Summary

Joshua sent two spies to scout out the land of Canaan. Rahab found them and hid them from the pursuers. Amazingly, Rahab knew that Jericho was given to the Israelites and confessed the God of Israelites as the true God. To the two spies, Rahab asked them to spare her household from the destruction. They made a vow and agreed to have a concrete, clear sign to be separated from destruction – a scarlet rope. The spies went back to Joshua and reported that the heart of the Canaan had melted for they were in the fear of the Israelites.

The purpose of the two spies 

What was the purpose of sending out the spies? Back in Numbers 13-14, about 40 years prior to Joshua chapter 2, when Moses was leading the Israelites, twelve spies were chosen and sent to scout out the land of Canaan. This expedition turned out to be a disaster as ten out of the twelve spies reported and displayed a pessimistic view of the opportunity, leading the whole congregation into fear, to the point of disobeying and sinning against the LORD. As a result, 40 days of wilderness journey ballooned into a 40-year wilderness life.

Perhaps, because of the failed expedition 40 years ago with the twelve spies, Joshua sent out just two spies secretly this time. OK. This may explain why Joshua sent them secretly. Notice the stark difference in the faith displayed by these two spies in (verse 14) as they trusted fully that the LORD had already given the land to the Israelites. These two spies chosen by Joshua, placed their full trust in the promise of the LORD. 

But why was sending out the spies necessary? Was it absolutely necessary? If it was evident that the LORD had given the land, then the Israelites could have just invaded the land. I think the expedition of the two spies served different purposes for different people: For the LORD, for Rahab, for Joshua, and the Israelites. For each, bullets below provide the overall purpose for each player.

• For Joshua: Joshua might have been a very deliberate, careful person. He was in charge of the Israelites and especially assuming leadership after Moses was likely to be an extraordinary burden. For that reason, Joshua wanted to be assured that the LORD had given the land by assessing the condition of the people in Jericho.
• For Rahab by the LORD: The LORD is a pursuer of His people. Probably the most strategically personal role of the spies was to find (or to be found by) Rahab so that Rahab can be spared from the destruction. Just from a strategic viewpoint, this expedition may not have been that necessary. However, we can see that the LORD wanted to ensure that His people are saved. The LORD probably inspired Joshua to send two spies to search for God’s people and ensure that they would not perish.
• For the Israelites: Knowing the melted heart of Jericho and other Canaan people would have been a tremendous boost to the morale of the Israelites.

Chosen one vs. Responding one

Then, why was only Rahab (and her family) saved? Would this be considered unfair? 

I believe an equal opportunity to turn back was given to all people in Jericho. Based on Rahab’s confession, the rest of Jericho people heard the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites, which had taken place 40 years ago, and the crossing of the Jordan River, which took place just a few days prior (Josh 2:8). The same input was given to people in Jericho universally. All of them heard the same news about what the LORD and the Israelites had done. However, only Rahab and her family responded to seek the true God of Heaven. 

Many were called. Although their hearts melted, they did not turn back. People of Canaan were given an opportunity to turn back from their evil ways and seek the true LORD. However, only Rahab responded. 

A clear communication between Rahab and Spies

For Rahab, her encounter with the two spies was a life-or-death situation. The two spies also took their responsibility very carefully. For this reason, two spies ensured that the sign and communication with Rahab remained crystal clear. The two spies told her to tie the cord of scarlet in the window and made a strong warning to her that no one would go out of the doors of her house. Rahab agreed. In this expedition, I see that two spies made this sign very clear to absolutely remove any sign of ambiguity to ensure Rahab and her family would be spared from destruction. 

Conclusion

The LORD seeks. David made this confession in Psalm 23: the LORD will follow me all the days of my life – a better translation is “the LORD will pursue me….” The LORD personally reached out to Rahab and moved Joshua to send spies to find Rahab so that she and her household would be saved from this judgment. 

The LORD sought you. He sent Jesus Christ to save you. 
Let this chapter be a comfort and peace to you all.