Joshua 2:10

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.

For we have heard {H8085} how the LORD {H3068} dried up {H3001} the water {H4325} of the Red {H5488} sea {H3220} for you {H6440}, when ye came out {H3318} of Egypt {H4714}; and what ye did {H6213} unto the two {H8147} kings {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, that were on the other side {H5676} Jordan {H3383}, Sihon {H5511} and Og {H5747}, whom ye utterly destroyed {H2763}.

We've heard how ADONAI dried up the water in the Sea of Suf ahead of you, when you left Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Emori on the other side of the Yarden, Sichon and 'Og, that you completely destroyed them.

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction.

For we have heard how Jehovah dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond the Jordan, unto Sihon and to Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

Commentary

Joshua 2:10 records Rahab's confession to the Israelite spies, revealing that the inhabitants of Jericho were well aware of the LORD's powerful acts on behalf of Israel. This verse underscores the pervasive fear that had gripped the Canaanite nations due to God's reputation.

Context

This verse is spoken by Rahab, a harlot in Jericho, to the two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the land (Joshua 2:1). Having hidden them from the king's men, Rahab explains her actions by confessing her knowledge and the collective dread of her people. Her words confirm that the fame of Israel's God had preceded them, fulfilling earlier prophecies that a dread and fear of Israel would fall upon the nations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Reputation and Power: Rahab's testimony highlights God's mighty works. The two specific events she mentions—the drying of the Red Sea for Israel's escape from Egypt, and the conquest of the Amorite kings Sihon and Og on the eastern side of the Jordan (Numbers 21:33, Deuteronomy 2:34)—were undeniable proofs of God's power and His commitment to His people.
  • Fear of the Nations: The phrase "we have heard" implies not just casual knowledge, but a deep understanding and internalized fear. This fear was a direct result of God's intervention in history, demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly powers. Rahab's confession of this fear is critical, as it forms the basis for her decision to protect the spies and seek salvation for her household.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Covenant: These historical events served as a powerful testament to God keeping His promises to Israel, even in the face of formidable enemies. The victories reinforced His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give them the land of Canaan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "heard" here is shama, which often implies not just auditory reception, but also understanding, heeding, and internalizing. For the Canaanites, hearing about God's deeds meant they understood the implications for their own fate, leading to widespread terror and despair among them, as Rahab further expresses in Joshua 2:9.

Practical Application

Rahab's testimony reminds us that God's deeds have a profound impact, not only on His people but also on those outside His covenant. His power and faithfulness are undeniable. For believers, this verse encourages us to trust in God's historical faithfulness and His ability to overcome any obstacle. For those who do not yet know Him, it serves as a powerful witness to His existence and authority. Our lives, transformed by God's grace, can also serve as a living testimony, prompting others to "hear" about His goodness and power, just as the Canaanites heard about the LORD's works.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 21:21

    ¶ And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

  • Numbers 21:35

    So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

  • Deuteronomy 2:30

    But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.

  • Deuteronomy 3:8

    And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

  • Exodus 14:21

    ¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

  • Exodus 14:31

    And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

  • Numbers 23:22

    God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
← Back