Joshua 2

“So the two men went into the hill country and stayed there three days until the pursuers had returned. They (soldiers of Jericho) searched all along the way, but did not find them. Then the men returned, came down from the hill country, and crossed the Jordan. They went to Joshua son of Nun and reported everything that had happened to them. They told Joshua, “The Lord has handed over the entire land to us. Everyone who lives in the land is also panicking because of us.” Joshua 2:22-24 (HCSB)

When considering Joshua’s strategy of sending spies into Canaan, it may help to review Numbers 13-14. Under Moses’ direction, 12 spies were sent out. 10 came back with a bad report and disheartened the Israelites. The dissenting 2 spies were Joshua and Caleb.

Per God’s judgment, the only two from that generation who were allowed to enter the Promised Land were Joshua & Caleb. They believed God despite overwhelming circumstances.

When Joshua began leading Israel, and the time came to send out spies, he remembered Israel’s past failure. Last time, only 2-out-of-10 gave a good report, so perhaps this time Joshua chose only 2 spies: Righteous spies. The 2 spies’ scouting of Jericho is strikingly similar to the 2 angels’ scouting Sodom and Gomorrah before its destruction. (Genesis 18:16, Genesis 19)

A faithless spy might have seen a well-fortified city full of people eager to defend themselves. God showed Joshua’s spies something different. They observed that the people of Jericho had lost their resolve. All Jericho was afraid of Israel because Israel held the most important military position: the high moral ground. Hence, God would fight for Israel.

Consider the testimony of Rahab, the prostitute, “For we have heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan. When we heard this, we lost heart and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and earth below.” Joshua 2:10-11 (HCSB)

When you commit yourself to know the crucified and resurrected Messiah, and nothing else, you hold the most valuable advantage in spiritual battle. Search His Word for truth to live by and depend on the power of His Spirit to sustain and prosper you. For in doing so, no weapon formed against you will prosper. (Isaiah 54:17)

When you prepare for spiritual battle and seek wise reconnaissance, cut yourself free of all opinions that forsake God’s promise and power. Rely only on those who trust in the Lord and who have committed to living solely by His Word.