Joshua 2:22

KJV

¶ And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought [them] throughout all the way, but found [them] not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they went {H3212}, and came {H935} unto the mountain {H2022}, and abode {H3427} there three {H7969} days {H3117}, until the pursuers {H7291} were returned {H7725}: and the pursuers {H7291} sought {H1245} them throughout all the way {H1870}, but found {H4672} them not.

Complete Jewish Bible

They left, arrived in the hills, and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers had searched for them all the way but hadn't found them.

Berean Standard Bible

So the spies went out into the hill country and stayed there three days, until their pursuers had returned without finding them, having searched all along the road.

American Standard Version

And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 2:22 recounts the successful evasion of the two Israelite spies, who, following Rahab's astute counsel, found refuge in the rugged mountainous terrain west of Jericho. They remained concealed for three days, a strategic period that allowed the intense pursuit by Jericho's soldiers to subside. Despite a thorough search by their pursuers, the spies remained undiscovered, highlighting God's providential protection and the efficacy of wise, obedient action in the face of grave danger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of the spies' escape from Jericho, following their encounter with Rahab in [Joshua 2:1-21](/joshua/2-1 "Joshua 2:1-21 - The Spies and Rahab"). Sent by Joshua to reconnoiter Jericho and the surrounding land ([Joshua 2:1](/joshua/2-1 "Joshua 2:1 - Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho")), the spies' presence was discovered, prompting the King of Jericho to dispatch soldiers to apprehend them ([Joshua 2:2-3](/joshua/2-2 "Joshua 2:2-3 - Discovery of the Spies")). Rahab, a harlot, courageously hid them on her roof ([Joshua 2:4-6](/joshua/2-4 "Joshua 2:4-6 - Rahab Hides the Spies")) and then provided crucial instructions for their escape: to flee to the mountain and remain there for three days until the pursuers returned ([Joshua 2:16](/joshua/2-16 "Joshua 2:16 - Rahab's Instructions to the Spies")). Joshua 2:22 confirms their obedience to her counsel and the successful execution of this critical phase of their mission, setting the stage for their return to Joshua and their report in [Joshua 2:23-24](/joshua/2-23 "Joshua 2:23-24 - The Spies Return and Report").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho, an ancient and fortified city, was strategically located at an oasis near the Jordan River, making it a crucial gateway into Canaan from the east. The "mountain" referred to here is the rugged wilderness and hill country immediately to the west of Jericho, characterized by steep wadis, caves, and rocky outcrops, providing ample natural hiding places. In ancient warfare, pursuit was often intense but finite; soldiers would typically search for a limited period before returning to their post, especially if the trail grew cold. The three-day period was likely a calculated estimate for how long a diligent but ultimately unsuccessful search would last before the pursuers would give up and return to the city. The Canaanites, including the inhabitants of Jericho, were already aware of Israel's God and their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea ([Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Faith")), which would have intensified their fear and their efforts to capture the spies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the book of Joshua and broader biblical narrative. **Divine Protection** is paramount; despite being in hostile territory and facing a determined search, the spies were supernaturally shielded, demonstrating God's active providence over His chosen instruments. The futility of the pursuers' efforts ("sought them throughout all the way, but found them not") underscores the effectiveness of this divine safeguard. **Wisdom and Obedience** are also highlighted, as the spies' adherence to Rahab's specific, strategic, and seemingly unconventional advice (from a non-Israelite woman) proved instrumental in their survival. This emphasizes the importance of heeding wise counsel, even from unexpected sources, when it aligns with God's overarching plan. Finally, the theme of **Patience and Timing** is evident in the instruction to wait "three days." This period of patient waiting allowed the immediate threat to dissipate, teaching that God's purposes often unfold according to His perfect timing, requiring human patience and trust rather than impulsive action. This strategic waiting is a recurring motif in God's dealings with His people, seen in various instances of divine deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mountain (Hebrew, _har'_):** The Hebrew word הַר (_har_) refers to a mountain, hill, or mountainous region. In this context, it specifically points to the steep, arid, and rugged wilderness terrain immediately west of Jericho. This area, with its numerous caves, ravines, and natural crevices, served as an ideal natural hiding place. The choice of this location, advised by Rahab, was strategically sound, offering concealment from the open plains and the direct routes back to the Jordan. It signifies a place of refuge and security provided by God through natural means.
* **Three Days (Hebrew, _sh'loshet yamim'_):** The phrase שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים (_sh'loshet yamim_) denotes a specific period of seventy-two hours. This duration was not arbitrary but a divinely guided, strategic timeframe. It was sufficient for the pursuers to exhaust their search efforts, return to Jericho, and for the immediate danger to subside. This detail underscores the importance of precise timing in God's plans and the necessity of patient waiting for His deliverance to fully manifest, ensuring the spies' safe passage back to the Israelite camp.
* **Found Them Not (Hebrew, _lo m'tza'um'_):** The Hebrew phrase לֹא מְצָאוּם (_lo m'tza'um_) literally means "they did not find them." This concise statement emphasizes the complete failure of the Jerichoite pursuers. Despite their thorough search ("throughout all the way"), their efforts were utterly fruitless. This outcome is not merely a testament to the spies' good hiding skills or Rahab's cleverness, but a clear indication of divine intervention and protection. It signifies that when God hides His people, no human effort, however diligent, can uncover them against His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went, and came unto the mountain":** This clause describes the spies' immediate and obedient response to Rahab's counsel. Having been lowered from her window, they did not hesitate but immediately headed for the designated hiding place. This act of obedience demonstrates their trust in Rahab's wisdom, which was implicitly aligned with God's providential care for them. Their swift departure from the city walls and movement towards the mountainous refuge was critical for their survival.
* **"and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned":** This specifies the duration and purpose of their hiding. Staying for "three days" was a deliberate, strategic waiting period, designed to outlast the active search by the Jerichoite soldiers. This highlights the virtue of patience and the understanding that immediate danger often requires a period of withdrawal and waiting for the opportune moment to proceed. The phrase "until the pursuers were returned" marks the successful conclusion of the immediate threat, signifying that the danger had passed and their path was clear.
* **"and the pursuers sought [them] throughout all the way, but found [them] not.":** This final clause confirms the futility of the enemy's efforts and the effectiveness of the spies' concealment. The phrase "throughout all the way" implies a comprehensive and diligent search along the roads and paths leading from Jericho. However, despite their best efforts, the pursuers were unable to locate the spies. This outcome is a powerful testament to God's protective hand, ensuring that His servants remain hidden and safe until His purposes for them are fulfilled. It underscores the ultimate inability of human opposition to thwart divine plans.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 2:22 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. **Foreshadowing** is present, as the successful evasion of the spies, despite intense pursuit, hints at God's greater protection over Israel in the impending conquest of Jericho. Their hiddenness and subsequent safe return foreshadow the ultimate security God provides for His people. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the powerful King of Jericho, with all his resources, is utterly frustrated in his search for two individuals, while a seemingly insignificant harlot (Rahab) becomes the instrument of their salvation. This highlights the divine reversal of human expectations. Furthermore, the passage demonstrates **Divine Providence**, though not explicitly stated as a device, it is the underlying theological framework. The seemingly natural events—Rahab's advice, the rugged terrain, the duration of the search—are orchestrated by God to ensure the success of His plan, making the spies' escape appear miraculous in its precision and outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 2:22 beautifully encapsulates the theme of divine protection and strategic timing within God's unfolding redemptive plan. The spies' successful evasion is not merely a stroke of luck but a clear demonstration of God's active involvement in safeguarding His chosen instruments. This episode reinforces the biblical truth that when God has a purpose for His servants, He will provide the means for their safety and success, even in the midst of hostile environments and intense opposition. It speaks to the sovereignty of God, who can use unexpected individuals (like Rahab) and seemingly mundane circumstances (a mountain hiding place, a three-day wait) to achieve His extraordinary will. This narrative serves as an encouraging reminder that God's hidden hand is always at work, ensuring the advancement of His kingdom despite human obstacles.

* [Psalm 27:5](/psalms/27-5 "Psalm 27:5 - God's Hiding Place")
* [Psalm 91:1-4](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1-4 - The Shelter of the Most High")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the spies' escape in Joshua 2:22 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that there are times in life when God calls us to a season of "hiding"—not necessarily physical concealment, but perhaps a period of patient waiting, quiet trust, or strategic withdrawal from the fray. In these moments, like the spies, we are called to exercise obedience to wise counsel, even if it comes from unexpected sources, and to trust in God's perfect timing rather than rushing ahead in our own strength. This verse encourages us to believe that even when pursuers are "throughout all the way," diligently seeking to thwart us, God can render their efforts futile. Our safety and success are ultimately rooted in His providential care, which often works through natural means and human cooperation. It fosters a deep sense of security, knowing that our God is a God who hides His own, making a way where there seems to be no way, and bringing His purposes to fruition in His own time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to a season of patient waiting or "hiding" rather than immediate action?**
* **Can you identify an instance where you received wise counsel from an unexpected source, and how did you respond?**
* **How does the spies' successful evasion strengthen your faith in God's providential protection in your own life?**
* **What does "seeking throughout all the way, but found them not" teach you about the limits of human opposition to God's plans?**

### FAQ
**Why was "three days" the specific time period for the spies to hide?**

Answer: The "three days" was a strategic and divinely guided period. In ancient warfare and pursuit, a three-day window was often considered sufficient for initial, intense searches to subside. After this time, pursuers would typically return to their base, assuming their targets had either escaped far away or successfully hidden. For the spies, this duration allowed the immediate danger to pass, ensuring that the roads and surrounding areas were clear of the Jerichoite soldiers before they attempted to return to the Israelite camp. It demonstrates the importance of patience and waiting for God's opportune timing, as seen in other biblical narratives where specific waiting periods precede significant events or deliverances.

**What does this verse tell us about Rahab's faith and wisdom?**

Answer: Joshua 2:22, by confirming the spies' obedience to Rahab's instructions and the success of her plan, powerfully underscores her remarkable faith and practical wisdom. Her counsel to hide in the mountain for three days was not a random suggestion but a shrewd strategic move, demonstrating an understanding of the local terrain and the typical duration of military pursuits. This wisdom, coupled with her courageous decision to protect the spies, reveals a deep conviction that the God of Israel was indeed sovereign and that His plans would prevail ([Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Faith")). Her actions were a tangible expression of her burgeoning faith, leading to her and her family's salvation ([Joshua 6:25](/joshua/6-25 "Joshua 6:25 - Rahab's Preservation")).

**How does this event balance God's sovereignty with human responsibility and action?**

Answer: This verse beautifully illustrates the dynamic interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. God's providential protection is clearly at work, ensuring the spies are "found not" despite a thorough search. Yet, this divine protection does not negate human action; rather, it works through it. The spies had to actively "go" to the mountain and "abide there three days," demonstrating their obedience and patience. Rahab's wise counsel and courageous actions were also crucial. This narrative shows that God often accomplishes His sovereign will not through passive waiting, but by empowering and guiding His people to take specific, strategic actions, ensuring that their efforts align with and are ultimately blessed by His overarching plan. It's a partnership where human obedience becomes the channel for divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 2:22, with its narrative of hiddenness, divine protection, and a strategic three-day period, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The spies, sent on a mission into enemy territory, faced imminent danger but were supernaturally preserved through a period of concealment, emerging safely to report on the land. This foreshadows the ultimate mission of Christ, the true Spy sent by God into the hostile territory of a fallen world. Jesus, too, experienced periods of hiddenness and evasion from those who sought to destroy Him ([John 7:1](/john/7-1 "John 7:1 - Jesus Avoids Judea"), [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Jesus Hides from the Crowd")). Yet, His ultimate "hiding place" was the tomb, where He lay for "three days and three nights" ([Matthew 12:40](/matthew/12-40 "Matthew 12:40 - The Sign of Jonah")). Just as the pursuers could not find the spies, death and the grave could not hold Christ. On the third day, He emerged victorious, having conquered sin and death, fulfilling the ultimate mission of redemption ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Furthermore, the security found by the spies in their hiddenness speaks to the spiritual security believers find in Christ. We are "hidden with Christ in God" ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Hidden with Christ")), protected from the ultimate pursuers of sin and death, awaiting our full revelation with Him. The safe return of the spies brought hope and confirmation of God's power; Christ's resurrection brings eternal hope and the assurance of God's complete victory for all who trust in Him.

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

1 Samuel 19:10

And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

1 Samuel 19:12

So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.

2 Samuel 17:20

And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where [is] Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find [them], they returned to Jerusalem.

Psalms 32:6

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Psalms 32:7

¶ Thou [art] my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.