03.20.2016 Old Testament: Jos 2.1–3

To read the Bible in a year, read Joshua 1–3 on March 20, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

Joshua had spied out the Land of Canaan, but ten of his fellow spies discouraged the children of Israel from conquering the Land of Canaan. Thirty-eight years later, the children of Israel had arrived at the border again by the Jordan River, but Joshua sent only two spies instead of twelve.

He sent the two spies on a very dangerous mission. He wanted them to enter Jericho. Remember that the people living there may have been much taller, for that was the reason the ten spies discouraged Israel. However, the two spies went, and the people of Jericho discovered them,

Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.” So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country” (Joshua 2.1–3).

The spies had gone on a dangerous mission, but then Rahab and her family also faced great danger for harboring these spies. Nevertheless, the rest of the story reveals her awesome faith in the God of Israel. Therefore, she willingly put her life on the line.

Questions:

• Does your faith so control your life that you will risk your neck for the sake of others?
• Why do you have faith? Where did you get it?