Joshua 2:1

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 2:1

And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men ,.... Or "had sent" F16 וישלח "miserat", Vatablus, Masius, Drusius. ; for this was done before the above order to depart: it is a tradition of the Jews F17 Shalshalet Hakabala, fol. 7. 2. , that they were Caleb and Phinehas; but they were not young men, as in Joshua 6:23 ; especially the former; nor is it probable that men of such rank and figure should be sent, but rather meaner persons; yet such as were men of good sense... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 2:1

Joshua - sent - two men to spy secretly - It is very likely that these spies had been sent out soon after the death of Moses, and therefore our marginal reading, had sent, is to be preferred. Secretly - It is very probable also that these were confidential persons, and that the transaction was between them and him alone. As they were to pass over the Jordan opposite to Jericho, it was necessary that they should have possession of this city, that in case of any reverses they might... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 2:1

Verse 1 1.And Joshua the son of Nun sent, etc. The object of the exploration now in question was different from the former one, when Joshua was sent with other eleven to survey all the districts of the land, and bring back information to the whole people concerning its position, nature, fertility, and other properties, the magnitude and number of the cities, the inhabitants, and their manners. The present object was to dispose those who might be inclined to be sluggish, to engage with more... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 2:1

EXPOSITION RAHAB AND THE SPIES .— And Joshua the son of Nun sent. Rather, as margin, had sent (see note on Joshua 1:2 ). It might have been at the very time when the command was given to the Israelites, for, according to a common Hebrew manner of speech (see, for instance, 1 Samuel 16:10 ), the three days (verse 22) may include the whole time spent by the spies in their exploring expedition. Out of Shittim. Literally, from the valley of acacias. It is so called in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 2:1

Forethought. Let us play a little with this word. It has more in it than a good example for a military commander. And its side suggestions as to what is wise in all conflicts are many and valuable. Generalise the action of Joshua here, and its gives you some lesson of prudence in all departments of life. Let us gather a few of these. I. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP . Always and everywhere do so. Many definitions have indicated the difference between man and the lower animals. One says,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 2:1

A brand plucked from the fire. This strange and somewhat romantic story of Rahab and the spies forms an interesting episode in the Scripture narrative. The special interest lies in the nature of the incidents and the character of the chief actor. Nothing is told us as to any definite result from the visit of the spies affecting the after siege and capture of the city, except so far as this, that they learnt from Rahab the alarm of the inhabitants at the approach of the Israelitish host. It... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 2:1-12

Rahab and the spies. Three points demand our attention in this narrative. First, the conduct of Joshua; secondly, of the spies; and thirdly, of Rahab. I. JOSHUA 'S CONDUCT . Here we may observe that— 1. He does not despise the use of means. He was under God's special protection. God had promised ( Joshua 1:5 ) that he would not fail him nor forsake him." He had seen miracles wrought in abundance, and was destined to receive other proofs of God's extraordinary presence with... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 2:1

An harlot’s house - In the face of the parallel passages (e. g. Leviticus 21:7 : Jeremiah 5:7) the rendering advocated for obvious reasons, namely, “the house of a woman, an innkeeper,” cannot be maintained. Rahab must remain an example under the Law similar to that Luke 7:37 under the Gospel, of “a woman that was a sinner,” yet, because of her faith, not only pardoned, but exalted to the highest honor. Rahab was admitted among the people of God; she intermarried into a chief family of a chief... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 2:1

Joshua 2:1. And Joshua sent Or, had sent, before the directions mentioned in the preceding chapter (Joshua 2:10-11,) were given to the officers. This best agrees with Jos 2:22 of this chapter, and the rest of the narrative. Two men Not twelve, as Moses did, because those were to view the whole land, these but a small parcel of it. To spy That is, to learn the state of the land and people. It is evident Joshua did not this out of distrust; it is probable he had God’s command and... read more

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