King James Version
Joshua 2
24 verses with commentary
Rahab and the Spies
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. sent: or, had sent lodged: Heb. lay
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Joshua's decision to send spies parallels Moses' earlier reconnaissance (Numbers 13), but with key differences. This mission involved only two men (versus twelve) sent 'secretly' (<em>cheresh</em>, חֶרֶשׁ), avoiding the public knowledge that led to Israel's previous failure. Joshua learned from history—the previous generation's unbelief after hearing the spies' fearful report led to forty years of...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
II.
THE SPIES AND RAHAB.
(1) **Joshua . . . sent out of Shittim.**—That is, he sent the spies before the people left the place where they had been encamped for some months (Numbers 22:1; Numbers 33:49). Shittim was the last stage of the Exodus under Moses. Probably the sending of these two spies was simultaneous with the issue of the general orders to Israel to prepare for the passage of Jordan wi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Moses called unto all Israel, ... Ye have seen all that the Lord did, &c.--**This appeal to the experience of the people, though made generally, was applicable only to that portion of them who had been very young at the period of the Exodus, and who remembered the marvellous transactions that preceded and followed that era. Yet, alas! **those wonderful events made no good impression upon ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Rahab receives and hides two Israelites.(1-7)
Rahab and the spies.(8-21)
The return of the spies.(22-24)
**Verses 1-7**
Faith in God's promises ought not to do away, but to encourage our diligence in the use of proper means. The providence of God directed the spies to the house of Rahab. God knew where there was one that would be true to them, though...
Read full commentary →And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
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KJV Study Commentary
The report to Jericho's king that 'there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country' shows Israel's reconnaissance became known. Rahab's subsequent protection of spies despite this knowledge demonstrates faith overriding national loyalty. Conversion creates new primary allegiance—to God's kingdom over earthly nation.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Rahab receives and hides two Israelites.(1-7)
Rahab and the spies.(8-21)
The return of the spies.(22-24)
**Verses 1-7**
Faith in God's promises ought not to do away, but to encourage our diligence in the use of proper means. The providence of God directed the spies to the house of Rahab. God knew where there was one that would be true to them, though...
Read full commentary →And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.
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KJV Study Commentary
The king's demand that Rahab bring out the spies demonstrates government investigation of suspected espionage. Her refusal to comply shows civil disobedience when earthly authority conflicts with divine kingdom loyalty.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Rahab receives and hides two Israelites.(1-7)
Rahab and the spies.(8-21)
The return of the spies.(22-24)
**Verses 1-7**
Faith in God's promises ought not to do away, but to encourage our diligence in the use of proper means. The providence of God directed the spies to the house of Rahab. God knew where there was one that would be true to them, though...
Read full commentary →And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
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KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's deception to protect the spies raises ethical questions about lying to evil authorities. Some view her faith as praiseworthy despite flawed methods; others see justified deception when protecting innocent from evil.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Rahab receives and hides two Israelites.(1-7)
Rahab and the spies.(8-21)
The return of the spies.(22-24)
**Verses 1-7**
Faith in God's promises ought not to do away, but to encourage our diligence in the use of proper means. The providence of God directed the spies to the house of Rahab. God knew where there was one that would be true to them, though...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
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KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's direction of pursuers away from the spies demonstrates active protection beyond mere passive hiding. Faith often requires courageous action, not simply withholding information.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Rahab receives and hides two Israelites.(1-7)
Rahab and the spies.(8-21)
The return of the spies.(22-24)
**Verses 1-7**
Faith in God's promises ought not to do away, but to encourage our diligence in the use of proper means. The providence of God directed the spies to the house of Rahab. God knew where there was one that would be true to them, though...
Read full commentary →But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
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KJV Study Commentary
Hiding the spies under flax stalks on her roof shows provision of safe refuge. Rahab risked everything to protect God's servants, demonstrating faith through works.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The stalks of flax.**—It is remarked that flax and barley are both early crops (Exodus 9:31), and that the first month (see Joshua 4:19) was the time of barley harvest. (Comp. 2Samuel 21:9.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Rahab receives and hides two Israelites.(1-7)
Rahab and the spies.(8-21)
The return of the spies.(22-24)
**Verses 1-7**
Faith in God's promises ought not to do away, but to encourage our diligence in the use of proper means. The providence of God directed the spies to the house of Rahab. God knew where there was one that would be true to them, though...
Read full commentary →And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
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KJV Study Commentary
The pursuers' search at the fords while spies hid demonstrates God's providence in protecting His servants. Divine orchestration coordinates circumstances for His purposes.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Rahab receives and hides two Israelites.(1-7)
Rahab and the spies.(8-21)
The return of the spies.(22-24)
**Verses 1-7**
Faith in God's promises ought not to do away, but to encourage our diligence in the use of proper means. The providence of God directed the spies to the house of Rahab. God knew where there was one that would be true to them, though...
Read full commentary →And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
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KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's conversation with spies before their sleep shows her testimony and covenant request. She used limited opportunity to secure her family's salvation.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. faint: Heb. melt
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I know that the LORD hath given you the land</strong>—Rahab's confession is remarkable: a Canaanite prostitute declares theological certainty about Yahweh's sovereign purpose. The verb <em>yada</em> (יָדַע, 'to know') indicates not mere opinion but settled conviction. Her faith grasped what Israel often forgot: God's promises are irrevocable (Numbers 23:19).<br><br><strong>Your terror is f...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9-11) **She said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land. . . .—**The words of this confession are memorable in everyway. Note the fulfilment of the prophetic song of Moses, which is partly repeated here (Exodus 15:15-16, with Joshua 2:9-11), “All the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away; fear and dread shall fall upon them.” But especially observe the expression of Rahab’s ow...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
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KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's testimony 'For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea...and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites' shows reports of God's works generating faith. Divine acts create testimony reaching beyond Israel, producing conviction in Gentile hearts. The gospel spreads through proclaiming God's mighty works.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. did there: Heb. rose up
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KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's confession stands as one of the most remarkable professions of faith in the Old Testament. The Hebrew verb <em>namasnu</em> (נָמַסְנוּ, "did melt") literally means to dissolve or become liquid, vividly depicting terror that utterly destroys courage. Her declaration "the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath" uses the covenant name <em>Yahweh</em> (יְהוָה) and affir...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:
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KJV Study Commentary
Having confessed faith in Israel's God, Rahab immediately seeks covenant protection for her family. The request 'swear unto me by the LORD' (<em>hishav'u na li vaYahweh</em>, הִשָּׁבְעוּ נָא לִי בַיהוָה) invokes Yahweh's name as witness and guarantor of the oath. This demonstrates her understanding that Israel's God binds His people to keep commitments made in His name. The basis for her request i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
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KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's request for oath confirmation 'that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren' demonstrates concern extending beyond personal salvation to family.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters.**—Whatever Rahab may have been herself, her acknowledgment of all her family is observable. She was in no way separated or degraded from their society. When we remember what Moses describes the Canaanites to have been (in certain passages of the Pentateuch, as Leviticus 18:24-28; Leviticus 20:22-23) and compare this chapt...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. for: Heb. instead of you to die
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KJV Study Commentary
The spies' oath 'Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business' creates binding covenant protecting Rahab's family. Their lives guarantee the promise.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
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KJV Study Commentary
Rahab letting spies down by a cord through her window in the wall demonstrates practical faith. Her wall-house location providentially facilitated their escape.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Her house was upon the town wall**—Happily for the two spies. Perhaps, indeed, they selected it for this reason, as it enabled them to leave the town without passing the gate.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.
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KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's instruction to hide three days in mountains shows local knowledge aiding God's servants. Her guidance proves valuable for their safety.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Get you to the mountain.**—The mountains between Jerusalem and Jericho have often been a refuge for worse characters than Joshua’s two spies (Luke 10:30).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
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KJV Study Commentary
The spies' conditional oath 'when we come into the land' establishes terms for promise fulfillment. Rahab must display the scarlet cord for protection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. bring: Heb. gather
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KJV Study Commentary
The instruction—'Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window'—provided salvation's visible marker. The scarlet cord identifies Rahab's house, sparing all within during Jericho's destruction. This parallels Passover's blood on doorposts (Exodus 12:13), where visible sign protected occupants from judgment. Both foreshadow Christ's blood marking belie...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **The window which thou didst let us down by.**—It seems almost needless to observe that the scarlet line and the cord by which the men were lowered are not the same thing, but described by different words in the original. It would have been preposterous to require Rahab to display in her window the means by which the spies had escaped. It would at once have declared the tale to all beholders...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
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KJV Study Commentary
The warning that blood guilt falls on those leaving Rahab's house establishes personal responsibility for receiving offered salvation. Rejecting provided refuge brings self-imposed judgment.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head.**—Comp. Exodus 12:22 (the account of the Passover), “Ye shall. . . . strike the lintel and the two side-posts with the blood that is in the bason: and *none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning; *for the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians.” What the blood ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
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KJV Study Commentary
The condition 'if thou utter this our business' protects operational security. Rahab must maintain discretion for the agreement to remain valid.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's immediate compliance 'she bound the scarlet line in the window' demonstrates obedient faith. She acted immediately on instruction, maintaining visible covenant sign.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-21**
Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord wrought for Israel. She believed that his promises would certainly be fulfilled, and his threatenings take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to him, and joining with his people. The conduct of Rahab proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. Observe the promises the spies made to her. The goodness...
Read full commentary →And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.
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KJV Study Commentary
The spies' three-day mountain hiding while pursuers searched demonstrates obedience to Rahab's counsel. They trusted her local knowledge.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Three days**—i.e., probably until the completion of three days from the commencement of their mission, according to the usual inclusive reckoning of the Old Testament.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-24**
The report the spies brought was encouraging. All the people of the country faint because of Israel; they have neither wisdom to yield, nor courage to fight. Those terrors of conscience, and that sense of Divine wrath, which dismay the ungodly, but bring not to repentance, are fearful forebodings of approaching destruction. But grace yet abounds to the chief of sinners. Let th...
Read full commentary →So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:
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KJV Study Commentary
The spies' return to Joshua and report of events shows completion of reconnaissance mission. They fulfilled assigned task and brought strategic intelligence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-24**
The report the spies brought was encouraging. All the people of the country faint because of Israel; they have neither wisdom to yield, nor courage to fight. Those terrors of conscience, and that sense of Divine wrath, which dismay the ungodly, but bring not to repentance, are fearful forebodings of approaching destruction. But grace yet abounds to the chief of sinners. Let th...
Read full commentary →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. faint: Heb. melt
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KJV Study Commentary
The spies' confident report 'Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land' demonstrates faith strengthened by witnessing God's work through Rahab.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **The Lord hath delivered.**—Observe the entirely satisfactory effect of this mission, and compare what was said on Joshua 2:1.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-29. Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God--**The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all--young as well as old; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers--all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as exempt from the terms of that national c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-24**
The report the spies brought was encouraging. All the people of the country faint because of Israel; they have neither wisdom to yield, nor courage to fight. Those terrors of conscience, and that sense of Divine wrath, which dismay the ungodly, but bring not to repentance, are fearful forebodings of approaching destruction. But grace yet abounds to the chief of sinners. Let th...
Read full commentary →