Joshua 2:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Joshua 2:10 records Rahab's profound confession to the Israelite spies, revealing the deep-seated fear and recognition among Jericho's inhabitants regarding the LORD's powerful and undeniable acts on behalf of Israel. This verse underscores the pervasive impact of God's reputation, specifically the miraculous drying of the Red Sea during the Exodus and the decisive defeat of the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, on the morale and perception of the Canaanite nations. It highlights divine sovereignty and the strategic psychological advantage God had already established, setting the stage for Israel's conquest of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 2 opens with Joshua sending two spies to Jericho, a crucial strategic city for the conquest of Canaan. They find refuge in the house of Rahab, a harlot. After the king of Jericho discovers their presence and sends men to apprehend them, Rahab bravely hides the spies. In the immediate preceding verses ([Joshua 2:8-9](/joshua/2-8 "Joshua 2:8-9 - Rahab's Confession of Faith")), Rahab confesses her faith and the terror that has gripped her people, acknowledging that the LORD has indeed given the land to Israel. Verse 2:10 then serves as the specific historical and theological evidence for her claim, detailing the mighty acts of God that have instilled this widespread fear among the Canaanites. This confession is pivotal, as it shifts the narrative from a simple reconnaissance mission to a demonstration of God's providential work through an unexpected individual, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Joshua 2 occur as Israel stands on the precipice of entering the Promised Land, approximately 40 years after their miraculous escape from Egypt. Jericho was an ancient, heavily fortified city, strategically located at a major crossroads, making its capture essential for the Israelite campaign. The Canaanite peoples, including the Amorites, were polytheistic and practiced various abhorrent rituals, including child sacrifice. Their societies were often organized into city-states, each with its own king. The reputation of Israel's God, Yahweh, as a powerful warrior deity who had decisively defeated Egypt and the formidable Amorite kings Sihon and Og, had spread throughout the region. This created a climate of fear and despair among the Canaanites, as anticipated by God in [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - The Dread and Fear of Israel"). Rahab's words reflect this widespread knowledge and terror, demonstrating that God was already at work, preparing the way for Israel's conquest by softening the resolve of their enemies.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 2:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Reputation and Power**, showcasing how God's mighty acts, such as the [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Parting of the Red Sea") and the decisive victories over the [Amorite kings Sihon](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21 - Defeat of Sihon") and [Og](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33 - Defeat of Og"), instilled terror in the hearts of Israel's enemies. Secondly, it highlights the **Fear of the Nations**, a recurring motif where the reputation of Yahweh precedes Israel, causing the inhabitants of Canaan to "melt away" in dread, as Rahab explicitly states in [Joshua 2:9](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9 - Rahab's Confession of Fear"). This fear serves God's purpose, weakening resistance. Thirdly, the verse reinforces **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, demonstrating that He is actively fulfilling His ancient pledge to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants, as detailed in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). Rahab's confession, therefore, is not merely an observation but a theological affirmation of God's sovereignty and His unstoppable plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This verb signifies more than simple auditory reception; it implies listening with understanding, internalizing, and often, responding or obeying. For the Canaanites, to "hear" about God's deeds meant they not only received the information but grasped its profound implications for their own fate, leading to a deep-seated dread and despair. It suggests a knowledge that permeated their society and fundamentally affected their morale and will to resist.
* **Dried up (Hebrew, _yabesh_):** This verb describes the complete desiccation or making dry, specifically referring to the miraculous cessation of the Red Sea's waters. It emphasizes the supernatural and absolute nature of God's power over creation, an act that defied natural laws and served as an undeniable sign of His divine intervention and unique authority, demonstrating His ability to clear paths where none existed.
* **Utterly destroyed (Hebrew, _charam_):** This term refers to the concept of "devotion to destruction" or "placing under the ban." It signifies a complete and irreversible annihilation, often with religious implications, where everything is dedicated to God by being destroyed. In the context of the Amorite kings, it indicates a total military victory and the removal of their presence, fulfilling God's judgment and clearing the way for Israel's inheritance. This was a specific command for the Canaanite nations due to their extreme wickedness and idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt;":** Rahab begins by stating the widespread knowledge among her people concerning the miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The "drying up" of the Red Sea (referencing the [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") account) was an event of such magnitude that its fame had spread far and wide, demonstrating Yahweh's supreme power over nature and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This act served as a foundational testimony to God's identity as a deliverer and a formidable warrior.
* **"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.":** Rahab then cites more recent and geographically proximate events: the decisive defeat of Sihon, king of Heshbon ([Numbers 21:21-30](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-30 - Defeat of Sihon")), and Og, king of Bashan ([Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Defeat of Og")). These victories, occurring east of the Jordan River, were direct confrontations with powerful local rulers and served as tangible proof of Israel's military might, empowered by their God. The phrase "utterly destroyed" (Hebrew: _charam_) emphasizes the complete and decisive nature of these victories, indicating God's judgment upon these nations and His faithfulness in clearing the way for Israel's inheritance of the land.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 2:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Rahab's confession of widespread fear among the Canaanites sets the stage for the subsequent ease with which Jericho falls, indicating that God has already begun to "melt" the hearts of the inhabitants. The verse also utilizes **Reputation as a Weapon**, where the fame of God's past deeds (the Red Sea and the Amorite kings) serves as a psychological deterrent, weakening the enemy's resolve even before battle. This is a form of **Divine Propaganda**, where God's actions speak louder than any words, inspiring terror in His adversaries and confidence in His people. Furthermore, Rahab's words function as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows the full extent of God's power and plan, while the Canaanites, despite their fear, do not yet grasp the inevitability of their defeat, except for Rahab, who acts on this knowledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Rahab's confession in Joshua 2:10 is a powerful theological statement, affirming God's sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that God's reputation precedes His people, working providentially to prepare the way for their mission. The fear that grips the Canaanites is not merely a psychological reaction but a divine act, fulfilling prophecies that God would put the dread and fear of Israel upon the nations ([Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - The Dread of Israel")). This verse highlights that God's power is not confined to Israel but impacts all nations, serving as both a source of salvation for those who turn to Him (like Rahab) and a harbinger of judgment for those who resist. It underscores the theme of God as a divine warrior who fights for His people, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive plan and demonstrating that His fame is a force that shapes human history and destiny.

* [Exodus 15:14-16](/exodus/15-14 "Exodus 15:14-16 - The Nations Tremble")
* [Deuteronomy 11:25](/deuteronomy/11-25 "Deuteronomy 11:25 - No One Shall Be Able to Stand Against You")
* [Psalm 48:4-6](/psalm/48-4 "Psalm 48:4-6 - Kings Saw and Fled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rahab's testimony in Joshua 2:10 serves as a profound reminder that God's mighty acts reverberate far beyond the immediate beneficiaries, impacting even those outside His covenant. Her words challenge us to consider the pervasive influence of God's work in the world, whether acknowledged or not. For believers, this verse instills profound confidence in God's historical faithfulness and His ability to overcome any obstacle, no matter how formidable. Just as the fame of the LORD's power spread throughout Canaan, our lives, transformed by His grace, should serve as a living testimony to His goodness and power, prompting others to "hear" about Him. This calls us to live authentically, allowing God's transformative work in us to be visible, so that even those who are spiritually distant might recognize His hand and be drawn to seek His salvation, just as Rahab was. It reminds us that God often uses unexpected individuals and circumstances to advance His kingdom, and that genuine faith, even in the face of immense fear, leads to salvation and a place within God's unfolding story.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "hearing" of God's deeds by the Canaanites, as described by Rahab, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's global impact and reputation today?**
* **In what specific ways can your own life and the life of your community serve as a compelling "testimony" that causes others to "hear" about God's power and faithfulness?**
* **What "Red Seas" or "Amorite kings" (i.e., seemingly insurmountable obstacles or formidable challenges) in your life or circumstances do you need to trust God to overcome, based on His proven track record of faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why was the news of the Red Sea crossing and the defeat of the Amorite kings so impactful on the Canaanites?**

Answer: The news was impactful because these events demonstrated Yahweh's unparalleled power over both nature and formidable military forces. The [Red Sea crossing](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") was a supernatural act that defied natural laws, showcasing God's ability to deliver His people through impossible circumstances. The defeat of the Amorite kings, [Sihon and Og](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Defeat of Sihon and Og"), represented decisive victories over powerful, well-established rulers in the region, proving that Israel's God was a superior warrior deity. For the Canaanites, who worshipped various local gods, these events were undeniable proof that Yahweh was not just another deity but a supreme power who actively fought for His people and against their enemies. This created a profound sense of dread and despair, as they realized their own gods were powerless in comparison and their fate seemed sealed. Rahab's confession in [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession") explicitly details this widespread fear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 2:10, through Rahab's confession, subtly points towards Christ in its demonstration of God's sovereign power and His unexpected means of salvation. The "dread and fear" that fell upon the nations because of the LORD's mighty deeds foreshadows the ultimate impact of the [gospel of Jesus Christ](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"). Just as the fame of God's power preceded Israel, the fame of Christ's redemptive work—His death, resurrection, and ascension—has spread throughout the world, bringing conviction to some and salvation to others. Rahab, a Gentile harlot, is saved not by her own merit but by her faith and recognition of God's power, becoming an ancestor of Christ ([Matthew 1:5](/matthew/1-5 "Matthew 1:5 - Rahab in Jesus' Genealogy")). Her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus highlights God's expansive grace, demonstrating that salvation is not limited to a particular ethnicity but is offered to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. The "utter destruction" of the Amorite kings, a consequence of God's judgment on wickedness, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's victory over sin and death, utterly destroying the power of the enemy and ushering in a new covenant of grace for all who put their trust in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, Rahab's confession is a testament to the God who prepares the way for His people, ultimately culminating in the universal reign of Christ, whose power and grace transcend all boundaries.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.