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Joshua, Rahab, and the Spies: Joshua 1-2
Moses was gone and Joshua was left as the capable leader of the Israelites. They stood at the threshold of the promised land after being 40 years in the wilderness. It was now time for them to enter and conquer the land (Joshua 1-2).
God spoke to Joshua to encourage the people not to be afraid. God would be with them as long as they kept His law before them at all times. Joshua commanded the people to prepare themselves what they were about to do. The people promised that they would obey Joshua since the Lord was with him.
Joshua then sent two men as spies into Jericho where they could view the land. They lodged with a woman named Rahab. The king of Jericho heard about this, so he told Rahab to bring the men out. Rahab had hidden them, however, and told the men looking for them that the spies were already gone. After, she went to the roof where the spies were, and told them that she knew that God had given them the land. The people were afraid because they had heard about the mighty acts of God. Then Rahab requested that she and family would be spared when the Israelites came to take the land. The spies were let down the city wall on a rope. They escaped and made it back their own camp. Joshua responded by saying, “surely the Lord has given us all the land into hands.”
Though Rahab did not know much about Yahweh, she showed faith in His ability to overtake other nations. She and her family were spared when the Israelites marched around the city and the walls fell. God’s power and protection is seen.
Discussion
1. Why did God have to tell Joshua that Moses was dead? What was the point?
2. How much territory did God promise?
3. What did God tell Joshua about His relationship with them? Were there any conditions? If so, what were they?
4. Why were the spies sent to Jericho?
5. Who was Rahab? Why is she so important to the account?
6. How did Rahab help the spies escape? What was she promised in return?