MPV Commentary

1. Joshua sent two men to spy secretly--Faith is demonstrated by an active and persevering use of means (James 2:22). While confident in the accomplishment of God's promise (Joshua 1:3), Joshua took every precaution to ensure his first attempt at invading Canaan would be successful. Two spies were dispatched to reconnoiter the country, particularly around Jericho, as it was crucial to gather information about its site, approaches, inhabitants, and resources.

Jericho--Its name is derived from a word meaning "new moon," likely due to the crescent-shaped plain formed by an amphitheater of hills. Others suggest it comes from a word signifying "its scent," referencing the fragrance of balsam and palm trees in its vicinity. Recent research has pinpointed its site about half an hour's journey westward, where large ruins exist approximately six or eight miles distant from the Jordan.

The spies came into an harlot's house--Scriptural usage (Leviticus 21:7-14; Deuteronomy 23:18; Judges 11:1; 1 Kings 3:16) and the authority of the Septuagint, followed by the apostles (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25), confirm that Rahab was a harlot. Her house was likely chosen for its convenient location without any knowledge of her character. However, divine influence directed them to this lodging place.

2-3. It was told the king--by sentinels posted on the eastern frontier who made a strict report to headquarters about the arrival of all strangers.

4-6. The woman took the two men and hid them--literally, each in separate places, before the royal messengers arrived and searched for her guests. According to Eastern customs, which pay great respect to a woman's apartment, the messengers asked Rahab to bring out the foreigners rather than demanding admittance.

5. The time of shutting of the gates--In Oriental cities, gates are closed at sunset, making it impossible to enter or exit after this time.

The men went out--This was a deception, but lying is a common vice among heathen people. Rahab may have deemed herself bound by Eastern hospitality laws to preserve her guests' lives. Judged by the divine law, her actions were sinful; however, her faith and infirmity led to her being graciously pardoned (James 2:25).

6. She had brought them up to the roof of the house and hid them with the stalks of flax--Flax is spread out on flat roofs to dry in the sun, then piled into stacks that rise several feet high. Behind some of these stacks, Rahab concealed the spies.

7. The men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords--The river is crossed at various well-known fords. The first and second are immediately below the Sea of Galilee; the third and fourth are above and below the pilgrims' bathing place opposite Jericho.

As soon as those who pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate--This precaution ensured the capture of the spies if they had been hiding in the city.