And they said to Joshua, “Truly the LORD has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The spies don't just report that the land is conquered; they emphasize the reason it's conquered: the inhabitants are "fainting because of us." This isn't just about physical weakness, but a profound, God-induced terror that has rendered the enemy utterly demoralized and incapable of resistance.
And they said to Joshua, “Truly the LORD has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having successfully spied out Jericho and escaped the king's men thanks to Rahab's help, the two spies return to Joshua. They report that the fear of Israel has spread throughout the land, causing the inhabitants to despair and lose all courage, confirming that God has indeed given them the land.
Imagine staking everything on a mission, and returning with news that changes the entire game. That's what these spies did.
The spies didn't just report on Jericho; they brought back a crucial insight about the whole land of Canaan.
A Shift in Perspective
Before their mission, the Israelites likely saw a vast, fortified land filled with strong enemies. Their task was to scout the territory and assess the military situation.
But Rahab's testimony and their own observations revealed a different reality: the Canaanites were already terrified. The spies reported to Joshua, 'Truly the LORD has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.'
This wasn't just wishful thinking; it was an assessment of the spiritual and psychological landscape. God's reputation had preceded them, paralyzing their enemies before a single battle was fought on Canaanite soil.
What causes a whole nation to 'melt away' in fear? It wasn't just Joshua's army.
The spies' report highlights a profound truth: God's power is the ultimate weapon.
The Overwhelming Presence of God
Rahab had confessed, 'The LORD your God, he is God in heaven above and on earth beneath' (Joshua 2:11). This understanding had spread, creating a widespread panic.
The spies' conclusion, 'even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us,' points to the psychological impact of God's demonstrated power. They had heard about the Red Sea crossing and the defeat of Sihon and Og. This wasn't just news; it was revelation that instilled dread.
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Their fear stemmed not just from the approaching army, but from the overwhelming presence and power of the God who led them. This divine dread was the true force that 'melted away' the inhabitants' courage.
Understand the original words
erets · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant God made with Israel, promising them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. It represents not only physical territory but also the place where God’s presence and rule were to be established among His people.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
A primary designation for the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping, self-existent One who revealed Himself to Moses. It signifies His holiness, faithfulness, and authority over all creation and nations.
mug · Hebrew Verb
In this context, it refers to a state of internal collapse, terror, and loss of courage. It describes the reaction of those who realize they are under God’s judgment and that their resistance against His people is futile.
The spies' report to Joshua emphasizes that the conquest of Canaan isn't just about military might, but about the psychological impact of God's past actions on the Canaanites, who are paralyzed by fear.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Leave Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egypt under Moses' leadership, including the parting of the Red Sea.
c. 1446 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
Due to their disobedience, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, during which time the generation that left Egypt largely perished.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Transjordanian Kingdoms
As they journeyed towards Canaan from the east, the Israelites defeated two Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, and took control of their territories east of the Jordan River.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Israelites Arrive at the Jordan River
Following their victories east of the Jordan, the Israelites made camp in the plains of Moab, directly across from the land of Canaan.
This passage describes the fear of surrounding nations upon hearing of Israel's mighty deeds, mirroring the panic described in Joshua 2:24. It highlights that God's power, not just Israel's strength, was the cause of this fear.
Deuteronomy 2:25This verse speaks directly to the fear that the Canaanites experienced because of Israel's approach, showing that the spies' report in Joshua 2:24 was a consistent observation of the land's inhabitants.
Joshua 6:1The spies' report directly leads into the next phase of the conquest, the siege of Jericho, demonstrating the strategic importance of knowing the enemy's psychological state as mentioned in Joshua 2:24.
Isaiah 41:10-12This prophetic promise assures God's people of His presence and strength against their enemies, echoing the divine enablement that caused the Canaanites to 'faint' in Joshua 2:24.
Hebrews 11:31Rahab's faith, which led her to hide the spies, is commended because she believed God had given the land to Israel and that its inhabitants were terrified, directly connecting to the spies' report in Joshua 2:24.
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…
cambridgeJoshua 2:24: "And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us."
24 . all the inhabitants ] This was the most important part of their communication, that the inhabitants of the land were utterly dispirited and cast down.
The spies don't just report that the land is conquered; they emphasize the reason it's conquered: the inhabitants are "fainting because of us." This isn't just about physical weakness, but a profound, God-induced terror that has rendered the enemy utterly demoralized and incapable of resistance.
Having successfully spied out Jericho and escaped the king's men thanks to Rahab's help, the two spies return to Joshua. They report that the fear of Israel has spread throughout the land, causing the inhabitants to despair and lose all courage, confirming that God has indeed given them the land.
Having successfully spied out Jericho and escaped the king's men thanks to Rahab's help, the two spies return to Joshua. They report that the fear of Israel has spread throughout the land, causing the inhabitants to despair and lose all courage, confirming that God has indeed given them the land.
"And they said to Joshua, “Truly the LORD has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.”" — The spies don't just report that the land is conquered; they emphasize the reason it's conquered: the inhabitants are "fainting because of us." This isn't just about physical weakness, but a profou…
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Last reviewed October 2026