“But Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into the harlot’s house and bring the woman and all who belong to her, as you have sworn to her."”
Joshua 2:17
Summary
In Joshua chapter 2, the Israelite leader Joshua sends two spies to scout the land of Jericho ahead of the Israelite invasion. The spies enter the city and take refuge in the house of Rahab, a prostitute. When the king of Jericho learns of their presence, he sends orders to capture them. However, Rahab hides the spies and deceives the king's men by claiming that the spies have already left the city. She expresses her faith in the God of Israel, asking the spies to spare her and her family when the Israelites attack Jericho. The spies agree, on the condition that she ties a scarlet cord in her window as a sign for salvation. This chapter sets the stage for Israel's conquest of Jericho and highlights themes of faith, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's promises.