# Joshua 2

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Book of Joshua, chapter 2

Joshua 2 ← chapter 1 chapter 3 → The pages containing the Book of Joshua in Leningrad Codex (1008 CE). Book Book of Joshua Hebrew Bible part Nevi'im Order in the Hebrew part 1 Category Former Prophets Christian Bible part Old Testament Order in the Christian part 6

**Joshua 2** is the second [chapter](/source/Chapters_and_verses_of_the_Bible) of the [Book of Joshua](/source/Book_of_Joshua) in the [Hebrew Bible](/source/Hebrew_Bible) or in the [Old Testament](/source/Old_Testament) of the [Christian](/source/Christianity) [Bible](/source/Bible).[1] According to Jewish tradition, the book was attributed to [Joshua](/source/Joshua), with additions by the high priests [Eleazar](/source/Eleazar) and [Phinehas](/source/Phinehas),[2][3] but modern scholars view it as part of the Deuteronomistic History, which spans the [books of Deuteronomy](/source/Book_of_Deuteronomy) to [2 Kings](/source/2_Kings), attributed to nationalistic and devotedly Yahwistic writers during the time of the reformer Judean king [Josiah](/source/Josiah) in 7th century BCE.[3][4] This chapter focuses on the spies sent by [Joshua](/source/Joshua) to [Jericho](/source/Jericho) and their encounter with [Rahab](/source/Rahab),[5] a part of a section comprising Joshua 1:1–5:12 about the entry to the [land of Canaan](/source/Canaan).[6]

## Text

This chapter was originally written in the [Hebrew language](/source/Biblical_Hebrew). [It is divided into](/source/Chapters_and_verses_of_the_Bible) 24 verses.

### Textual witnesses

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in [Hebrew](/source/Biblical_Hebrew) are of the [Masoretic Text](/source/Masoretic_Text) tradition, which includes the [Codex Cairensis](/source/Codex_Cairensis) (895), [Aleppo Codex](/source/Aleppo_Codex) (10th century), and [Codex Leningradensis](/source/Leningrad_Codex) (1008).[7] Fragments containing parts of this chapter in Hebrew were found among the [Dead Sea Scrolls](/source/Dead_Sea_Scrolls) including XJoshua (XJosh, X1; 50 BCE) with extant verses 4–5.[8][9][10] and 4Q48 (4QJoshb; 100–50 BCE) with extant verses 11–12.[8][9][11][12]

Extant ancient manuscripts of a translation into [Koine Greek](/source/Koine_Greek) known as the [Septuagint](/source/Septuagint) (originally was made in the last few centuries BCE) include [Codex Vaticanus](/source/Codex_Vaticanus) (**B**; G {\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}} B; 4th century) and [Codex Alexandrinus](/source/Codex_Alexandrinus) (**A**; G {\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}} A; 5th century).[13][a] Fragments of the [Septuagint](/source/Septuagint) Greek text containing this chapter is found in manuscripts such as [Washington Manuscript I](/source/Biblical_Manuscripts_in_the_Freer_Collection) (5th century CE), and a reduced version of the Septuagint text is found in the illustrated [Joshua Roll](/source/Joshua_Roll).[15][16]

### New Testament references

- [Joshua 2:1–7](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible_(King_James)/Joshua#2:1): [Hebrews 11:30–31](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible_(King_James)/Hebrews#11:30)[17]

## Analysis

The narrative of Israelites entering the land of Canaan comprises [verses 1:1](/source/Joshua_1) to [5:12](/source/Joshua_5) of the Book of Joshua and has the following outline:[18]

- A. Preparations for Entering the Land (1:1–18) - 1. Directives to Joshua (1:1–9) - 2. Directives to the Leaders (1:10–11) - 3. Discussions with the Eastern Tribes (1:12–18)

- **B. Rahab and the Spies in Jericho (2:1–24)** - **1. Directives to the Spies (2:1a)** - **2. Deceiving the King of Jericho (2:1b–7)** - **3. The Oath with Rahab (2:8–21)** - **4. The Report to Joshua (2:22–24)**

- C. Crossing the Jordan (3:1–4:24) - 1. Initial Preparations for Crossing (3:1–6) - 2. Directives for Crossing (3:7–13) - 3. A Miraculous Crossing: Part 1 (3:14–17) - 4. Twelve-Stone Memorial: Part 1 (4:1–10a) - 5. A Miraculous Crossing: Part 2 (4:10b–18) - 6. Twelve-Stone Memorial: Part 2 (4:19–24)

- D. Circumcision and Passover (5:1–12) - 1. Canaanite Fear (5:1) - 2. Circumcision (5:2–9) - 3. Passover (5:10–12)

## Rahab welcomes the spies (2:1–7)

*Rahab Receiveth and Concealeth the Spies* by [Frederick Richard Pickersgill](/source/Frederick_Richard_Pickersgill) (1881)

The narrative in this chapter seems to be an interruption, but actually provides a background material for the stories of the crossing of the Jordan River and the Battle of Jericho.[19] The sending out of spies follows Moses's example (Numbers 13, Deuteronomy 1:21–23; cf. Joshua 7:2–3),[19] but unlike the earlier mission, which had resulted in failure to take the promised land because of fear (Numbers 13–14), this time the spies encouraged the people to march forward (verse 24; contrast Numbers 13:31–33).[20] [Rahab](/source/Rahab) becomes the center of the narrative, being the only named person in the whole story,[19] and practically in control of the whole actions in the narrative: she provides the spies information, protection and advice for their safety, whereas the spies, the king of Jericho and his officers were as passive objects.[21]

### Verse 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 an harlot's house, named [Rahab](/source/Rahab), and lodged there.*[22]

- "[Shittim](/source/Abila_(Peraea))": identified as modern "Tell el-Ḥammām", on the eastern bank of Jordan river, opposite Jericho.[23] Here it is written in the same short form as in Numbers 25:1, not in the longer form as in Numbers 33:49.[24]

## The promise to Rahab (2:8–24)

"Rahab lets the spies escape", 1860 woodcut by [Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld](/source/Julius_Schnorr_von_Karolsfeld)

Rahab's confessions of faith (verses 8–11) encouraged the spies of God's promise (cf. Exodus 23:27; Numbers 22:3), as she reminds them of the victories in Transjordan as evidence that they will succeed in Canaan (Deuteronomy 3:21-2), and therefore she demands the life of herself and her family to be 'dealt kindly' (Hebrew: *hesed*; verse 12) with the expected loyalty in a covenant relationship (cf. 1 Samuel 20:8).[20] The spies agrees, swearing on their own lives to guarantee those of Rahab and family (verse 14,19), provided she does not 'tell this business of ours' (verses 14, 20), in spite of the Holy War concept which demands the killing of every people in Jericho (Deuteronomy 2:32–37; 7:1–5; 20:16–18).[20]

### Verse 14

- *And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the LORD gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”*[25]

- "Business of ours" refers mainly to the activities of the spies, not the imminent conquest, as the latter is a common knowledge among all Canaanites (verses 9–11).[26]

## See also

- [Amorites](/source/Amorites)

- [Battle of Jericho](/source/Battle_of_Jericho)

- [Egypt](/source/Ancient_Egypt)

- [Espionage](/source/Espionage)

- [Flax](/source/Flax)

- [Jericho](/source/Jericho)

- [Jordan River](/source/Jordan_River)

- [Nun](/source/Nun_(biblical_figure))

- [Passage of the Red Sea](/source/Passage_of_the_Red_Sea)

- Related [Bible](/source/Bible) parts: [Joshua 6](/source/Joshua_6), [Matthew 1](/source/Matthew_1), [Hebrews 11](/source/Hebrews_11), [James 5](/source/James_5)

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** The whole book of Joshua is missing from the extant [Codex Sinaiticus](/source/Codex_Sinaiticus).[14]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalley1965157–158_1-0)** [Halley 1965](#CITEREFHalley1965), pp. 157–158.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [Talmud](/source/Talmud), *Baba Bathra* 14b-15a)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gilad_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gilad_3-1) Gilad, Elon. [Who Really Wrote the Biblical Books of Kings and the Prophets?](https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/2015-06-25/ty-article/.premium/who-wrote-bibles-kings-and-prophets/0000017f-f039-da6f-a77f-f83f15e70000) *Haaretz*, June 25, 2015. Summary: The paean to King Josiah and exalted descriptions of the ancient Israelite empires beg the thought that he and his scribes lie behind the Deuteronomistic History.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECoogan2007314_Hebrew_Bible_4-0)** [Coogan 2007](#CITEREFCoogan2007), p. 314 Hebrew Bible.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECoogan2007316_Hebrew_Bible_5-0)** [Coogan 2007](#CITEREFCoogan2007), p. 316 Hebrew Bible.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMcConville2007158_6-0)** [McConville 2007](#CITEREFMcConville2007), p. 158.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEWürthwein199535–37_7-0)** [Würthwein 1995](#CITEREFWürthwein1995), pp. 35–37.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEUlrich2010247_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEUlrich2010247_8-1) [Ulrich 2010](#CITEREFUlrich2010), p. 247.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-thewaytoyahuweh_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-thewaytoyahuweh_9-1) [Dead sea scrolls - Joshua](https://thewaytoyahuweh.com/dead-sea-scrolls/general-info/#joshua)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFitzmyer2008162_10-0)** [Fitzmyer 2008](#CITEREFFitzmyer2008), p. 162.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFitzmyer200835_11-0)** [Fitzmyer 2008](#CITEREFFitzmyer2008), p. 35.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [4Q48 at the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library](https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/manuscript/4Q48-1)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEWürthwein199573–74_13-0)** [Würthwein 1995](#CITEREFWürthwein1995), pp. 73–74.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** This article incorporates text from a publication now in the [public domain](/source/Public_domain): Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "[Codex Sinaiticus](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Catholic_Encyclopedia_(1913)/Codex_Sinaiticus)". *[Catholic Encyclopedia](/source/Catholic_Encyclopedia)*. New York: Robert Appleton Company.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Discrepancies in manuscripts show how Old Testament scribes edited the Book of Joshua"](https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/language-culture/discrepancies-in-manuscripts-show-how-old-testament-scribes-edited-the-book-of-joshua). *University of Helsinki*. January 29, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Rösel, Martin (January 1, 2002). "The septuagint-version of the book of Joshua". *Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament*. **16** (1): 5–23. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/09018320210000329](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F09018320210000329). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [161116376](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:161116376) – via Taylor and Francis+NEJM.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-bsb_18-0)** [Joshua 2](https://biblehub.com/bsb/joshua/2.htm), Berean Study Bible

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFirth202127_19-0)** [Firth 2021](#CITEREFFirth2021), p. 27.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECoogan2007318_Hebrew_Bible_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECoogan2007318_Hebrew_Bible_20-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECoogan2007318_Hebrew_Bible_20-2) [Coogan 2007](#CITEREFCoogan2007), p. 318 Hebrew Bible.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMcConville2007161_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMcConville2007161_21-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMcConville2007161_21-2) [McConville 2007](#CITEREFMcConville2007), p. 161.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERösel201148_22-0)** [Rösel 2011](#CITEREFRösel2011), p. 48.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** [Joshua 2:1](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible_(King_James)/Joshua#2:1) [KJV](/source/King_James_Version)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERösel201145_24-0)** [Rösel 2011](#CITEREFRösel2011), p. 45.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERösel201145–46_25-0)** [Rösel 2011](#CITEREFRösel2011), pp. 45–46.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** [Joshua 2:14](https://www.esv.org/Joshua+2:14) [ESV](/source/English_Standard_Version)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERösel201151_27-0)** [Rösel 2011](#CITEREFRösel2011), p. 51.

## Sources

- [Coogan, Michael David](/source/Michael_D._Coogan) (2007). Coogan, Michael David; Brettler, Marc Zvi; Newsom, Carol Ann; Perkins, Pheme (eds.). [*The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books: New Revised Standard Version, Issue 48*](https://books.google.com/books?id=HmpMPgAACAAJ) (Augmented 3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0195288810](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0195288810).

- Firth, David G. (2021). [*Joshua: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary*](https://books.google.com/books?id=McF5zQEACAAJ). Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) (illustrated ed.). Lexham Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781683594406](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781683594406).

- [Fitzmyer, Joseph A.](/source/Joseph_Fitzmyer) (2008). [*A Guide to the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature*](https://books.google.com/books?id=TILXeWJ2eNAC). Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780802862419](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780802862419).

- [Halley, Henry H.](/source/Henry_Hampton_Halley) (1965). [*Halley's Bible Handbook: an abbreviated Bible commentary*](https://archive.org/details/halleysbiblehand00henr) (24th (revised) ed.). Zondervan Publishing House. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-310-25720-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-310-25720-4).

- Hayes, Christine (2015). [*Introduction to the Bible*](https://books.google.com/books?id=SKbkXYHxvlAC). Yale University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0300188271](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0300188271).

- McConville, Gordon (2007). "9. Joshua". In [Barton, John](/source/John_Barton_(theologian)); [Muddiman, John](/source/John_Muddiman) (eds.). [*The Oxford Bible Commentary*](https://books.google.com/books?id=ZJdVkgEACAAJ) (first (paperback) ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 158–176. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0199277186](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0199277186). Retrieved February 6, 2019.

- Rösel, Hartmut N. (2011). [*Joshua*](https://books.google.com/books?id=HdontwAACAAJ). Historical commentary on the Old Testament. Vol. 6 (illustrated ed.). Peeters. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-9042925922](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-9042925922).

- Ulrich, Eugene, ed. (2010). [*The Biblical Qumran Scrolls: Transcriptions and Textual Variants*](https://archive.org/details/TheBiblicalQumranScrolls). Brill.

- [Würthwein, Ernst](/source/Ernst_W%C3%BCrthwein) (1995). [*The Text of the Old Testament*](https://books.google.com/books?id=FSNKSBObCYwC). Translated by Rhodes, Erroll F. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8028-0788-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8028-0788-7). Retrieved January 26, 2019.

## External links

- [Jewish](/source/Judaism) translations: - [Yehoshua - Joshua - Chapter 2 (Judaica Press)](https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/15786/showrashi/true). Hebrew text and English translation [with [Rashi](/source/Rashi)'s commentary] at Chabad.org

- [Christian](/source/Christianity) translations: - [*Online Bible* at GospelHall.org](http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=Joshua+2) (ESV, KJV, Darby, American Standard Version, Bible in Basic English) - [Joshua chapter 2. Bible Gateway](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=6&chapter=2&version=9)

v t e Book of Joshua Bible chapters Joshua 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 Places Achor Achshaph Adullam Ai Ajalon Ammon Anab Aphek Arad Aroer Arnon River Ashdod Ashdoth-pisgah Ashtaroth Azekah Baal-gad Babylon Bashan Beeroth Beth-aven Bethel Beth-horon Beth-jeshimoth Bezer Canaan Carmel Chephirah Chinneroth Debir Dor Edom Edrei Eglon Egypt Euphrates Gaash Gath Gaza Geder Geshur Gezer Gibeath-Haaraloth Gibeon Gilead Gilgal Golan, Hazor Hebron Heshbon Hormah Jabbok River Jarmuth Jericho Jerusalem Jokneam Jordan River Kadesh-barnea Kedesh Kiriath-Jearim Kirjatharba Lachish Lasharon Lebanon Libnah Makkedah Madon Mediterranean Sea Megiddo Merom Misrephoth-maim Mizpeh Moab Mount Ephraim Mount Hermon Seir Negev Goshen Ramoth-Gilead Salcah Sea of the Arabah Shebarim Shechem Shiloh Shimron Shimron-meron Shittim Sidon Taanach Timnath-serah (Timnath-heres) Tirzah Valley of the Son of Hinnom Zarethan Persons Leaders/rulers Adonizedek Debir Eleazar Evi Hoham Jabin Japhia Jobab Joshua Moses Og Phinehas Piram Reba Rekem Sihon Others Aaron Abraham Achan Ahiman Amorites Anak Anakim Arba Balaam Balak Beor Canaanites Caleb Carmi Esau Gershon Girgashites Hamor Hepher Hittites Hivites Hur Isaac Israelites Jacob Jebusites Jephunneh Joseph (Genesis) Kenaz Kenezite Kohath Kohen Levite Maachathi Merari Nahor, son of Terah Nun Perizzites Rahab Sheshai Talmai Terah Tribes of Israel Tribe of Asher Tribe of Benjamin Tribe of Dan Tribe of Ephraim Tribe of Gad Tribe of Issachar Tribe of Joseph Tribe of Judah Tribe of Manasseh Tribe of Naphtali Tribe of Reuben Tribe of Simeon Tribe of Zebulun Zabdi Zerah Zippor Phrases/events 13 Kohanic cities 613 Mitzvot Ark of the Covenant Astaroth Book of Jasher Christophany Circumcision in cultures and religions Cities of Refuge Cities in the Book of Joshua Covenant Cubit Ed (altar) Heresy of Peor Hornet Kohen Korban Manna Matzah Passage of the Red Sea Passover Plagues of Egypt Promised Land Sanctification Slaughter offering Tabernacle Theophany Tribal allotments of Israel Witness altar See also Samaritan Book of Joshua Joshua Roll Deuteronomistic history Israelite highland settlement Sources Hebrew Bible • Septuagint • Wycliffe Bible • King James Version • American Standard Version • World English Version

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