends two spies to survey Jericho, the formidable city guarding their next major obstacle. The spies discreetly enter the city and find lodging in the house of a woman named Rahab, unaware of the pivotal role she will play.
"And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there." — It's easy to overlook that Joshua didn't just send spies to scout the land generally; he specifically directed them to view Jericho. This targeted mission highlights Jericho's strategic importance as…
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Last reviewed October 2026