FocusCommission, crossing, and covenant signs
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Joshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin.
interpretation Joshua 2:7
KJVAnd the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
Read it in context
Rahab Welcomes the Spies
Start reading at Joshua 2:1 (Joshua 2:1 to Joshua 2:7).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Joshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin.
- 2:1 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, and lodged there.
- 2:2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
- 2:3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.
- 2:4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
- 2:5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
- 2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
- 2:7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Joshua is the traditional principal author, and Joshua 24:26 credits him with writing covenant words. The closing record of his death and later events means the completed account includes a later contribution. Biblical references: Joshua 24:26; Joshua 24:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Joshua 2:1–2:24): Joshua's two spies, Rahab, and the king of Jericho's messengers are the immediate participants. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel living in the land and later generations learning how the land was allotted and why covenant faithfulness mattered. No individual first recipient is known. Biblical references: Joshua 4:6; Joshua 4:21; Joshua 24:24. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Rahab Welcomes the Spies. Read Joshua 2:1 through Joshua 2:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Joshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account follows Moses' death and proceeds through the entry, campaigns, allotments, and Joshua's final covenant addresses. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The people cross from east of Jordan into Canaan. Campaign locations, tribal boundaries, and cities are distinct settings within that broader movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Rahab Welcomes the Spies (Joshua 2:1 to Joshua 2:7). Start reading at Joshua 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Hebrews 4 distinguishes the rest associated with Joshua from the rest still discussed in its exhortation. In the KJV of Hebrews 4:8, the name Jesus refers in context to Joshua. See Joshua 1:1, Hebrews 4:8, Hebrews 4:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take the repeated calls to faithfulness and obedience seriously. Historical warfare commands to Israel should not be converted into permission for a reader's private violence. interpretation
Cited: Joshua 2:1, Joshua 2:7, Joshua 1:1, Hebrews 4:8, Hebrews 4:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Joshua (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book records that Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God.
Joshua 24:26
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Joshua.
What is debatedThe closing verses record Joshua's death and later events, so a later hand completed the book.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Joshua 2
Joshua concerns Israel's entry into Canaan, the distribution of the land, and covenant exhortations. It identifies Joshua's leadership and records his writing in Joshua 24:26, but that does not establish that he wrote every later event in the book. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Joshua 1:1 Joshua 24:26 Joshua 24:29
The Promise to Rahab
Joshua 2:8–24FocusCommission, crossing, and covenant signs
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Joshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Joshua
Joshua concerns Israel's entry into Canaan, the distribution of the land, and covenant exhortations. It identifies Joshua's leadership and records his writing in Joshua 24:26, but that does not establish that he wrote every later event in the book.
Joshua 1:1 Joshua 24:26 Joshua 24:29
FocusCommission, crossing, and covenant signs
Connection to the wholeJoshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin.
interpretation Conflict and the taking of the land
Joshua 5:13–12:24FocusVictory, failure, and the LORD's commands
Connection to the wholeThe campaigns include both victories and Israel's failure concerning the devoted things; the record ends with a list of defeated kings.
interpretation The land distributed
Joshua 13:1–21:45FocusInheritance and provision
Connection to the wholeBoundaries, allotments, refuge cities, and Levitical cities describe the ordering of Israel's inheritance.
interpretation The tribes and the covenant
Joshua 22:1–24:33FocusUnity, loyalty, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholeThe closing events and Joshua's speeches urge the tribes to serve the LORD and warn against abandoning the covenant.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.