Joshua 2 Study Notes

2:13 Rahab did not ask for her own salvation, but for that of her family.

2:14 The spies acted to guarantee their own protection and thereby ensure the success of their mission. The spies were vulnerable and dependent on Rahab.

2:15 The actions described did not occur immediately. How secret would a mission be with the spies on the ground below shouting up to Rahab the negotiations of vv. 17-20? That she let them down by a rope through the window is a summary that introduces a more detailed description in vv. 16-21—a common technique in OT accounts.

2:16 The Jordan River was east of Jericho, but the steep hills that ascended from the Jordan Valley were to the west. The spies could hide there among the many caves and nooks. On the three days, see note at 1:11.

2:17-20 The scarlet cord at the opening of her house with the family gathered inside is clearly symbolic of the Passover and its placement of blood on the door frames of the house in which the family was preserved from death (Ex 12:3-13). At the same time that Israel celebrated the Passover in the new land (Jos 5:10-11), Rahab would be joining them in similar actions that would bring about her salvation from Jericho’s destruction.

2:21 This verse describes the same event as v. 15.

2:22-23 The three days here is the same time period as the “three days” in 1:11 and 3:2.

2:24 The spies’ report is a summary of what Rahab said, using her words (v. 9). This reiterates the fulfillment of prophecy (Ex 15:15) and the power of God to bring success to Israel. Contrast the majority report of the earlier generation of spies who focused on the obstacles of the land’s inhabitants (Nm 13:26-33). The spies here emphasized what God had done. Rahab, though not a leader like Joshua, was able to contribute to the success of Israel. Christians can do the same by confessing their faith and acting on it (Jms 2:25-26).