 Tribal Distribution of the Land. (Courtesy of the Moody Atlas of the Bible.) CHAPTER 18:
Verse 1: Shiloh rests at the geographical center of the promised land, within the borders of the lot belonging to Ephraim. This is where the tabernacle is set up and will remain for several centuries until the Philistine invasion in 1 Samuel 4. In addition to being the religious center for the nation, Shiloh will also serve as a seat of government for it’s here that Joshua oversees the division of the rest of the land, assigns the Levites their cities, and where the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh will meet with Joshua again in chapter 22. Shiloh is also where Hannah prays for a son (1 Samuel 1:10-11) and where that answered prayer, Samuel, is called by God to serve as prophet, priest and judge. (1 Samuel 3:10, 20-21) Verses 2-10: Seven tribes have not yet divided up and settled the remaining land available to them. Verse 3 has the tone of a rebuke from Joshua. He asks, in essence, “What are you waiting for? God has given you this land. Go take it!” He commands the tribes to choose three men each to “…go through the land…” (v.4), scout and map it (v.8), and then return to him to give a report. The chosen men do as Joshua commands and, once their mission is complete, everyone assembles again at Shiloh where Joshua casts lots to determine the borders of each tribe’s parcel of land. (v.9-10) These verses make it clear that most of the tribes had failed to complete the settling and colonizing of the promised land. They had won the victories against the Canaanites, but then remained in their tents, living the same nomadic existence that was their life before entering the promised land. In other words, the Israelites had failed to take hold of the blessings God had bestowed upon them! The land was theirs for the taking, yet they held back, unwilling to complete their mission by moving into the empty cities and dividing up the land among them as God had commanded them to do before this whole campaign started. So many Christians today behave in the same manner as these remaining tribes whom Joshua rebuked. We obey God when He gives us a direction and an assignment, but then stop at the finish line. Sometimes it’s because of fear, or lack of faith, or we get distracted by worldly matters or temptations. Yes, we get the victory in the spiritual battle, but then we fail to seize the rewards and blessings that God lays out for us. For the Israelites, it’s possible that they were afraid of fully settling into the promised land and giving up a nomadic existence that had so long defined their way of life. For us today, this same fear can hold us back in our service for God. It’s hard sometimes to let go of the old way of life and step out on faith when God calls us to a completely new mission for Him. We humans have an inherent fear of the unknown, and for these Israelites they were unsure of what a new life in the promised land would look like. All they had known was a life of tents, and herding livestock, and never living in one place for too long. Now they were commanded to leave their tents behind and move into the cities. They could now farm the land, growing their own crops instead of living off the spoils of their enemies in the wilderness. This was a major change to their way of life, and this naturally caused fear and uncertainty in their hearts. Joshua’s rebuke is a call to faith. Faith is an action verb, not a feeling or a mere belief. Faith always results in an action on our part. Joshua reminds the Israelites of their blessings and rewards as part of the covenant laid down by God and given through Moses, His messenger. It’s time for God’s chosen people to give up their nomadic existence and begin a new way of life in the promised land. Verse 7: There is another reminder here of why the Levites have no land inheritance. Their inheritance is something much greater: “…the priesthood of the LORD…”. (Numbers 18:7, 20, Joshua 13:33) Fulfilling the role of priest is much more than just slaughtering animals and following the prescribed rituals for burning them on the altar. The priests serve as judges, educators, doctors and arbiters in the matters of criminal justice. They are also intercessors between the people and the LORD, the most critical role of all and not one to be taken lightly or treated carelessly. Thus, the tribe of Levi has the greatest portion of duties and responsibilities of all the tribes and, therefore, God has set them apart for a much greater inheritance and reward. Verses 11-28: The land allotted to Benjamin is sandwiched between Ephraim to the north and Judah to the south. (v.11) Among the list of cities that are included in Benjamin’s territory is Gibeon whose inhabitants deceived the Israelites. (Joshua 9) This is also where God will appear to King Solomon in a dream, offering him whatever he asks. (1 Kings 3:4-5) Ramah (v.25) is the birthplace of Samuel. (1 Samuel 1:19) It’s also mentioned by Jeremiah in a prophecy that Matthew later references. (Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:17-18) Jericho is eventually rebuilt but at great cost to the builder, as prophesied by Joshua. (Joshua 6:26, 1 Kings 16:34) Jerusalem, of course, is the most notable of the cities listed here. (v.28) The tribe of Judah has the lineage of Christ, the Levites have the priesthood, but Benjamin has Jerusalem. CHAPTER 19: Verses 1-9: The tribe of Simeon is granted portions of land within that which was granted to Judah. The reason for this is given in verse 9: “…for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them…”. This is also in fulfillment of prophecy. (Genesis 49:5-7) Later, during the time of the judges, this co-habitation will also play a crucial role in keeping Israel’s enemies at bay. (Judges 1:3) Beersheba is probably the most familiar of the cities listed in this passage as belonging to Simeon. (v.2) (Genesis 21:14, 46:1) Later, the phrase “from Dan to Beer-sheba” will be used to signify the whole land of Israel. (Judges 20:1, 1 Samuel 3:20) Ziklag is also another recognizable name from the era of King David’s reign. (1 Samuel 27:6) Later, after King Solomon’s reign, when the nation splits into the northern and southern kingdoms, the tribe of Simeon is either absorbed into Judah or migrates to the northern territory. (2 Chronicles 15:9, 34:6) Verses 10-16: Zebulun is up next, sandwiched between Manasseh on the south, Asher on the west, Issachar on the east, and Naphtali on the north. The name Bethlehem that is mentioned in verse 15 is not the same city that is the birthplace of Christ. That famous Bethlehem is in the tribe of Judah. The one listed here will be the birthplace of Ibzan, one of the future judges of Israel. (Judges 12:8-10) Verses 17-23: The fourth lot goes to Issachar, which is given land in the Beth-shean plain and lower Galilee. Rather than describing the borders by compass direction as with the previous lots, the author lists the cities that delineate the borders. Shunem (v.18) is named in 2 Kings 4:8 as a place where the prophet Elisha will have a benefactress. Kishion and En-gannim (v.20-21) are Levitical cities. (Joshua 21:28-29) Mount Tabor (v.22) figures prominently in the story of Barak (Judges 4:6). Verses 24-31: The fifth lot falls to Asher. (v.24) Its western boundary is the Mediterranean Sea which also includes the Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon. We know from later passages of scripture that the Israelites never fully eliminate the Canaanites from not only Tyre and Sidon, but also Acco, Sidon, and the Levitical city of Rehob. (Judges 1:31-32) Anna, the prophetess named in Luke 2:36, is from Asher. Verses 32-39: The tribe of Naphtali draws the sixth lot. Their land is nestled between Asher and Zebulun to the west and Issachar to the south with the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan river on the eastern side. (v.33-34) Much of Jesus’ ministry will be in this region. (Isaiah 9:1-2) The authors of the Moody Bible Commentary speculate that the Messiah’s ministry in this part of Israel are the “goodly words” that Jacob was referring to in his deathbed blessing/prophecy. (Genesis 49:21) Only in Naphtali is the description “fenced” used to describe how well fortified and defended its cities are. (v.35) Kedesh is later named a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7), and it’s also the birthplace of Barak. (Judges 4:6) Verses 40-48: The final lot goes to the tribe of Dan. It’s the smallest of all the allotments, sandwiched between Ephraim (north), Judah (west and south), and Benjamin (east). Zorah, Eshtaol (v.41), and Timnath (v.43) are featured in the account of Samson. (Judges 13:25, 14:1, 16:31) Because the Israelites failed to completely drive out the Canaanites from the promised land, the tribe of Dan is soon banished from their lot into the mountains by the Amorites. (Judges 1:34) Verses 49-51: The division of the promised land began with Caleb in chapter 14, and now ends with Joshua. (v.49-50) He requests the city of Timnath-serah, which is about 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem, in the territory belonging to Ephraim. (Joshua 24:30, Judges 2:9) Verses 50 states that “…he built the city…” which means that portion of land had nothing on it when Joshua and his family settled there. The division of the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel is almost complete. (v.51) Israel’s transition from a nomadic lifestyle to that of an agrarian one where they will become farmers can now begin. Only two tasks remain: naming the cities of refuge as well as homes for the Levites. Those details are given in chapters 20 and 21.
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Chapters 15-19 detail the distribution of the land for the tribes that settled west of the Jordan river. Chapter 15 deals with just the tribe of Judah. It begins by describing the borders of Judah’s land (v.1-12) and then proceeds with a lengthy list of all the cities conquered and settled within those borders (v.20-63). Once again, passages like this may seem redundant and tedious to readers today, but remember that 1) this is God’s word, and He chose every single word for a good reason; and 2) the Bible is a book of world history, specifically that of the Jews, God’s chosen people. In keeping with tradition of the ANE at this time period, records such as this chapter were important for posterity. Not only that, but some of the cities mentioned here are sites of major events for Israel later on in the time of the judges and then the kings.
Verses 1-12: The eastern border of Judah is the Dead Sea, a.k.a. the Salt Sea (v.4-5), and the western border is the Mediterranean Sea, a.k.a. the Great Sea. (v.12) The southern border starts at the Dead Sea, following the course of “…the river of Egypt…” (v.4) to the point where it empties into the Mediterranean. The northern border starts at the Mediterranean and follows an arc that connects to the Jordan River and then follows that south of Jerusalem and Jericho to the northern tip of the Dead Sea. (Refer back to the map in chapter 13.) The mention of the Jebusites and Jerusalem in verse 8 is important, as we will see later in verse 63. Verses 13-19: This passage details Caleb’s successful victories against the Anakim, starting with the conquering of the city of Hebron that was mentioned in chapter 14. Now, Caleb leads a campaign against the city of Kirjath-sepher, which is then renamed Debir. Caleb promises his daughter, Achsah, as wife to the man who will successfully conquer that city. (v.16) His nephew, Othniel, answers the call, and is victorious in battle. (v.17) Later, Achsah makes a specific request of her father for the upper and lower springs of fresh water that are adjacent to the land conquered by Othniel. (v.18-19) Caleb is more than willing to honor the request. The fact that Caleb, at 85, has a daughter who is still young and, presumably, has just reached marrying age, is also a testament to God’s blessing on Caleb because of his faithfulness and obedience. Like Abraham, Caleb and his wife were blessed with children in their old age, and this should be a source of inspiration and hope for older believers today. Nothing is impossible with God! Verses 20-32: This lengthy list of Judah’s cities are grouped according to the region of the land where they are located. The first section is the southern region (the Moody Bible commentary refers to each region as a “district”), and of the cities listed here, there are a few names that stand out. The first is Ziph (v.24) which is mentioned in 1 Samuel 23:14 as one of the hiding places where David flees during Saul’s manhunt for him. Later in that same chapter it’s revealed that the Ziphites betray David to Saul. Beer-sheba (v.28) is the same region that was once occupied by Abraham and Isaac. (Genesis 21:32-34, 26:23-25) Ziklag is also apportioned to Simeon (Joshua 19:5), but it’s clear from 1 Samuel 27:6-7 and 30:1 that it’s never fully conquered and settled by Israel. Verses 33-44: The second region is the western foothills. The cities of Eshtaol and Zoreah (v.33) are key sites in the story of Samson. (Judges 13:25, 16:31) Adullam (v.35) is another of David’s hiding places from Saul. (1 Samuel 22:1) Socoh and Azekah (v.35) are where David defeats Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:1) Lachish is mentioned in 2 Kings 14:19 and Jeremiah 34:7. Verses 45-47: The third region contains cities that border Philistia: Ekron, Ashdod, and Gaza. These locations figure prominently in the story of Samson (Judges 13-16) as well as the narrative of the theft of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines during Samuel’s reign as judge of Israel (1 Samuel 4-6). Ashdod is also home to the last of the giants of the Anakim. (Joshua 11:22) Another of the Philistines’ principal cities near this region is Gath, home to the giant Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:4) While these cities and lands are apportioned to Judah, the Philistines are never completely driven out and conquered by Israel. In fact, many Israelites intermarried with the inhabitants of Ashdod following their return from the Babylonian captivity. (Nehemiah 13:23) Verses 48-60: The fourth region is the hill country, which includes Debir, the city conquered by Othniel. As already noted in the previous chapter, Hebron was rewarded to Caleb, and it eventually becomes a city of refuge. It’s also where David establishes his royal house in the wake of Saul’s death and is anointed king of Israel. (2 Samuel 2:1, 4) Later, Absalom uses Hebron to stage his insurrection against David. (2 Samuel 15:7, 10) Maon, Carmel, and Jezreel are also key sites in the saga of King David’s reign. (1 Samuel 25) Kirjath-jearim is mentioned in Judges 18:12, and it’s also where the ark of the covenant remains for a time after it’s recaptured from the Philistines. (1 Samuel 6:21, 7:1-2) Verses 61-62: The last district is the desert region. En-gedi is yet another refuge site for David during his years of hiding from Saul. (1 Samuel 23:29) Verse 63: Although Jerusalem is in the region allotted to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:21, 28), that territory shares a border with Judah (Joshua 18:11). As already mentioned earlier in this chapter (v.8), the southern part of Jerusalem is located on Judah’s side of the border. That verse also mentions the Jebusites and now Joshua confirms that those people are never fully driven from their land. Not even in the era of the judges or the reign of King David are those native people completely wiped out. (Judges 1:8, 21, 2 Samuel 5:6, 24:18) The reason for this is not made clear in any of the texts, but given God’s command to both Moses and Joshua regarding His judgment against the Canaanites, the logical conclusion if that the Israelites failed to completely follow through on the Lord’s directive to wipe out all inhabitants of the promised land. This could also be a clue as to why the land purchased by King David for the site of the temple that Solomon eventually built is so revered and so fiercely contested even up to our present day. Araunah’s property that David bought is regarded as sacred by modern day Jews, Christians, and Muslims. This is the same site that contained the Mosque of Omar (a.k.a. the Dome of the Rock) in the medieval era, so it's very likely that the Jebusites are connected to the lineage of Muhammed, the founder of Islam, who was born in the 6th century. CHAPTER 5:
Verse 1: Because this is the season of harvest the river Jordan is overflowing its banks and, thus, the Canaanites believed that Israel would not be able to get to them anytime soon. However, once word reaches them of Israel’s miraculous crossing of the river, the heathen nations are now paralyzed with fear. Verses 2-8: But before Israel can officially begin its military campaign against her enemies, there are three things that must be addressed. The first is a critical issue regarding the disobedience of the first generation that died in the wilderness. In these verses we find out that those who came out of Egypt had been circumcised according to the Abrahamic covenant in obedience to God’s directive. (v.5) However, in the course of their travels to Mount Sinai, and then later in their journey to the border of the promised land, they had failed to circumcise their sons. (v.7) This is another indication of their lack of faith and rebellion against God, especially after the Lord had specifically commanded circumcision in the laws he gave to Moses at Mount Sinai. (v.6) This relates back to the need for sanctification before God as described in the previous chapter. There were many issues of obedience and holiness that remained unresolved from the first generation that needed to be corrected by their children before they could proceed with God’s plan of conquest and settling the promised land. Therefore, as the first order of business after crossing the Jordan, Joshua commands the people to set up camp at Gilgal (v.9-10), and then all the males are circumcised. (v.8) Verses 10-12: The next order of business is the annual observance of the Passover. (v.10) Additionally, there is a note here that God will no longer be providing the daily manna that had sustained the Israelites during their sojourn in the wilderness. (v.11-12) Now that they are in the promised land, there is no need of that particular provision. There is plenty “…of the fruit of the land of Canaan…” for the people to consume as they conquer and settle in their new home. Verses 13-15: And, finally, there is a meeting between Joshua and the captain of the Lord’s host. We can logically conclude from verses 14-15 that this is another preincarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. (Genesis 18:1-2, 32:24, 30, Exodus 23:23, Numbers 22:3, Judges 13:3) In all other places in scripture when a man or woman attempts to worship any supernatural being other than God or Christ, he/she is immediately corrected and ordered to stand. But not so here. In fact, the captain tells Joshua to take off his shoes because the ground on which he is lying prostrate is holy. (Exodus 3:5) The Lord’s appearance here is an indication of Joshua’s and the nation’s obedience to all that God has commanded of them. It’s also a sign for Joshua that God is with His people, and that He will give them the victory in their battle against Jericho. CHAPTER 6: Verses 1-5: The city of Jericho is under lockdown. Whether it’s because of the orders of its king due to the imminent attack by Israel, or because Israel has waged a successful siege campaign against it is not clearly stated in the text. The former is probably the best explanation due to verse 1 of the previous chapter. God now gives His battle plan to Joshua. The nation is to march around the city, led by seven priests bearing the ark of the covenant, one time each day for six days. On the seventh day they are to march around it seven times, after which the priests will sound their trumpets and all the people will give a shout. (v.3-4) The walls of the city will then fall, providing a means for Israel’s army to invade and conquer. (v.5) The story of the conquest of Jericho contains some parallels to the seven years tribulation following the rapture of the New Testament church in the book of Revelation. Here it is seven days leading up to the final judgment, there it is seven years leading up to the battle of Armageddon. Just as Rahab and her household are spared from death here, there will be tribulation saints that are received into heaven during that future apocalypse. Just as it is God’s chosen people here that sound the battle cry as they wage a successful victory, so it will be with us who return to earth for that final battle, led by Christ himself, to conquer Satan and all his host. The rams’ horns that the priests blow are the same ones that are used every year on the day of atonement, which is celebrated in the seventh month. (Leviticus 25:9) Verses 6-14: Joshua assembles the priests and gives the instructions to the people. Verses 9 and 13 refer to the soldiers that march in front of the ark of the covenant and behind it, but this is not because God needs help guarding His ark. This is to protect the ark from any accidental defilement from the Israelites. Joshua also makes a specific point that the people are not to shout – nor even speak or make any sound at all with their voice – until the seventh day when he will give them the signal to do so. (v.10) Joshua and the people rise early each day, forming up ranks and marching around the city once before returning to camp. (v.12, 14) From the Moody Bible commentary: “This sounds like a staggering amount of ground to cover for the Israelite soldiers, but Jericho was only about 350 yards long north to south, and about 180 yards wide east to west.” Notice that verse 11 highlights the fact that “…the ark of the Lord compassed the city, going about it once…”. From start to finish, this whole operation is of God and for His glory alone. The children of Israel are merely messengers and servants carrying out God’s divine plan. For the people of Jericho this sight must have been strange and perhaps even foolish. They must have wondered why their enemy was not attacking directly. Some probably waited with fear and anxiety, knowing what this foreign God had done for His people in Egypt. But, like so many today, they dismissed their fear, trusting instead in their fortified walls and their own strength. They knew judgment was coming, yet they scoffed and refused to believe, even when it was too late to change their fate. Verses 15-16, 20-25: On the morning of the seventh and final day, the Israelites rise at dawn and march around the city seven times. On the seventh lap, after the priests blow the trumpets, Joshua commands the people, “Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city.” (v.16) One of the reasons that Jericho was such a mighty and fortified city was because it had been built upon a hill. When all of Israel shouted with triumph the wall of Jericho collapsed outward and down the slope of the hill. This fact has long been vindicated by numerous archeological digs many centuries later in this area. This is yet another indication of the supernatural power of God at work here. It was not necessarily the force of sound that collapsed the wall as much as God bringing it down by His own hand. This is even more remarkable considering that Rahab’s house was directly on the outer wall of the city. (Joshua 2:15) By the laws of physics her home should have been destroyed with the rest of the houses that were built on the wall. But, again, by God’s hand her house was the only portion of the wall left standing. (v.22-23) She, her parents, and the few family members that had believed her report of the coming judgment are safely transported out of Jericho before the army of Israel utterly destroys it and all its people. (v.24-25) The only objects that are spared are certain vessels of brass and iron that are consecrated to the priests for use in the house of God, as well as all the gold and silver. (v.19, 24) Verses 17-19: These are the instructions Joshua had given to the people prior to their seven day march around Jericho. He begins by stating that God has cursed Jericho and all who live there except for Rahab and anyone within her house at the time of the final attack. (v.17) Joshua then warns the people not to touch any of the accursed things of Jericho during the battle. To do so will bring the anger and punishment of God upon the whole camp of Israel. (v.18) (This is, sadly, exactly what happens with Achan whose story is told in the next chapter.) Only the silver, gold, and the vessels of brass and iron are to be taken for the house of the Lord. (v.19) “And ye, in any wise, keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed…” (v.18) That which God has cursed should not be touched by we who are His children, called by His name unto salvation and good works. (Ephesians 2:10) That is what it means to be separated, to no longer walk in the ways of the flesh. For God has cursed the things of this world and the sin of our flesh that manifests itself in the many vices which stem from pride and the love of self. Those things are contrary to the commandments of God. Just as Israel was delivered out of bondage and set apart as God’s chosen people, so are we today called to walk in the way of the Spirit and to not have anything to do with “…the accursed thing…” of the flesh. Verses 26-27: When the battle is over and all of God’s judgment has been successfully carried out against the city and all its people, Joshua makes a proclamation for all to hear. Because God has forever cursed and condemned Jericho, there is also a curse upon anyone who attempts to rebuild it. (v.27) The firstborn and the youngest of whomever defies this divine decree will be taken by God as punishment. This prophecy was fulfilled several generations later during the reign of King Ahab. (1 Kings 16:34) This episode concludes with the statement that the fame of Joshua is spread throughout all of Canaan, which answers Joshua’s question to the captain of the Lord’s host in the previous chapter. (Joshua 5:13) God is clearly on the side of Joshua and all of Israel, and though the text doesn’t say so specifically, it can be logically presumed that Israel’s victory at Jericho causes even more fear in the hearts of her enemies. CHAPTER 1:
Verses 1-9: Moses is referred to as “…the servant of the Lord…” (v.1-2), a title that indicates his revered status in both the eyes of God and the nation of Israel. Joshua, by contrast is called Moses’ minister (v.1). But by the end of his life he, too, will have gained that honored status of God’s servant. (Joshua 24:29) God reiterates to Joshua His command for the children of Israel to go into Canaan and conquer all the land. (v.2-5) The dimensions and measurements of the promised land are also repeated here. (Genesis 15:18, Exodus 23:31, Numbers 34:3-12, Deuteronomy 11:24, Joshua 11:23) The same promise which God made to Moses also applies to Joshua: “…I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (v.5) (Exodus 3:12, Deuteronomy 7:24) The exhortation to “…be strong and of a good courage…” (v.6, 9) and “…be thou strong and very courageous…” (v.7) is a recurring theme in the book of Joshua. (Joshua 10:25, 23:6) It was also the last command from Moses to Joshua in the presence of the whole nation. (Deuteronomy 31:7) Here, in verses 6-9, it serves as a bracket for the command of obedience. (v.7-8) The Lord repeats Himself in verse 8, emphasizing the same command He gave to Moses who then passed it on to the whole congregation of Israel. (Deuteronomy 5:32, 17:18-19, 29:9, 31:24, 26, Joshua 8:34, Psalm 1:1) The only path to any blessing of God and any success in this life is complete obedience to God and His word. When God commands Joshua and the Israelites to be strong and a courageous, He is not referring only to physical strength against Israel’s enemies. The Moody Bible Commentary puts it this way: “The root idea is holding firmly to something. It means ‘to be in firm control of one’s faculties.’ Far from the absence of fear, courage holds the energy of fear under control and channels it toward positive ends.” The man of God must practice self discipline and self control in all areas of his life if he is to be a successful warrior and leader of his home, church, and community. The command to “meditate therein day and night” (v.8) appears frequently in the OT with regards to the law of God, especially in the book of Psalms. The man of God must always be thinking of God’s words and His precepts, keeping them in the back of his mind at all times. This will cause him to strive for obedience as he seeks God’s favor and blessing in his life. To always be mindful of God’s commands is to abhor sin and strive for holiness. This is key to the ongoing process of sanctification as we grow in our walk with God. Studying His word and meditating upon day and night – as well as teaching it to our children – is crucial to having a close, personal relationship with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Verses 10-18: Just as Moses was faithful and obedient to pass on God’s commands to the people, so is Joshua. (v.11) The officers that are mentioned in verse 10 are probably the appointed elders of each tribe. Joshua orders the people to make provisions and prepare themselves for crossing the Jordan river. (v.11) He then also reminds the men of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh of their vow to Moses. (v.12-15) The men respond heartily, promising that if any of them renege on this vow, he shall be put to death. (v.16-18) They echo the Lord’s words to Joshua: “…be strong and of good courage.” This current generation of Israelites had learned well the lesson of disobedience that had cost their parents the promised land. Their fathers had not “…hearkened unto Moses in all things…” (v.17) and they’re not going to make the same mistake. CHAPTER 2: The account of Rahab and the two spies from Israel, as well as the fall of Jericho, is probably the most famous story from the book of Joshua and one of the most well known in the OT. The character of Rahab herself and her saving faith in the Lord God of Israel was referenced by James and the author of Hebrews. (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25) She became the mother of Boaz who later married Ruth who begat Obed, the grandfather of King David. In this manner Rahab, a gentile prostitute, became a key figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:5) Verse 1: Israel is still camped at Shittim. (Numbers 25:1, Joshua 3:1) Notice the difference here from the last time that spies were sent to scout the promised land. (Numbers 13-14) Joshua sent these “…two men to spy secretly…”, indicating that this was probably not known to anyone in Israel except Joshua himself. He most likely feared a repeat of the previous incident of rebellion and disobedience by this second generation and therefore chose a covert scouting mission rather than a public one. Another possibility for the secret operation was Jericho itself. The previous mission by the twelve spies was for the purpose of scouting the whole promised land, but this one is limited to Jericho specifically as indicated by the fact that Joshua names the city in his directive to the spies. There are some Biblical scholars and theologians who have tried to whitewash Rahab’s true occupation by claiming that she was an innkeeper and that her house was just a hostel. According to the Moody Bible commentary, this effort started with Josephus in the first century and has continued to the present day. But the Biblical text is clear in verse 1. Joshua sent the spies to scout the land, specifically Jericho, and the spies “…came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.” There is no ambiguity in that verse. Two things are clear: 1) the spies come to Rahab for the express purpose of gathering information about Jericho and its defenses, and 2) Rahab is a harlot. In the King James Bible, the word harlot always refers to a prostitute. Therefore, the scripture here is clear: she was not an innkeeper or any other such nonsense. Rahab was an immoral woman who sold her body for sex with many different men. The reason that scholars and historians have tried to downplay this fact or obscure it is because they do not understand – or refuse to accept – that God is capable of saving even the worst of sinners. He accepts the most wicked, the most vile, and the most despicable of us who truly repent and believe, and He uses them for His honor and glory. Time and again throughout history, God has chosen men and women who are the worst of sinners, yet willing to repent and submit to God, to bring about His divine will. Moses is an excellent example of this, as is Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, Rahab, Matthew, Paul, and many others. It doesn’t matter if they were merely tax collectors or men who lacked self control or adulterers or harlots. God accepted and used every single one of them to bring about His divine plan for all mankind, and Rahab’s story here in Joshua is a prime example of this. Rahab’s occupation makes her an excellent source of intel on Jericho and its habitants. That’s why the spies go to her. Furthermore, the fact that her house is on the wall suggests her wealth – and possibly her status – among the city’s elite, as is typical for the culture and societies of the ANE at this time. Verses 2-7: When the king of Jericho learns of the presence of the spies from Israel and that they have been to Rahab’s house, he sends his men to fetch them. (v.2-3) But Rahab acts quickly to hide the two spies on the roof of her house by covering them with large stalks of flax. (v.4, 6) She then lies to the king’s men, telling them that the spies have already left the city, and that she doesn’t know where they went. But she encourages the soldiers to go after them, giving the impression that the spies are not far outside the city and the soldiers should be able to easily catch up with them. (v.5) The king’s men believe her, and they depart the city. Frequently in scripture we find spiritual conundrums such as the one in this scene where Rahab lies to protect the men of God. The ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16) clearly forbids lying, yet it seems that God also rewards those who do so in order to carry out His will. (Exodus 1:17-19) The simple truth is that when men and women of faith defy evil men in order to serve God, God rewards him or her. In all the examples in scripture, the believers who lie are doing so because the orders of men are in direct opposition to the will of God. In this case, Rahab is protecting the two Israelite spies from the king who wishes to kill them. The city of Jericho and its people are enemies of God whom the Lord has condemned to death for their pride and disobedience. Rahab is acting out of faith to protect the spies, and therefore her lying is excused. It’s also worth noting that the author of Hebrews is extolling Rahab’s faith, not her specific act of lying. Her faith is what is more important, not her sins. Verses 8-13: After the king’s men depart, Rahab retrieves the spies and then gives a simple yet profound confession of faith. The mighty acts of the God of Israel in His deliverance of His people from their bondage in Egypt has been heard by the people of Canaan. Rahab describes in detail the parting of the Red Sea and the conquest of the kings Sihon and Og, and how this news made the people of Jericho sore afraid and utterly faint of heart. (v.10-11) She then concludes with a simple declaration of truth: “…for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” Rahab’s words reflect her genuine belief and faith in God, and this is why she is saved from the judgment and utter destruction of Jericho. But Rahab doesn’t stop there. She demonstrates even greater faith in God by asking the spies to show her kindness because of her kindness towards them in saving them from the king’s men. (v.12) (1 Samuel 20:14-15, 17) Rahab recognizes her current state and her complete inability to save herself, and she throws herself upon the mercy of the God of Israel whom she has only heard about from the words of others. (v.13) This is the essence of eternal salvation for all believers – past, present, and future until the second coming of Christ. It is this simple, childlike faith that earned Rahab her place in the genealogy of Christ the Messiah as well as the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. Verses 14-21: The spies answer Rahab’s faith with assurance that she and all who are within the walls of her house will be saved from death when Israel launches its attack on Jericho. (v.14) Notice that Rahab’s salvation also depends on her keeping her secret about the spies until the day of judgment. Because she showed them mercy and kindness, she will receive mercy and salvation in return. (Matthew 5:7) After helping the spies to get safely outside the city wall via her window, Rahab instructs them to flee into the nearby mountains to hide for three days until the king’s men have given up their pursuit of them. (v.15-16) There is one further condition for Rahab’s deliverance from the coming judgment: she must hang in her window a scarlet cord. (v.18) The exact reason for this is unclear. Perhaps the men thought it was necessary in order to distinguish which house was Rahab’s after the conquest so that she would not be harmed by Israel’s soldiers. Or perhaps it was merely one more test of her saving faith as it would undoubtedly draw the attention of the king and his men later on. Whatever the case, the color of the cord is a beautiful picture of the salvation of the New Testament believer who is saved by his/her faith the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. The two spies also remind Rahab of the necessity of being inside her house at the time of the battle. (v.18-19) Only those physically inside the house will be spared. Anyone who steps outside will most certainly die. Furthermore, if Rahab betrays the spies to the king before they are able to escape back to Israel, then she and her household will not be saved from the coming judgment. (v.20) Rahab affirms once more her promise to keep this oath, and then she binds the scarlet cord in her window. (v.21) “According to your words, so be it.” Rahab takes the spies at their word, with no other proof than her faith that they will not betray her when the day of judgment comes. Verses 22-24: The spies return to Joshua with the good news that God has already delivered Jericho into their hands. How do they know this? “…for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.” (v.24) When God is on the side of the righteous, no man or woman can stand against them. Israel was but a tiny nation compared to all the nations of the promised land that were entrenched behind the fortified walls of their great cities such as Jericho. Yet, the spies, too, displayed a faith as great as Rahab’s because they believed her word about the fear in the hearts of Canaan’s people. They knew by faith that God had kept His word to Moses and Joshua, that He would deliver Israel’s enemies into their hands and the land promised to their father Abraham would be theirs. (Exodus 23:31, Joshua 21:44) |
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