Joshua 2:23

KJV

So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all [things] that befell them:

KJV (with Strong's)

So the two {H8147} men {H582} returned {H7725}, and descended {H3381} from the mountain {H2022}, and passed over {H5674}, and came {H935} to Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, and told {H5608} him all things that befell {H4672} them:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the two men returned. Descending from the hills they crossed over and came to Y'hoshua the son of Nun, and reported everything that had happened to them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the two men started back, came down from the hill country, and crossed the river. So they came to Joshua son of Nun and reported all that had happened to them.

American Standard Version

Then the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun; and they told him all that had befallen them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 2:23 records the successful completion of the reconnaissance mission undertaken by the two Israelite spies. Having descended from their three-day hiding place in the mountains and crossed the Jordan River, they returned directly to Joshua, the leader of Israel. This verse marks the critical moment when the vital intelligence gathered from within Jericho, including the significant encounter with Rahab and the assessment of the Canaanites' morale, was delivered to Joshua, providing the essential information needed for the impending conquest of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the narrative climax and conclusion of the spy mission initiated by Joshua in [Joshua 2:1](/joshua/2-1 "Joshua 2:1 - Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho"). It immediately follows the spies' perilous escape from Jericho, their strategic hiding for three days in the mountains as advised by Rahab ([Joshua 2:16](/joshua/2-16 "Joshua 2:16 - Rahab's Instructions to the Spies")), and their safe passage back across the Jordan River. Their return and report in [Joshua 2:24](/joshua/2-24 "Joshua 2:24 - The Spies' Report to Joshua") directly set the stage for Israel's miraculous crossing of the Jordan in [Joshua chapter 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Israel Crosses the Jordan River") and the subsequent conquest of Jericho in [Joshua chapter 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"). The successful completion of this mission validates Joshua's leadership and God's protective hand over His people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the narrative, the Israelites are encamped in the plains of Moab, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, poised to enter Canaan. Jericho, located strategically near the Jordan crossing, was the first major fortified city they would encounter. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, reconnaissance missions were crucial for military strategy, providing intelligence on enemy defenses, troop morale, and logistical challenges. The act of "descending from the mountain" and "passing over" (likely referring to the Jordan) highlights the physical journey and the dangers involved in traversing enemy-controlled or contested territory. The immediate reporting to Joshua reflects the established chain of command and the importance of accurate, first-hand intelligence for a leader preparing for a major military campaign, especially one divinely ordained.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 2:23 underscores several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Protection**, as the spies' safe return, despite the immense dangers of their mission in a hostile city, implicitly points to God's guiding hand. This echoes the protection seen in Rahab's actions and foreshadows God's continued faithfulness in the conquest. Secondly, it emphasizes **Human Agency and Obedience**, as the spies diligently carried out Joshua's command and reported back faithfully, demonstrating the importance of human action in cooperation with divine plans. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of **Preparation for Conquest**, showing the meticulous steps taken by Joshua and Israel before engaging in battle. The intelligence gathered, particularly the demoralized state of the Canaanites ([Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Fear")), was a divine sign that the Lord was indeed delivering the land into Israel's hand, building confidence for the challenging task ahead.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Returned (שׁוּב, _shuv_):** This Hebrew verb signifies not merely a physical turning back but often implies a restoration, a completion of a cycle, or a successful conclusion. In this context, it emphasizes that the spies' mission, fraught with peril, has been brought to a successful and safe end, allowing them to deliver their vital intelligence.
* **Told (סָפַר, _sāpar_):** This verb means "to count, to tell, to relate, to recount." It suggests a comprehensive and detailed report, not just a brief summary. The spies were expected to give a full account of "all things that befell them," indicating that every observation, every encounter (especially with Rahab), and every perceived detail of Jericho's defenses and the inhabitants' morale was to be meticulously recounted to Joshua.
* **Befell them (קָרָה, _qarah_):** This verb means "to happen, to meet, to encounter." It encompasses both the planned aspects of their mission (spying out the land) and the unexpected, providential encounters, most notably their interaction with Rahab. The phrase "all things that befell them" indicates a full disclosure of their experiences, including the divine interventions and the human responses they witnessed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over":** This clause succinctly describes the successful completion of the spies' journey back to the Israelite camp. "Returned" signifies the successful conclusion of their mission. "Descended from the mountain" refers to their departure from the hiding place Rahab had advised, a strategic move to evade pursuit for three days. "Passed over" likely refers to their crossing back over the Jordan River, which separated Jericho from the Israelite encampment, completing their perilous journey.
* **"and came to Joshua the son of Nun":** This highlights the direct accountability of the spies to their leader. Joshua, as the divinely appointed successor to Moses, was the central figure for receiving intelligence and making strategic decisions. Their immediate return to him underscores the hierarchical structure and the importance of reporting directly to authority.
* **"and told him all [things] that befell them":** This final phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their report. It wasn't just a tactical overview of Jericho's defenses; it included every significant event, observation, and encounter. Crucially, this would have included Rahab's confession of faith and the widespread fear among the Canaanites, which was perhaps the most significant piece of intelligence, confirming God's hand in delivering the land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Closure**, bringing the suspenseful account of the spy mission to a definitive end. It acts as a pivot point, concluding the reconnaissance phase and setting the stage for the active conquest. There is also an element of **Understatement** in the phrase "all things that befell them," which, in its simplicity, covers a dramatic and perilous three-day ordeal involving a narrow escape, divine protection through Rahab, and crucial intelligence gathering. Furthermore, the successful return and comprehensive report **Foreshadow** the impending success of the conquest, as the intelligence confirms God's promise that the inhabitants of the land are already demoralized and ready to fall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 2:23 is more than a mere logistical update; it is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of human obedience in divine plans. The safe return of the spies, despite the dangers inherent in their mission, underscores God's protective providence over His people as they step out in faith. Their diligent reporting to Joshua highlights the biblical principle of accountability and the value of accurate information for wise leadership. This event demonstrates that while God orchestrates grand plans, He often works through human agents who exercise courage, wisdom, and obedience. The intelligence gathered, particularly the fear of the Canaanites, serves as a divine confirmation that the Lord is indeed fighting for Israel, bolstering their faith for the daunting task ahead.

* [Numbers 13:26](/numbers/13-26 "Numbers 13:26 - The Spies Return to Moses")
* [Luke 10:17](/luke/10-17 "Luke 10:17 - The Seventy-Two Disciples Report Back")
* [Acts 14:27](/acts/14-27 "Acts 14:27 - Paul and Barnabas Report to the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The return of the spies in Joshua 2:23 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the importance of diligent preparation and thorough reporting in our spiritual and practical endeavors. Just as Joshua relied on accurate intelligence for the conquest of Jericho, we are called to seek wisdom, gather information, and discern God's will before acting, rather than rushing impulsively. The spies' safe return, despite immense odds, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and protection for those who trust in Him, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. It encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that God guides and protects us as we pursue His purposes. Moreover, their accountability to Joshua highlights the value of reporting back to spiritual leaders or mentors, sharing our experiences, insights, and challenges, fostering a community of shared wisdom and support.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to "spy out the land" with diligence and careful preparation before acting?**
* **How does the safe return of the spies encourage my trust in God's protection when I face daunting or dangerous situations?**
* **To whom am I accountable, and how faithfully do I "report all things that befell" me, both successes and challenges, for wise counsel and shared discernment?**
* **What "intelligence" or insights has God revealed to me recently that I need to share with others for their encouragement or guidance?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the spies' report to Joshua?**

Answer: The spies' report, delivered upon their return in Joshua 2:23 and detailed in [Joshua 2:24](/joshua/2-24 "Joshua 2:24 - The Spies' Full Report"), was of paramount significance for several reasons. Firstly, it provided crucial tactical intelligence about Jericho's defenses and the surrounding terrain, which was essential for Joshua's military strategy. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, the report confirmed the demoralized state of the Canaanite inhabitants. Rahab's confession, "For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you... and as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted" ([Joshua 2:10-11](/joshua/2-10 "Joshua 2:10-11 - Rahab's Account of Canaanite Fear")), was a divine sign. It affirmed God's promise that the fear of Israel had fallen upon the land, bolstering the Israelites' faith and confidence that the Lord was indeed delivering Canaan into their hands, fulfilling His covenant.

**How does Rahab's role connect to this verse?**

Answer: Rahab's role is intrinsically linked to Joshua 2:23, even though she is not explicitly mentioned in this verse. The phrase "all [things] that befell them" implicitly includes their encounter with Rahab. Her actions—hiding the spies, advising them on their escape route ([Joshua 2:16](/joshua/2-16 "Joshua 2:16 - Rahab's Instructions")), and her declaration of faith in the God of Israel ([Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession"))—were pivotal to the success of the mission. Her confession provided the most vital piece of intelligence: the Canaanites' hearts had melted in fear of the Lord. Thus, the spies' safe return and comprehensive report to Joshua were a direct result of Rahab's faithfulness and courage, highlighting God's ability to use unexpected individuals, even from enemy territory, to accomplish His purposes and demonstrate His universal sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The return of the spies in Joshua 2:23, bringing a report that confirms God's sovereign hand and prepares the way for Israel's entry into the Promised Land, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate "scout" and "forerunner," Jesus Christ. Just as the spies ventured into hostile territory and returned with a message of victory and assurance, Christ descended from heaven, entering the hostile territory of a fallen world, fraught with sin and death. He lived a perfect life, confronted the powers of darkness, and through His death and resurrection, secured a definitive victory over sin and the grave. His ascension to the Father, as recorded in [Acts 1:9](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - Jesus Ascends to Heaven"), is His "return" from His mission, bringing back the "report" of accomplished salvation. He has gone to prepare a place for us ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Believers")), just as the spies' report prepared the way for Israel. Furthermore, Jesus commissioned His disciples, much like Joshua sent his spies, to go into all the world and make disciples, bringing the good news of His victory ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and His "report" to the Father ensures our entrance into the true, eternal Promised Land.

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.