Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJoshua 2

The Two Spies and RahabThis section tells how Joshua sent two spies to secretly check out Jericho before the Israelites entered Canaan. It also describes how God guided these men to Rahab’s house, and how Rahab protected them because of her faith. The story highlights Joshua’s careful planning, God’s providence, and Rahab’s courage and belief in the Lord

vv. 2-6: Rahab showed her faith by welcoming and protecting the spies. She did more than just treat them kindly; she risked her life because she believed in the God of Israel (Hebrews 11:31 ). She let them stay in her house, even though she knew who they were and why they had come (Joshua 2:9 ). When others noticed the spies, Rahab hid them on her flat roof under stalks of flax (Joshua 2:6 ). This shows she was a hard-working woman, preparing flax just as the “virtuous woman” does (Proverbs 31:13 ). When the king’s men came looking for the spies, Rahab lied to protect them and sent the officers away in the wrong direction (Joshua 2:4-5 ). The king of Jericho was right to be worried, since the enemy was near, but Rahab hid the truth to save the spies. There are also questions about Rahab’s actions. She betrayed her own country by helping Israel’s spies and lied to the officers. However, she knew that God had given the land to Israel, so her duty to God was higher than her duty to her country (Joshua 2:9 ). Still, lying is usually wrong, and the Bible teaches us to always “speak the truth” (Romans 3:8 ). Rahab’s case was very unusual, and we should not use it as an excuse to lie. God forgave Rahab’s mistake because of her faith. God looks at our hearts and accepts us when we honestly try to do what is right, even if we sometimes fail.

v. 6: Rahab’s actions are praised in the New Testament as proof of her faith and good works (James 2:25 ). She acted bravely, believing that God would give Israel the land (Joshua 2:9 ). Her faith led her to risk her life to help God’s people. True faith means being willing to act for God, even when it is dangerous. When we trust God, we should also help His people, just as Rahab did (Isaiah 16:3-4 ). Sometimes, God accepts our good intentions, even if our actions are not perfect.

Rahab’s Faith and the Spies’ PromiseThis section tells the story of Rahab and her conversation with the Israelite spies she had hidden. It shows Rahab’s faith in the God of Israel and her courage in helping the spies, even though it put her in danger. Rahab also negotiates for the safety of herself and her family when the Israelites attack Jericho. The passage highlights the mercy of God to those who trust Him and the importance of keeping promises.v. 8: Before the spies went to sleep, Rahab came up to them on the roof. She was ready to speak openly with them, showing she wanted to help them and also to seek help for herself and her family.

v. 9: Rahab told the spies,“I know that the Lord

v. 10: Rahab explained that the people of Jericho had heard how the Lord

v. 11: She continued,“As soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted… for the Lord

v. 12–13: Rahab pleaded with the spies to swear by the Lord

v. 14: The spies promised,“Our life for yours, if you do not tell our business. And it shall be, when the Lord

v. 15: Rahab let the spies down by a rope through her window, because her house was on the city wall. This allowed the spies to escape safely and showed Rahab’s courage and resourcefulness .

v. 16: She advised them to hide in the mountains for three days until the pursuers returned, then go their own way. Rahab gave wise instructions to help the spies avoid capture.

v. 17–20: The spies set conditions for Rahab’s safety. She must tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign. Her family must stay inside her house during the attack, or they would not be protected. If she told anyone about the spies’ mission, the promise would be broken (Joshua 2:17–20 ). These rules were meant to keep everyone safe and to make the agreement clear.

v. 21: Rahab agreed to their terms and let them go. She immediately tied the scarlet cord in her window as a sign of faith and obedience .

Joshua 2:22 – The Spies Return and Their Encouraging ReportThis passage tells about the safe return of the spies whom Joshua had sent to Jericho. Their journey back was not just a mission completed, but an encouraging sign for all Israel. Instead of spreading fear like the spies in Moses’ time ( ), these men trusted God’s promise and brought hope to Joshua and the people. Their experience showed God’s protection and faithfulness, especially through Rahab’s help. It was also a sign that God would continue to protect all of Israel during their conquest of Canaan.v. 22: The spies safely returned from their dangerous mission. God took care of them, even though the king of Jericho was searching for them and the city’s walls were high and strong ( ). Rahab’s help was a clear sign of God working for Israel, even in an enemy city. Their safe escape proved that God watched over them for the sake of His people. This should have reassured Joshua and the Israelites that God would protect their soldiers during future battles.

v. 24: When the spies returned, they gave Joshua an encouraging report. They said that all the people in the land were afraid of Israel, and their courage was gone ( ). The people of Jericho had no wisdom to surrender and no courage to fight. The spies were sure that the LORD had already given Israel the land. This news meant that Israel only needed to move forward in faith and take possession. The fear of their enemies was a sign that God would make Israel victorious. In our spiritual lives, if we trust God and resist evil, we can be confident that He will help us win the battle in the end ( ).