Joshua 2:22

ΒΆ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Joshua 2:22 describes the successful evasion of the two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the city of Jericho. Following the wise counsel of Rahab, they found refuge in the mountainous terrain outside the city, remaining hidden until the immediate danger of pursuit had passed.

Context

This verse is a crucial part of the reconnaissance mission detailed in Joshua chapter 2. After being sent by Joshua to spy out the land, particularly Jericho, the two men found refuge in the house of Rahab. When their presence was discovered, the King of Jericho sent pursuers after them. Rahab, demonstrating remarkable faith and courage, hid them on her roof and then advised them to flee to the mountain and remain there for three days, allowing time for the pursuers to give up their search. This verse confirms the spies' obedience to Rahab's instruction and the successful outcome of their hiding.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection: The primary theme is God's active providential care over His servants. Despite being in enemy territory and facing immediate danger, the spies were supernaturally protected, allowing their mission to proceed. The pursuers searched "throughout all the way, but found them not," underscoring the effectiveness of their hiding place and divine intervention.
  • Wisdom and Obedience: The spies' obedience to Rahab's specific and strategic advice to hide in the mountain for three days proved vital. This highlights the importance of heeding wise counsel, even from unexpected sources, especially when it aligns with God's broader plan.
  • Patience and Timing: The instruction to wait "three days" emphasizes the need for patience and recognizing the right timing in challenging situations. Rushing out too soon would have exposed them to capture. This period of waiting allowed the threat to dissipate, demonstrating the importance of waiting on God's perfect timing.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mountain" is har (Χ”Φ·Χ¨), referring to the hill country immediately west of Jericho. This area provided natural caves and rugged terrain, making it an ideal place for concealment. The phrase "sought them throughout all the way" indicates a thorough but ultimately fruitless search by the Jericho soldiers, reinforcing the spies' secure hiding due to divine favor.

Practical Application

This narrative teaches us about trusting in God's protection and timing, even when circumstances seem perilous. Like the spies, we may face situations where we need to exercise patience, follow wise guidance, and rely on divine providence for our safety and success. It reminds us that God often works through natural means and human cooperation to achieve His purposes, providing a "hiding place" in times of trouble. This verse encourages believers to wait on the Lord and trust that He will make a way, as seen in Isaiah 40:31.

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 β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

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