Joshua 2
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 had handed over the
entire land to us. Everyone who lives in the land is also panicking
because of us." Joshua 2: 22-24
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 and Caleb. They
believed God, in spite of 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 this time Joshua chose only 2
spies. The 2 spies' scouting of Jericho is strikingly similar to the
2 angels' scouting Sodom and Gomorrah before its destruction. Gen
18:16, Gen 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 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. God was
fighting for Israel.
To quote 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
When you commit yourself to know the crucified & 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 & prosper you: no weapon formed against such
a person, will prosper.
When preparing for spiritual battle, and you're seeking wise
reconnaissance, cut yourself free of all opinions that forsake God's
promise & His power. Rely only on those who trust in the Lord.
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
