King James Version

What Does Joshua 2:1 Mean?

Joshua 2:1 in the King James Version says “And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they ... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 2:1 · KJV


Context

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. sent: or, had sent lodged: Heb. lay

2

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.

3

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.


Commentary

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' (cheresh, 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 wilderness wandering. The spies' arrival at Rahab's house appears providential rather than coincidental. The Hebrew zonah (זוֹנָה, 'harlot') indicates she was a prostitute, yet God sovereignly directed the spies to the one Canaanite who would demonstrate faith. Rahab's house on the city wall (verse 15) provided strategic location for gathering intelligence and escaping detection. God's grace in using a Gentile prostitute to advance His redemptive purposes demonstrates that salvation depends on faith rather than moral merit or ethnic identity. Rahab's inclusion in Christ's genealogy (Matthew 1:5) and commendation in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25 confirms her genuine conversion and faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jericho was a heavily fortified city controlling the Jordan River crossing into Canaan. Archaeological excavations reveal massive defensive walls and a prosperous Late Bronze Age city. The city's strategic importance made it the logical first target for conquest. Spying missions were standard ancient Near Eastern military practice before assaults on fortified cities. Rahab's profession as a prostitute, while morally condemned, positioned her to hear news from travelers and merchants. Ancient Near Eastern cities typically had red-light districts near gates or walls where commerce and immoral activity intersected. The narrative makes no attempt to justify or minimize Rahab's sin, but demonstrates God's grace in saving sinners who turn to Him in faith. This account occurred approximately 40 years after the failed spying mission of Numbers 13-14, showing God's patience in giving Israel a second chance to enter the land in faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of Rahab—a Gentile prostitute—challenge our assumptions about who God saves and includes in His redemptive purposes?
  2. What does Joshua's wisdom in learning from Moses' mistake teach about the importance of studying redemptive history?
  3. How do you respond when God works through unlikely people or circumstances to accomplish His purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח1 of 26

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ2 of 26

And Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בִּן3 of 26

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נ֠וּן4 of 26

of Nun

H5126

nun or non, the father of joshua

מִֽן5 of 26
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשִּׁטִּ֞ים6 of 26

out of Shittim

H7851

shittim, a place east of the jordan

שְׁנַֽיִם7 of 26

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲנָשִׁ֤ים8 of 26
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מְרַגְּלִים֙9 of 26

to spy

H7270

to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about

חֶ֣רֶשׁ10 of 26

secretly

H2791

magical craft; also silence

לֵאמֹ֔ר11 of 26

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְכ֛וּ12 of 26
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

רְא֥וּ13 of 26

view

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת14 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֖רֶץ15 of 26

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאֶת16 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְרִיח֑וֹ17 of 26

even Jericho

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ18 of 26
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַ֠יָּבֹאוּ19 of 26

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵּית20 of 26
H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אִשָּׁ֥ה21 of 26

house

H802

a woman

זוֹנָ֛ה22 of 26

into an harlot's

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

וּשְׁמָ֥הּ23 of 26

named

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

רָחָ֖ב24 of 26

Rahab

H7343

rachab, a canaanitess

וַיִּשְׁכְּבוּ25 of 26

and lodged

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

שָֽׁמָּה׃26 of 26
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 2:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 2:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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