Joshua 2:24
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)
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The spies aren't just reporting on the land itself, but on the state of its people. They emphasize that the inhabitants are "faint," meaning they're utterly demoralized and losing heart, not just because Israel is powerful, but because God is clearly with them.
These two spies have just returned from their mission to Jericho, reporting not only to Joshua but also to the entire Israelite camp about what they discovered. Their report confirms Rahab's earlier assessment: the inhabitants of Canaan are terrified of the Israelites, believing their God has given them the land and that resistance is futile. This report is crucial for bolstering Israel's confidence and informing Joshua's strategy as they prepare to cross the Jordan and begin their conquest.
Why did the Canaanites 'melt away'?
The spies’ report isn't just about military intelligence; it’s a theological declaration. The 'fainting' of the inhabitants wasn't due to the Israelite army's might alone, but a supernatural terror sent by God. This demonstrates God's sovereign power to paralyze His enemies with fear, preparing the way for His people's victory. It's a powerful reminder that God fights for those who are His.
Joshua sent spies, but what does this say about his faith?
Joshua's decision to send spies wasn't a sign of doubt in God's promises, but a wise application of God-given prudence. While God had promised the land and demonstrated His power, He also expected His people to act with wisdom and preparation. The spies’ successful mission, including their escape and their accurate report, shows God empowering both their faith and their practical actions.
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.
This report from the spies, especially the detail about the Canaanites 'melting away' in fear, highlights the psychological impact of Israel's arrival. It underscores that the conquest wasn't just a military campaign but also a spiritual one, where God's reputation preceded them, causing terror among their enemies.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Cross the Jordan River
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, finally cross the Jordan River into the land of Canaan.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Spies Sent to Jericho
Joshua sends two spies to scout Jericho, the first major city in Canaan, to assess its defenses and inhabitants.
c. 1446 BC
Rahab Hides the Spies
The spies lodge with Rahab, a prostitute, who hides them from the king's men, demonstrating faith in the God of Israel.
c. 1446 BC
Spies Return to Joshua
The spies return to Joshua with their report, assuring him that the Canaanites are terrified and that God has given them the land.
This passage describes the fear that fell upon the surrounding nations when they heard about Israel's miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, echoing the same dread the Canaanites felt before Joshua's army.
Deuteronomy 1:28This verse speaks of the people's fear when they heard reports about the giants in Canaan, highlighting the recurring theme of dread and despair that characterized the land's inhabitants facing Israel.
Hebrews 11:31Rahab's faith is highlighted here for receiving the spies and helping them escape, showing how her belief in God's power directly led to the Israelites' confidence and eventual conquest.
Joshua 6:1This verse immediately follows the spies' report and shows Joshua taking action, demonstrating how their confirmation of the enemy's fear directly led to the strategic decision to attack Jericho.
Psalm 2:10-12This psalm calls rulers to serve the Lord with fear and acknowledge His Son, reflecting the wisdom Rahab demonstrated in recognizing God's sovereignty over the kings of the land and submitting to His will.
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 aren't just reporting on the land itself, but on the state of its people. They emphasize that the inhabitants are "faint," meaning they're utterly demoralized and losing heart, not just because Israel is powerful, but because God is clearly with them.
These two spies have just returned from their mission to Jericho, reporting not only to Joshua but also to the entire Israelite camp about what they discovered. Their report confirms Rahab's earlier assessment: the inhabitants of Canaan are terrified of the Israelites, believing their God has given them the land and that resistance is futile. This report is crucial for bolstering Israel's confidence and informing Joshua's strategy as they prepare to cross the Jordan and begin their conquest.
These two spies have just returned from their mission to Jericho, reporting not only to Joshua but also to the entire Israelite camp about what they discovered. Their report confirms Rahab's earlier assessment: the inhabitants of Canaan are terrified of the Israelites, believing their God has given them the land and that resistance is futile. This report is crucial for bolstering Israel's confidence and informing Joshua's strategy as they prepare to cross the Jordan and begin their conquest.
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c. 1446 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following the spies' report, the Israelites march around Jericho for seven days, leading to its miraculous downfall.
"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 aren't just reporting on the land itself, but on the state of its people. They emphasize that the inhabitants are "faint," meaning they're utterly demoralized and losing heart, not just b…
