Joshua 2:3

And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.

And the king {H4428} of Jericho {H3405} sent {H7971} unto Rahab {H7343}, saying {H559}, Bring forth {H3318} the men {H582} that are come {H935} to thee, which are entered {H935} into thine house {H1004}: for they be come {H935} to search out {H2658} all the country {H776}.

The king of Yericho sent a message to Rachav, "Bring out the men who came to you and are staying in your house, because they have come to reconnoiter all the land."

So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land.”

And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, that are entered into thy house; for they are come to search out all the land.

Commentary

Joshua 2:3 details a tense moment in the story of Israel's conquest of Canaan, specifically concerning the city of Jericho. This verse describes the immediate reaction of Jericho's king upon discovering the presence of Israelite spies within his city, setting the stage for Rahab's pivotal decision.

Context

Following the death of Moses, Joshua assumes leadership of the Israelite nation, preparing them to enter the Promised Land. Before the main invasion, Joshua sends two spies into Jericho, the first major city they are to conquer (Joshua 2:1). These spies find refuge in the house of Rahab, a harlot whose dwelling was built into the city wall. The king of Jericho, likely alerted by watchmen or citizens, quickly learns of their presence and sends a direct order to Rahab, demanding she surrender the men. This swift action highlights the Canaanites' awareness and fear of the approaching Israelites, whose reputation for divine assistance had preceded them.

Key Themes

  • Jericho's Vigilance and Fear: The king's immediate response demonstrates that Jericho was on high alert, deeply apprehensive about the Israelite advance. This fear, as expressed later by Rahab (Joshua 2:9), underscores God's work in preparing the way for Israel's conquest.
  • Rahab's Perilous Position: This verse places Rahab in immediate danger, caught between the authority of her city's king and her burgeoning faith in the God of Israel. Her subsequent actions in hiding the spies are a direct response to this royal command.
  • Divine Orchestration: Even the king's attempt to thwart the spies unknowingly serves God's larger plan. The confrontation forces Rahab to make a definitive choice, which ultimately leads to her salvation and incorporation into Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "search out all the country" (Hebrew: latúr et-kol-ha'aretz) emphasizes the king's understanding of the spies' mission: they were not merely passing through but were engaged in a reconnaissance operation to gather intelligence on the land. The word latúr implies a thorough exploration or investigation, confirming the strategic importance of the spies' presence.

Practical Application

Joshua 2:3 reminds us that even when God's plans are unfolding, there will be opposition. The king of Jericho represents the world's resistance to God's purposes. However, God often uses unexpected people and circumstances, like Rahab's house, to advance His will. This verse, though brief, sets the stage for Rahab's remarkable demonstration of faith and courage, which is commended in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25). It encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that His ultimate plan cannot be thwarted, even by powerful human opposition.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 10:3 (3 votes)

    And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David [rather] sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?

  • Job 21:30 (2 votes)

    That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.

  • Genesis 42:9 (2 votes)

    And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye [are] spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.

  • Genesis 42:12 (2 votes)

    And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.

  • Genesis 42:31 (2 votes)

    And we said unto him, We [are] true [men]; we are no spies:

  • Joshua 10:23 (2 votes)

    And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, [and] the king of Eglon.

  • Acts 12:6 (2 votes)

    And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.