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The Scriptorium

All Jericho Troubled

The king of Jericho tries to apprehend the spies.

Joshua 2 (2)

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 2.2, 3

Reflect and discuss.
1.  An echo of these verses appears in Matthew 2.1-8. As Joshua’s presence troubled the pagan king of Jericho, so Jesus’ birth troubled the pagan king of Judea. Is this similarity intentional? Explain.

2.  Put yourself in Rahab’s place. What would be going on in your heart and mind as you heard this message from the king?

Think about it.
We do not know how the spies’ mission was exposed. It probably wasn’t too hard for someone to figure out that those two strangers, observed coming through the city gate, were probably from the Israelite camp on the other side of the Jordan. Their mission would have been obvious. They weren’t there just to have a good time.

Naturally, a report would have been given to the king, and, naturally, he would have wanted to apprehend the spies. The king’s action indicates something of what Rahab will reveal in verses 8-11, that a mood of fear and dread had settled on the people of Jericho. They would have had plenty of time to hear about Israel’s approach to Canaan, of the conquests on the east side of the Jordan, and of the encampment looming just across the river. They knew what was coming, and the terror of it had fallen on the people of Jericho, from the king on down.

The king had to do something. We don’t fault him for trying to apprehend the spies. His actions give us a glimpse of God’s promise, already in the process of being fulfilled (Deut. 7.17-24). God was at work on behalf of His people even before they put their first foot on Canaanite soil.

Just so, He goes before us each day, readying hearts and opportunities for us to seek and advance His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Do you believe that God goes before you each day as you go out into your Personal Mission Field? If you did believe that, how would you expect it to affect your walk with and work for the Lord each day?

2.  If the king was experiencing fear in this situation, much more must Rahab have been afraid. Why?

3.  Rahab had a choice to make. As we shall see, she chose wisely. Whenever, because of our faith in Jesus, we are confronted with the fear of men, we have a choice to make. How can we be sure to make the right choice?

“Rahab was a harlot who secretly admitted the spies of Joshua when they visited Jericho and let them out by another exit so that they should not be captured. Her name means ‘pride.’ She was converted by God’s generosity and deserved to obtain mercy. She is a type of the church, which takes in souls endangered by the vice of pride, and lets them out into life by another route, the way of humility and patience.” Cassiodorus (ca. 485-580 AD)

O heavenly Father, let me not hide the Gospel for fear of men, but give me grace to…

Pray Psalm 118.1-9.

As you pray, let the Lord bring before your mind any situations in the coming day that might cause you to fear men. Claim the Lord’s presence and promise now, before you enter those situations, so that you will be ready to stand firm for Him.

Psalm 118.1-9 (St. George’s Windsor: Come, Ye Thankful People, Come)
Thank the Lord, His love endures! 
All to whom His love is sure, 
All who fear Him day by day, 
let them thanks and praise now say! 
Out of my distress I cry; 
He will hear me from on high. 
He will free me from all fear. 
What can man do to me here? 

For the Lord stands next to me; 
He will give me victory! 
Over all who hate my life 
I will triumph through the strife! 
In His grace I refuge find; 
in His steadfast love so kind. 
Trust not princes, trust not men – 
Christ shall be our haven then!

T. M. Moore

Where does the book of Joshua fit in the ongoing story of God’s covenant? Our workbook, God’s Covenant, can help you discover the place in God’s work of redemption not only of Joshua but of all the books of the Bible. God’s Covenant is a valuable resource to guide you in all your studies in God’s Word. To order your copy, click here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
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