Into Rahab’s Home

Before leading the Israelites across the Jordan, Joshua sends out spies to “ ‘view the land, especially Jericho.’ ” Moses had followed a similar strategy at God’s command, sending 12 spies, one from each tribe (Num. 13). We are not told that God specifically commands this mission. Rather, it appears Joshua is simply taking a prudent step. However, Matthew Henry is quick to note that this action does not reveal in Joshua a lack of faith in God’s promises; faith, he says, “ought not to supercede but encourage our diligence in the use of proper means.” We also are not told why Joshua sends only two, though the memory of the earlier reconnaissance mission—when only two spies, Caleb and Joshua himself, brought back a positive report—may have influenced his decision.

Interestingly, the spies depart from Acacia Grove, where Israel fell into harlotry with Moabite women (Num. 25:1–3), and come to a harlot’s home in Jericho. Why they choose to lodge there is not explained, but we need not see base motives. In fact, Henry believes Rahab has given up prostitution, though the infamy of the profession still clings to her. He cites the fact that she is involved in flax production (2:6) as evidence she has turned to other occupations. If so, her house may now be an inn. If she still is a prostitute, her home is a good place for the spies to gather news. Furthermore, it is situated on Jericho’s wall (2:15), a vantage point from which the spies can study the city defenses. Brothels also typically cater heavily to foreigners, a fact that could afford the spies some anonymity. Ultimately, however, it is God who providentially leads the spies to the one home in this hostile Canaanite city where, as we will see, an ally dwells.

If the spies are seeking anonymity, they do not find it, for their presence in Rahab’s home is reported to the king of Jericho, who orders Rahab to turn them over. She responds in two ways. First, she commits civil disobedience; rather than complying with the royal edict, she hides the spies. Second, she tells not one but a series of lies to protect them. She says she did not know who they were, that they have left, and that she does not know where they have gone. Her ruse works and the Jericho authorities set off on her wild goose chase. But we are left with the question of why she sided with the spies.