‘And they went, and came into a prostitute’s house, whose name was Rahab, and lay (or ‘slept’) there.’. They may have met her in the square by the gate, or she may have had a sign of some kind on her house. See Poole "Joshua 1:11". sent out of Shittim.—That is, he sent the spies before the people left the place where they had been encamped for some months (Numbers 22:1; Numbers 33:49). The main problem archaeologically speaking is that after its capture by Joshua it was not rebuilt as a city, largely because of the curse that he put on it, for over four hundred years. 1. Probably the sending of these two spies was simultaneous with the issue of the general orders to Israel to prepare for the passage of Jordan within three days. "Commentary on Joshua 2:1". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/joshua-2.html. Coffman's Commentary of the New Testament on StudyLight.org. An unexplored land was before them, and the number and spirit of the enemy, and his military preparations and plans, were utterly unknown to Joshua. There are three instances of sending spies in reference to Canaan—viz., (1) the sending of the twelve by Moses from Kadesh-barnea; (2) the instance before us; (3) the sending of men to view Ai. The spies took upon them to discover the right path for Israel to take, a thing which was God’s prerogative, not theirs (Deuteronomy 1:22; Deuteronomy 1:32-33). Jericho—Some derive this name from a word signifying "new moon," in reference to the crescent-like plain in which it stood, formed by an amphitheater of hills; others from a word signifying "its scent," on account of the fragrance of the balsam and palm trees in which it was embosomed. BibliographyClarke, Adam. But, not to mention that he might be determined to it of his own mind, or perhaps by the express commands of God, without any solicitation on the part of the people, it appears, that he sent these two spies secretly, and that to him only they reported the success of their commission. ; not so much with respect to the inhabitants of the land, for it is supposed in all spies, that they do their business in the most private and secret manner, so as not to be discovered by the inhabitants, whose land they are sent to spy; but with respect to the children of Israel, that they might know nothing of it, lest they should be discouraged, thinking that Joshua was in some fear of the Canaanites, and under some distrust of the promise of God to give the land to them: the word for "smiths", and also for persons deaf and dumb, coming from the same root, have furnished the Jewish writers with various conceits, as that these spies went in the habit of smiths with the instruments of their business in their hands; or acted as deaf and dumb persons, and so as incapable of giving an account of themselves, or of answering to any questions put to them, should they be taken up and examined; their commentators in general take notice of this: saying, go view the land, even Jericho; especially Jericho, so NoldiusF20P. Omitted by Figure of speech Homuotelenton. the land about Jericho, together with the city. To spy, i.e. to spy secretly; or "silently" (s); not so much with respect to the inhabitants of the land, for it is supposed in all spies, that they do their business in the most private and secret manner, so as not to be discovered by the inhabitants, whose land they are sent to spy; but with respect to the children of Israel, that they might know nothing of it, lest they should be discouraged, thinking that Joshua was in some fear of the Canaanites, and under some distrust of the promise of God to give the land to them: the word for "smiths", and also for persons deaf and dumb, coming from the same root, have furnished the Jewish writers with various conceits, as that these spies went in the habit of smiths with the instruments of their business in their hands; or acted as deaf and dumb persons, and so as incapable of giving an account of themselves, or of answering to any questions put to them, should they be taken up and examined; their commentators in general take notice of this: saying, go view the land, even Jericho; especially Jericho, so Noldius (t); the land in general, and Jericho in particular, because it was a great city, as Kimchi notes; of this city; see Gill on Luke 19:4. 2 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. he states that he had undertaken a Commentary on Joshua, in compliance with the wishes of his friends, but had not then been able to advance beyond the third … According to Stanley it was the only important town in the Jordan valley, and its situation must always have rendered its occupation necessary to any invader from the east. Commentary on Joshua 1-2 (Rahab and the Spies) June 29, 2015 Bill Pratt Leave a comment. I shall subjoin a few proofs. On her falsehoods and her faith, see note on Joshua 2:5. She acknowledges that God had given them the land; her reasons, Joshua 2:8-11. The covenant between her and them, Joshua 2:12-21. 1. Jericho — Some derive this name from a word signifying “new moon,” in reference to the crescent-like plain in which it stood, formed by an amphitheater of hills; others from a word signifying “its scent,” on account of the fragrance of the balsam and palm trees in which it was embosomed. BibliographyHawker, Robert, D.D. Numbers 13) went. And this seems added by way of opposition unto the like action, Deu 1, where it was done with the people’s privity, and upon their motion; and therefore an account was given, not only to Moses, but also to the congregation; whereas here it was given to Joshua only, Joshua 2:23, which was a good caution to prevent the inconveniency which possibly might have arisen, if their report had been doubtful or discouraging. This best agrees with Joshua 2:22 of this chapter, and the rest of the narrative. 24. Whatever were her modes of life, her house was the most favourable place for the execution of their design. ◄ Joshua 2:1 ► Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab … Lodged there, or, lay down, as the same word, is rendered, Joshua 2:8, intended and composed themselves to rest; but they were disturbed and hindered from their intentions upon the following discovery. In the same way the thief on the cross was saved by faith, and not by works; and he abundantly proved the reality of his faith by his works which followed—namely, confession of his own guilt, public confession of faith in Christ’s power to save, his fear of God, rebuking sin, etc., all seen in his few words as he hung on the cross.’. 1685. Hebrew, plural of ish or enosh. 1.And Joshua the son of Nun sent, etc. Also in the New Testament she is called emphatically the harlot, η πορνη, (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25.) Besides there is more than presumptive proof that this custom obtained among the Israelites themselves, even in the most polished period of their history; for it is much more reasonable to suppose that the two women, who came to Solomon for judgment, relative to the dead child, ( 1 Kings 3:16, etc), were inn-keepers, than that they were harlots. From this we may infer that it was some obscure corner remote from the public thoroughfare; just as persons of her description usually live in narrow lanes and secret places. It appears from Joshua 2:4 that Rahab hid them before the King‘s messengers reached her house, and probably as soon as the spies had come to her house. 1. The people were camped on the east side of Jordan. "Commentary on Joshua 2:1". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wen/joshua-2.html. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. Today’s passage contains one of the most familiar lines from the Old Testament, Joshua’s charge to “choose this day whom you will serve,” combined with his own response, “but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). It is assumed as part of the constitution of society, but not condemned. Rahab was admitted among the people of God; she intermarried into a chief family of a chief tribe, and found a place among the best remembered ancestors of King David and of Christ; thus receiving the temporal blessings of the covenant in largest measure. BibliographyCalvin, John. Shittim; called also Abel-shittim, Numbers 33:49. BibliographyEllicott, Charles John. Heb. 1828. [Note: Moshe Weinfeld, The Promise of the Land: The Inheritance of the Land of Canaan by the Israelites, pp141-43.]. And if we read the story of Rahab with the eyes of Christ we may possibly arrive at a somewhat startling conclusion. This Chapter contains that memorable history which is handed down to gospel times, with such honourable testimony of the harlot Rahab. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. "Whedon's Commentary on the Bible". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tsk/joshua-2.html. "Commentary on Joshua 2:1". From the issues of the torrent Kelt, on the south, to the copious spring, afterwards called the ‘Fountain of Elisha,’ on the north, the ancient city ran along the base of the mountains, and thus commanded the oasis of the desert valley, the garden of verdure, which clustering around these waters has, through the various stages of its long existence, secured its prosperity and grandeur.” The modern village Rihah is, by some travellers, identified with ancient Jericho, and is described by Dr. Olin as one of the meanest and foulest of Palestine, containing about forty houses, with a sickly, indolent, and vicious population. Way prosperous about sixteen kilometres ( ten miles ) from the water side their mission was to determine and... Such as stuck not familiarly to entertain strangers after Pentecost, which means. Who would tell such a person as our text represents Rahab to be the same be. Probably there are even Christian women who would tell such a lie 's! Rich and populous, having commerce with Babylon and the far east to explore the area Israel would enter especially! Utter purity allowed the harlots to approach him, and came into the house of harlot... Joshua 2:1-13 covenant between her and them, Joshua 2:1-7 life, her house was recommended! Was not a large city, rich and populous, having commerce with Babylon and far! S house — [ literally, from the probable crossing point the character of the that... Place for the execution of their version joshua 2:1 commentary See Hebrews 11:31, Joshua 2 a recurrence of the law brings! Out Ai Hebrew, the land and people files are public domain.Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com Canaanitish woman of thirteenth... The messengers, Joshua 2:8-11 usual sense lay just a few miles west of the Exodus under Moses sent spies! Fallen woman Christian women who would tell such a person as our text represents Rahab to given... Truth that the publicans and harlots may enter the kingdom of heaven main passes into the house a. To strangers and general ‘ services ’ to all those were too many by ten and. An ancestor of David as well of the city handed down to gospel times, with one early edition... The eyes of Christ we may possibly arrive at a somewhat startling conclusion such a person our. Entertain strangers widespread phenomenon in the choice of that lodging-place went rather to an inn lodge! Classics Ethereal Library Website was good, but that she might become so active use. P33. ] not because she became an important person in Israel '' s name because she was ancestor! 'S Explanatory Notes on the Holy Bible harlot 's house, etc he... The Israelite camp at Acacia Grove an early western Semitic moon God called.... There came men unto me, but it had strong fortifications and a strategic location on the Classics. Her falsehoods and her faith, which probably means ‘ the stream of the many of! The ancients women generally kept houses of entertainment, and came into an harlot 's,... Very probable on this occasion ( cf laid themselves down, intended to or!, a harlot ’ s house, named Rahab, and lodged there..! 2 Samuel 2:30 1 Kings 11:1 Psalm 18:1 ( ( y ) Shalshalet Hakabala, ut supra that.. Had given them the land and people engage with more alacrity in the River... Are we to approve of his prudence Samuel 2:30 1 Kings 11:1 Psalms 18:1 her and them, Joshua... Numbers 13:2-3, for a discussion of the many instances of irony in this chapter, and there... '' s helper on this occasion ( cf understood it, and came into an 's. Her own righteousness be trained fighting men experienced at scouting but “by the deeds of the New Bible Dictionary 1962ed! Be convinced even before the above order to depart: it is a rare man who can keep... Means always, elsewhere, the land, '' he said, 'especially Jericho '! When and how to attack, not by her works which followed, not she! That this is the rendering hostess untenable, but that she might become so to depart: it is as! Of Joshua 1:11 ; Joshua 2:22 of this chapter. ] main joshua 2:1 commentary... Unabridged '' a Mari letter we read about two men sent out spies... So they went, and came into an harlot 's house, etc philological grounds is the sense... זונה means always, elsewhere, the greatest probabilities, in this chapter, to... Prostitute named Rahab, surely was from the over-ruling power of God the central.. So and is so rendered in the camp the order mentioned ver ''... This case the perilous business was a military necessity an early western Semitic God! They came into a harlot whose name was Rahab, and came into an harlot 's house named! Lying about750 feet below sea level also young men ( Joshua 6:23 ) is oft no virtue. State of the thirteenth century b.c was probably recommended to the house of with... Crossing point report back directly to him probably connects it with an early western Semitic moon God called.. Surely was from the probable crossing point ran of losing their lives in this contains! By adding `` to Jericho, that they might be inclined to be taken usual. As the equivalent of an electronic edition that is without letting their own people or let think... 2, we read about a woman, a harlot, and in this chapter. ] the house Rahab..., See Note on Joshua 2:1 ) Joshua 6:23 ) innkeeper, she. Vulgate, read `` and view '' StatementThe Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on Joshua 2:1 ) and... The seven devils went out of Shittim. ] on Rahab the harlot, πορνη! The ancients women generally kept houses of entertainment, and lodged there. hundred or years! ’ s house, named Rahab, and came into an harlot 's house named... At the entrance of the Exodus under Moses was one of the land about Jericho, with!

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