“When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. They said to Joshua, ‘The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.’“

Joshua 2:22-24

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December 5, 2025 

After departing from Jericho during the night, the two spies followed Rahab’s instructions; they went the opposite direction, climbing into the hills of what would one day be known as the Judean wilderness. Here they remained until it was safe to descend to the plain and cross the Jordan. Upon arrival at camp, they gave their report concerning Jericho to Joshua, during which they undoubtedly identified Rahab as their protector. 

The substance of their report, as described in Joshua 2:24, is interesting. The whole emphasis of their clandestine mission does not appear to have been on assessing fortifications or the numbers of fighting men. Rather, it seems to have been a reading of the hearts of the people of Jericho, which Rahab had related to them.  

When we face obstacles in our lives, we tend to focus on circumstances or personalities that make our situation difficult. We count the numbers of those arrayed against us and the height of the barriers we face. God is not impressed by such things, because He looks straight at the heart. 

Unbelievers are not our enemies. They may reject our God, but God is the one who changes hearts. We must act in obedience to the word of God, just as did the Israelites as they marched around the walls of Jericho for seven days. It is God alone who breaks through unbelief and resistance to His redemption through Christ. We are to do good to our neighbors and speak forthrightly of the gospel when the Spirit gives opportunity. Any response to these things belongs to the Lord. 

Therefore, we are patient in service of others. We are not put off by disinterest or misunderstanding of spiritual truth. We recognize our own shortcomings and faults, but we are not deterred from extending ourselves to the lost. We remember that the walls of Jericho were high and topped by innumerable armed warriors, but God held the whole situation in His hand, just as He does our families, our neighborhoods, our schools, our places of employment. Let us then march faithfully until God gives victory.  

God honored Rahab in the end. She became the wife of Salmon and was the great-great-grandmother of King David. Her story is a beautiful picture of God’s movement in the heart of a Gentile, a foreigner to God’s chosen people, but chosen by God. 

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • How does the story of God’s intervention in the life of Rahab, and the role that she played in the conquest of Jericho, encourage you?  
  • How does the fact that God is not impressed by any resistance of man to His will and purposes give you hope in a world that seems so opposed to the things of God?  
  • What challenging person(s) and/or barrier(s) in your life do you need to place in the hand of God?  

 Church Reading Plan:

  • Today, December 5:  2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11; 1 John 4 
  • Saturday, December 6: 2 Chronicles 6:12-42; 1 John 5 
  • Sunday, December 7: 2 Chronicles 7; 2 John 1