John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 2:5
And it came to pass, about the time of the shutting of the gate ,.... Of the city, which was done every night, and at a certain time: when it was dark ; the sun set, and night come on: that the men went out ; out of her house, and out of the city too, as she said, though it was a downright lie, as well as what follows: whither the men went I wot not ; though she knew they were not gone, but were now in her house; she might not scruple telling a lie, being brought up a Heathen,... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 2:1-7
In these verses we have, I. The prudence of Joshua, in sending spies to observe this important pass, which was likely to be disputed at the entrance of Israel into Canaan (Josh. 2:1). Go view the land, even Jericho. Moses had sent spies (Num. 13:1-33) Joshua himself was one of them and it proved of ill consequence. Yet Joshua now sent spies, not, as the former were sent, to survey the whole land, but Jericho only; not to bring the account to the whole congregation, but to Joshua only, who,... read more