Yehoshua 2 (Joshua 2)
Joshua 2, Joshua sends two men to search out the land. They go to Jericho to see what is the condition of the people. While there Rahab (Rachav) hides them from the king’s men. She tells the king’s men that she does not know where they are. Because of this, the Israelites make a covenant with Rahab (Rachav). They agree to protect her family when they return. Then they return to Joshua with a good report.
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This Generation
This Generation
Joshua 2:1
1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into a harlot’s (ishshah zonot) house, named Rahab (Rachav), and lodged there.
Joshua sent two men to spy out the land. These two will eventually take lodging at the house of Rahab (Rachav). It is interesting that in Mark 14:12-13 that Yeshua sent out two disciples.
12 And the first day of Matzah, when they killed the Passover, His disciples said to Him, Where will You that we go and prepare that You may eat the Passover? 13 And He sent forth two of His disciples, and said to them, Go into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water. Follow him.
Rahab is the Hebrew word רָחָב Rachav (H7343). It is in the Bible 5 times and is always translated Rahab. Rahab is the anglicized version of Rachav. רָחָב Rachav (H7343) is only found in Joshua 2 and Joshua 6. Future renderings in documents will be Rachav.
This is important because there is another Hebrew word רַהַב Rahab (H7294). It is in the Bible 3 times and is always translated Rahab. It means storm, arrogance, but only as names or a mythical sea monster. Rahab symbolically represent Satan. רַהַב Rahab (H7294) is often confused with רָחָב Rachav (H7343), because of the anglicizing of Rachav’s name.
When Joshua sent these two, it was far different than what happened in Numbers 13 when Moses sent out the 12. The 12 in Numbers 13 were told in Numbers 13:17-20.
17 And Moses sent them to search (tur) the land of Canaan, and said to them, Get you up this southward, and go up into the mountain. 18 And see the land, what it and the people that dwells therein, whether they strong or weak, few or many; 19 And what the land that they dwell in, whether it good or bad; and what cities that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20 And what the land, whether it fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be you of good courage (chazaq), and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time the time of the first ripe grapes.
Joshua told those he sent out to “Go view the land, even Jericho.” The two will eventually return and tell Joshua, “Truly Yehovah has delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us”. These bring back a much better report than the 12 that stated in Numbers 13:27-29.
27 And they told him, and said, We came to the land to where you sent us, and surely it flows with milk and honey; and this the fruit of it. 28 Nevertheless the people strong that dwell in the land, and the cities walled, very great. And moreover we saw the Children of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south. And the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.
If this was all they would have told Moses and the people, they might have entered the land 40 years earlier. However, they go on to state in Numbers 13:31-33.
31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they stronger than we. 32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched to the Children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, a land that eats up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it men of a great stature. 33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, of the giants. And we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
This is what really caused the problem. These 10 brought back an evil report. However, the problem started long before this. These people were a faithless generation. Even after all they saw in Egypt, they still did not understand that it was not dependent upon what they thought or saw. Yehovah brought 10 plagues and wiped out the most powerful nation at that time. He did all this without the help of a single Israelite. These small city kingdoms were not going to be much of a challenge for Yehovah. Then again nothing really is, Romans 8:31.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God for us, who against us?
The answer is obvious; however, even people today get scared and confused. We seem to think that our power is always necessary. Our power only gets in the way, we are to rest in Him and follow where He leads, Matthew 11:28-30.
28 Come to Me, all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart. And you shall find rest to your souls. 30 For My yoke easy, and My burden is light.
If we would learn from these that followed Joshua in faith, we may find it a lot easier to follow Yeshua in faith. This is the generation that it was stated in Joshua 24:31.
31 And Israel served Yehovah all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of Yehovah, that He had done for Israel.
Whereas the first generation, it is stated in Hebrews 4:2.
2 For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them. But the word (logos) preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
This is the difference between the two generations. The first lacked faith, the second had practically absolute faith. The question is, where do you see yourself? Most are somewhere between the two. Few have faith similar to the second generation, but that can change today.
These had 40 years of testing in the wilderness. Do not spend 40 years wandering, it will wear you out in today’s world. Have faith today, He will provide the necessary proof if you follow in faith.
Rachav’s Allegiance
Rachav’s Allegiance
Joshua 2:2
2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the Children of Israel to search out the country.
The king of Jericho was told that these men were searching out the land. How they knew is explained later in Joshua 2.
Joshua 2:3
3 And the king of Jericho sent to Rachav, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to you, which are entered into your house. For they be come to search out all the country.
There are lots of details that are not explained. However, someone must have seen these two going to Rachav’s home or talking with her. Because the king told his men to go to Rachav’s house. The king was going to try to put a stop to this right away. However, like so many before and those to follow, they have no idea what they are dealing with. One can do all they want, but when Yehovah starts to move the best thing is to do is go face down into the ground.
Joshua 2:4
4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men to me, but I know not whence they.
One should not wonder, why these two ended up at Rachav’s house. It is no different than when, Yeshua ends up talking to the woman in John 4:16-19.
16 Yeshua said to her, Go, call your husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Yeshua said to her, You have well said, I have no husband. 18 For you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. In that said you truly. 19 The woman said to Him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.
She seems to be more perceptive than most. This is partly why Yeshua told the parable in Matthew 21:28-30.
28 But what think you? A man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not. But afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I sir. And went not.
These are two classes of people. The first son represents those in rebellion, but are aware that they are in rebellion. The second son represents those in rebellion, but do not think they are in rebellion. Both sons are in rebellion, just like many of us today. The first son realizes that they are not fooling anyone and especially not God. The second son thinks that they are righteous. The second son represents those in the religious class, both in the hierarchy and many in the pews. They have been fooling people for so long that they have deluded themselves. However, they could not fool the one that mattered, God. The second did not repent of their lifestyle in this lifetime. They are the equivalent to Matthew 23:25-28.
25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Blind Pharisee, cleanse first that within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like to whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Yeshua was speaking to the scribes and Pharisees of the First Century. Although, these do not exist today others have taken their place. There are many today that are more religious than righteous. As for us to day, we need to be sure we are more righteous than religious.
That day and even today, many knew and know the answer to Yeshua’s question. However, do they consider who are scribes and Pharisees of today? We must not fool ourselves into thinking, we are just okay, Matthew 21:31-32.
31 Whether of them two did the will of father? They said to Him, The first. Yeshua said to them, Verily I say to you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you believed him not. But the publicans and the harlots believed him. And you, when you had seen, repented not afterward, that you might believe him.
It should be no surprise that the two ended up at Rachav’s house, her heart was prepared for what was about to happen. She knew who she was. She did not try to hid it. Like so many harlots and publicans when she heard the real gospel, she knew it was time to submit to the God of all creation.
Joshua 2:5
5 And it came to pass of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out. Whither the men went I know not. Pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them.
Rachav was ready to answer the call. She demonstrated her allegiance in her answer to the king’s men. She was answering to a greater King.
Faith Over Knowing
Faith Over Knowing
Joshua 2:6
6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
It is appropriate that she hid them under flax. It is similar to being covered by linen which represent one’s righteousness. They were on the roof hidden from those below in the world.
Joshua 2:7
7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan to the fords. And as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
The king’s men that came to Rachav’s house were sent on a wild goose chase. Shutting the gates was not going to prevent anything.
It is like all things in life. We do things that we think will protect us. However, all we do in the physical; cannot prevent what is happening in the spiritual.
Joshua 2:8-9
8 And before they were laid down, she came up to them upon the roof. 9 And she said to the men, I know that Yehovah has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
Rachav’s confession should make us realize that if she knew then others did too. The question is, how did she find out? What had happened in Egypt or in the wilderness that others heard about? Or possibly what happened in the spiritual realm that affected these people?
We cannot look at our lives only through what we see and know. Yehovah had told Joshua in Deuteronomy 11:25.
25 There shall no man be able to stand before you. Yehovah your Redeemer shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that you shall tread upon, as He has said to you.
Just as Yehovah had said it was happening. But what makes this kind of sad is what was sung in Exodus 15:14-18.
14 The people shall hear be afraid. Sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestine. 15 Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed. The mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them. All the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. 16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them. By the greatness of Your arm they shall be still as a stone (eben), until Your people pass over, Yehovah, until the people pass over You have purchased. 17 You shall bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, the place, Yehovah, You have made for You to dwell in, the Sanctuary (miqdash), Lord, Your hands have established. 18 Yehovah shall reign for ever and ever.
This was sung right after the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea. As a matter of fact, it is on the heels of Exodus 15:11.
11 Who like to You, Yehovah, among the gods (el)? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, awesome praises, doing wonders?
Next to the Shama, this is probably the second most recognized prayer among Jews that go to the Synagogue. It is read in almost every Jewish service. Yet with all that and what follows, the first generation of the Children of Israel did not trust Yehovah to bring them safely into the land.
It is kind of sad, when we think of the full impact of this. If you had a word to do something, in which would result in God moving on your behalf; however, you could not seem to do it. Then you would be like the first generation. If you later did it, realized it was for your benefit and how easy it was, then you might be the second generation. If however, you repeat the behavior of the first generation several times, then you are like the succeeding generations. These succeeding generations will end up in exile far from the Kingdom of God.
We need to be more like the second generation, but even better. We need to be the generation that learned quickly from their mistakes and got better with each subsequent step. A generation that set the example of faith and walked mightily in the spirit. Who was endowed with His power through charis and helped succeeding generations walk in even greater faith. We ought to be that generation.
Rachav has even more to say.
Personal Knowledge
Personal Knowledge
Joshua 2:10
10 For we have heard how Yehovah dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, that on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.
The inhabitants of Canaan knew about the Red Sea crossing. That was a miracle of the first generation. The defeat of Sihon and Og by the second generation. And possibly, they knew even more. God had already set the stage for the Children of Israel to be feared. All they had to do was go forward in faith doing the little that they were directed to do. If they did this they would prosper in the land. If they abhorred the foreign gods and learned not their ways, they will have long life for them and it will go well for their children. We should be like this.
This is all we have to do, quit thinking that we are the ones with the power and responsibility, then rely fully on Him; we will prosper in His will. We ought to be the ones that follow in humble obedience, serving Yehovah as He has instructed us.
Joshua 2:11
11 And as soon as we had heard (shama), our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more spirit (ruach) in any man, because of you. For Yehovah your Redeemer, He Redeemer in heaven above, and in land beneath.
The Children of Israel had nothing to fear, except themselves. This was the real enemy, themselves. It is the same for us. If we would stay in the way, doing His will, doing what we are told, no one could stand before us. It is when we deviate from His will, become willful and do as we please, that we are faced with numerous obstacles. Many times, this happens due to a lack of knowledge of His ways, Hosea 6:6.
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of Redeemer more than burnt offerings.
We fail to have knowledge, because too often we rely on others. This knowledge of God comes from walking with God. One cannot learn this in a book other than the Bible nor can we learn from others. It must be personal knowledge.
Rachav seems to know more than most. She understood that Yehovah was the God of creation. This is why she asks next.
Mercy Granted
Mercy Granted
Joshua 2:12-13
12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear to me by Yehovah, since I have showed you mercy (chesed), that you will also show mercy (chesed) to my father’s house, and give me a true sign (ot). 13 And you will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our souls (nephesh) from death.
Mercy comes from the Hebrew word חֵסֵד chesed (H2617). It is in the Bible 248 times. חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) is translated mercy 149 times, kindness 40 times, lovingkindness 30 times, goodness 12 times, kindly 5 times, merciful 4 times, favor 3 times, good 1 time, goodliness 1 time, pity 1 time, reproach 1 times and wicked thing 1 time. Some of the renderings of חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) are incompatible with the meaning of the Hebrew word.
Over 50 percent of the uses of חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) are in Psalms. It is one of the most important words in the vocabulary of Hebrew Scripture theology and ethics. The Septuagint almost always renders חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) with ἔλεος eleos (G1656). ἔλεος eleos (G1656) is in the New Testament 28 times and is always translated mercy.
Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or reward.
In general, one may identify three basic meanings of חֵסֵד chesed (H2617), which always interact: strength, steadfastness and love. Any understanding of the Hebrew that fails to suggest all three inevitably loses some of its richness. Love by itself easily becomes sentimentalized or universalized apart from the covenant. Yet strength or steadfastness suggests only the fulfillment of a legal or other obligation.
חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) refers primarily to mutual and reciprocal rights and obligations between the parties of a relationship, especially Yehovah and Israel. But חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) is not only a matter of obligation, it is also of generosity. It is not only a matter of loyalty, but also of mercy. The weaker party seeks the protection and blessing of the patron and protector, but he may not lay absolute claim to it. The stronger party remains committed to his promise, but retains his freedom, especially with regard to the manner in which he will implement those promises. חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) implies personal involvement and commitment in a relationship beyond the rule of law.
Biblical usage frequently speaks of someone doing, showing or keeping חֵסֵד chesed (H2617). The concrete content of the word is especially evident when it is used in the plural. God’s mercies, kindnesses or faithfulness are His specific, concrete acts of redemption in fulfillment of His promise.
חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) is one of Yehovah most central characteristics. God’s חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) is offered to His people, who need redemption from sin, enemies, and troubles. A recurrent refrain describing God’s nature is abounding, plenteous in חֵסֵד chesed (H2617). The entire history of Yehovah’s covenantal relationship with Israel can be summarized in terms of חֵסֵד chesed (H2617). It is the one permanent element in the flux of covenantal history. Even creation is the result of God’s חֵסֵד chesed (H2617).
The association of חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) with covenant keeps it from being misunderstood as mere providence or love for all creatures; it applies primarily to God’s particular love for His chosen and covenanted people. Covenant also stresses the reciprocity of the relationship. Since God’s חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) is ultimately beyond the covenant, it will not ultimately be abandoned, even when the human partner is unfaithful and must be disciplined. Since its final triumph and implementation is eschatological, חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) can imply the goal and end of all salvation. With all things considered based on the understanding of the Hebrew word חֵסֵד chesed (H2617) and the definition of mercy, mercy is the appropriate translation for חֵסֵד chesed (H2617).
As Rachav had shown these men mercy, she asked the same in return. It was within Rachav’s power to either protect these two or to turn them into the authorities. She has chosen to show them mercy.
Ultimately, what she was asking may not have been in the power of these two. The Israelites were not to make a covenant with any of the inhabitants of the land. They were to basically kill all the inhabitants. Rachav asked that they swear by Yehovah.
Rachav the Believer
Rachav the Believer
Joshua 2:14
14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if you utter not this our word (davar). And it shall be, when Yehovah has given us the land, that we will deal mercy (chesed) and truly with you.
They swore to Rachav that they would return mercy to her. Although, they could have easily broken their word, they will not. Just as Rachav could have decided later to change her mind, but she did not.
The question is, was it permissible for these Israelites to show mercy to Rachav? The New Testament give some insight to this, Matthew 1:5.
5 And Salmon begat Boaz of Rachav; and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
Rachav ended up marrying Salmon a member of the tribe of Judah. Together, they have a son Boaz. This is the same Boaz that married Ruth. Regardless of what we may think, Rachav was worthy to be in the lineage of Messiah. More than likely Rachav’s heart turned to Yehovah long before she met the two Israelites. Of all the people that turned, it was a harlot. Just like Yeshua stated in Matthew 21:31.
31 Whether of them two did the will of father? They say to Him, The first. Yeshua said to them, Verily I say to you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you.
Cord, Line, Thread
Cord, Line, Thread
Joshua 2:15-16
15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window. For her house upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. 16 And she said to them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned. And afterward may you go your way.
She intended to show them mercy without any proof of their mercy. She demonstrated faith in them and faith in a Redeemer stronger than all.
She told them to hide for 3 days. Just as Yeshua was hid in the earth 3 days. After 3 days the men would rise to return to Joshua. Remember Joshua’s name come from the Hebrew word יְהוֹשׁוּעַ Yehoshua (H3091). It means Yehovah is Salvation. It is sometimes shortened with a contraction to be יְשׁוּעָה yeshuah (H3444).
Joshua 2:17
17 And the men said to her, We blameless of this your oath which you have made us swear.
The two men would be bound to the oath if she would do the following.
Joshua 2:18
18 Behold, we come into the land, you shall bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which you did let us down by. And you shall bring your father, and your mother, and your brethren, and all your father’s household, home to you.
The two men told Rachav that she was to bind the line of scarlet thread out the window. However, Rachav did not call it a scarlet thread in Joshua 2:15.
15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window. For her house upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
What these men called a scarlet thread to her was cord. Cord comes from the Hebrew word חֶבֶל chevel (H2256). It is in the Bible 60 times. חֶבֶל chevel (H2256) is translated sorrows 10 times, cord 16 times, line 7 times, coast 4 times, portion 4 times, region 3 times, lot 3 times, ropes 3 times, company 2 times, pangs 2 times, bands 1 time, country 1 time, destruction 1 time, pain 1 time, snare 1 time and tacklings 1 time. It refers to a rope that is twisted. However, it is used in a variety of ways. Many these are in figurative sense.
חֶבֶל chevel (H2256) when used figuratively, it emphasizes being bound to someone or something. In Joshua 2:15, Rachav meant to bind the two Israelites in a covenant.
Their response in Joshua 2:18.
18 Behold, we come into the land, you shall bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which you did let us down by. And you shall bring your father, and your mother, and your brethren, and all your father’s household, home to you.
Bind comes from the Hebrew word קָשַׁר qashar (H7194). It is in the Bible 44 times. קָשַׁר qashar (H7194) is translated conspired 18 times, bind 14 times, made 5 times, stronger 2 times and 5 miscellaneous words. It means to bind or confine. It figuratively means to be in a league together, to conspire. The Israelites were in agreement with Rachav in this matter if she did as instructed.
Line comes from the Hebrew word תִּקְוָה tiqvah (H8615). It is in the Bible 34 times. תִּקְוָה tiqvah (H8615) is translated hope 23 times, expectation 7 times, line 2 times, the thing that I long for 1 time and expected time. תִּקְוָה tiqvah (H8615) is thought to literally mean a cord as an attachment; however, it is used more in a figurative sense to mean expectancy or hope.
Thread is the Hebrew word חוּט chut (H2339). It is in the Bible 7 times. חוּט chut (H2339) is translated thread 4 times, line 1 time, cord 1 time and fillet 1 time. It is a string.
Rachav had hope only in one thin red thread. It was the same hope that the two Israelites had that she would keep what bounded these three together. It is the hope we have in Him.
There was more to the agreement.
In the House
In the House
Joshua 2:19-20
19 And it shall be, whosoever shall go out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood upon his head, and we guiltless. And whosoever shall be with you in the house, his blood on our head, if hand be upon him. 20 And if you utter this our business, then we will be quit of your oath which you have made us to swear.
If one went out of the house that night, the Israelites would be guiltless. This is similar to what happened to the Israelites over 40 years ago, Exodus 12:13.
13 And the blood shall be to you for a sign (ot) upon the houses where you. And when I see the blood, I will pass (pasach) over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy, when I smite the land of Egypt.
As the Children of Israel had blood on the doorposts and lintels, Rachav’s family would have to remain inside and have a scarlet thread of hope. This was their salvation. This was their covenant with the Israelites.
Joshua 2:21
21 And she said, According to your words, so it. And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet line in the window.
Rachav agreed to this oath. The scarlet line remained out the window until their return. Rachav had made her covenant with more than these two.
Good Report
Good Report
Joshua 2:22
22 And they went, and came to the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned. And the pursuers sought throughout all the way, but found not.
He two men remained three days in the mountain. They were hid in secret. This is similar to us, Colossians 3:3.
3 For you are dead, and your life is hid with Messiah in God.
When we are hid, our spirit cannot be touched by anyone. He has us protected in His Mountain of Zion.
Joshua 2:23-24
23 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 that befell them. 24 And they said to Joshua, Truly Yehovah has delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.
At the end of 3 days, the men returned to Joshua. They spoke of the greatness of Yehovah. He was the one that would deliver them to their inheritance. They spoke that no one could stand against them, because they were Yehovah’s. This is the genuine hope we all have in Him. Just like these two had a good report so should we.
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