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I don&#8217t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/joshua/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> They left the town at dusk, as the gates were about to close. I don’t know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them.” <a href="/esv/joshua/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” <a href="/bsb/joshua/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” <a href="/kjv/joshua/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/2.htm">New King James Version</a> And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” <a href="/nasb_/joshua/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> It came about, when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” <a href="/nasb/joshua/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220It came about when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/joshua/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And it came about when it was time to shut the gate, at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” <a href="/lsb/joshua/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” <a href="/amp/joshua/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When it was time to close the [city] gate at dark, the men left; I do not know where they went. Pursue them quickly, for [if you do] you will overtake them.” <a href="/csb/joshua/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> At nightfall, when the city gate was about to close, the men went out, and I don’t know where they were going. Chase after them quickly, and you can catch up with them! ” <a href="/hcsb/joshua/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> At nightfall, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I don&#8217t know where they were going. Chase after them quickly, and you can catch up with them!&#8221 <a href="/asv/joshua/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> and it came to pass about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out; whither the men went I know not: pursue after them quickly; for ye will overtake them. <a href="/erv/joshua/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> and it came to pass about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. <a href="/gwt/joshua/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When it was dark and the gate was just about to close, they left. I don't know where they went. If you hurry, you'll catch up with them." <a href="/isv/joshua/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> At dusk, when it was time to close the city gates, the men left. I don't know where the men went. Go after them quickly, and you might overtake them." <a href="/msb/joshua/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!? <a href="/net/joshua/2.htm">NET Bible</a> When it was time to shut the city gate for the night, the men left. I don't know where they were heading. Chase after them quickly, for you have time to catch them!" <a href="/nheb/joshua/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went, I do not know. Pursue them quickly; for you will overtake them." <a href="/wbt/joshua/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass about the time of shutting the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went, I know not: pursue after them quickly; for ye will overtake them. <a href="/web/joshua/2.htm">World English Bible</a> About the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, the men went out. Where the men went, I don’t know. Pursue them quickly. You may catch up with them.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and it comes to pass—the gate is to [be] shut—in the dark, and the men have gone out; I have not known to where the men have gone; pursue, hurry after them, for you overtake them”; <a href="/ylt/joshua/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and it cometh to pass -- the gate is to be shut -- in the dark, and the men have gone out; I have not known whither the men have gone; pursue ye, hasten after them, for ye overtake them;' <a href="/slt/joshua/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be for the shutting the gate in darkness, and the men went forth, and I knew not whither the men went; pursue quickly after them, for ye shall overtake them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And at the time of shutting the gate in the dark, they also went out together. I know not whither they are gone: pursue after them quickly, and you will overtake them. <a href="/cpdv/joshua/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when the gate was closed, they went out together in the darkness. I do not know where they have gone. Pursue them quickly, and you will overtake them.” <a href="/nabre/joshua/2.htm">New American Bible</a> At dark, when it was time to close the gate, they left, and I do not know where they went. You will have to pursue them quickly to overtake them.” <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And when it was time to close the gate at dark, the men went out. Where the men went I do not know. Pursue them quickly, for you can overtake them.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, they went out; and I did not know where they went. Pursue them quickly; for you will overtake them. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And when it was time when the gate is shut in the evening, they went out by themselves and I do not know where they went. Go out quickly after them because you will overtake them.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> and it came to pass about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out; whither the men went I know not; pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.' <a href="/sep/joshua/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> but when the gate was shut in the evening, the men went out; I know not whither they are gone: follow after them, if ye may overtake them. <a href="/parallel/joshua/2-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=243" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/2.htm">Rahab Welcomes the Spies</a> …4But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from. 5<a href="/hebrew/2822.htm" title="2822: ba·ḥō·šeḵ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- From chashak; the dark; hence darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness.">At dusk,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: haš·ša·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">when the gate</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/5462.htm" title="5462: lis·gō·wr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To shut, close. A primitive root; to shut up; figuratively, to surrender.">about to close,</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">went out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and I do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/575.htm" title="575: ’ā·nāh (Interrog) -- Where? whither?. Or manah; contracted from 'aiyn; where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither.">which way</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">went.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: riḏ·p̄ū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">Pursue</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/4118.htm" title="4118: ma·hêr (Adv) -- Hastening, speedy, swift. From mahar; properly, hurrying; hence in a hurry.">quickly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/5381.htm" title="5381: ṯaś·śî·ḡūm (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp:: 3mp) -- To reach, overtake. A primitive root; to reach.">you may catch them!”</a> 6(But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.)…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Hebrews 11:31</a> By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient. <a href="/james/2-25.htm">James 2:25</a> In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route? <a href="/exodus/1-19.htm">Exodus 1:19</a> The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.” <a href="/1_kings/2-42.htm">1 Kings 2:42-43</a> the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’ / So why have you not kept your oath to the LORD and the command that I gave you?” <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">2 Samuel 17:20</a> When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31-32</a> Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. / For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. <a href="/acts/9-25.htm">Acts 9:25</a> One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall. <a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">1 Samuel 19:11-12</a> Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">2 Corinthians 11:32-33</a> In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp. <a href="/judges/4-17.htm">Judges 4:17-21</a> Meanwhile, Sisera had fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. / Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. / Sisera said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again. ... <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33-34</a> Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. / Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. <a href="/genesis/19-5.htm">Genesis 19:5-8</a> They called out to Lot, saying, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!” / Lot went outside to meet them, shutting the door behind him. / “Please, my brothers,” he pleaded, “don’t do such a wicked thing! ... <a href="/acts/17-10.htm">Acts 17:10</a> As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue. <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23</a> When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. <a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">1 Kings 18:4</a> for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I know not: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them.of shutting<a href="/joshua/2-7.htm">Joshua 2:7</a> And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.<a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Nehemiah 13:19</a> And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.<a href="/isaiah/60-11.htm">Isaiah 60:11</a> Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.the men went out<a href="/jeremiah/50-20.htm">Jeremiah 50:20</a> In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.<a href="/romans/3-7.htm">Romans 3:7,8</a> For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Close</a> <a href="/numbers/24-15.htm">Closed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-66.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/numbers/28-8.htm">Dusk</a> <a href="/exodus/9-19.htm">Hasten</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-27.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-30.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-20.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-36.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/genesis/19-10.htm">Shutting</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-10.htm">Time</a> <a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Way</a> <a href="/joshua/1-16.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/numbers/22-6.htm">Wot</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/21-21.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/joshua/2-15.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Close</a> <a href="/judges/3-22.htm">Closed</a> <a href="/joshua/24-7.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/joshua/2-19.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-17.htm">Dusk</a> <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Hasten</a> <a href="/joshua/2-16.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/joshua/8-6.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/joshua/7-22.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/joshua/2-7.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/joshua/7-9.htm">Shutting</a> <a href="/joshua/3-15.htm">Time</a> <a href="/joshua/2-7.htm">Way</a> <a href="/judges/19-17.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/acts/3-17.htm">Wot</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 2</div>1. <a href="/joshua/2-1.htm">Rahab receives and conceals the two spies sent from Shittim</a> 8. <a href="/joshua/2-8.htm">The covenant between her and them</a> 23. <a href="/joshua/2-23.htm">Their return and description of events</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>At dusk This phrase indicates the time of day when the events occurred. Dusk, or twilight, was a significant time in ancient cultures, often associated with transitions and the closing of city gates for security. In biblical symbolism, dusk can represent a time of decision or change, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/genesis/24-63.htm">Genesis 24:63</a>, where Isaac went out to meditate in the field at evening.when the gate was about to close City gates were crucial for protection and commerce in ancient times. Jericho, being a fortified city, would close its gates at night to prevent enemy entry and maintain security. This practice is seen in other biblical accounts, such as <a href="/nehemiah/7-3.htm">Nehemiah 7:3</a>, where gates were shut and barred for protection. The closing of the gate signifies a moment of urgency and impending security.the men went out This refers to the spies sent by Joshua to scout Jericho. Their mission was to gather intelligence on the city's defenses and morale. The narrative of spies is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in <a href="/numbers/13.htm">Numbers 13</a>, where Moses sent spies into Canaan. The departure of the men at this time suggests a strategic move to avoid detection.and I do not know which way they went Rahab's statement is a deliberate act of misdirection to protect the spies. Her actions demonstrate her faith and allegiance to the God of Israel, as later affirmed in <a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Hebrews 11:31</a>, where Rahab is commended for her faith. This phrase highlights the theme of divine providence and protection over those who align with God's purposes.Pursue them quickly Rahab's urging to pursue the spies is part of her ruse to mislead the king's men. This reflects her quick thinking and resourcefulness. The urgency in her words underscores the tension and danger of the situation, as well as her commitment to aiding the spies.and you may catch them! This final phrase in Rahab's statement is intended to convince the pursuers of the possibility of success, further ensuring the spies' safety. It reflects the cultural context of honor and duty, where the king's men would be motivated to act swiftly. Rahab's actions here are pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel's conquest of Jericho, illustrating how God can use unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/r/rahab.htm">Rahab</a> A Canaanite woman living in Jericho, known for her role in hiding the Israelite spies. Her actions demonstrate faith and courage, and she is later mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelite_spies.htm">Israelite Spies</a> Sent by Joshua to scout the land of Jericho. Their mission was crucial for the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jericho.htm">Jericho</a> A fortified city in Canaan, significant for its strategic location and the miraculous victory that God would later provide to the Israelites. 4. <a href="/topical/c/city_gate.htm">City Gate</a> The main entrance to Jericho, which was closed at dusk for security. The gate symbolizes both physical and spiritual barriers. 5. <a href="/topical/p/pursuers.htm">Pursuers</a> The men of Jericho who were sent to capture the spies. Their pursuit represents the opposition faced by God's people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> Rahab's decision to hide the spies was a bold act of faith. Believers are called to act on their faith, even when it involves risk or sacrifice. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> The events in Jericho demonstrate God's control over circumstances. Trusting in God's plan is essential, even when the outcome is uncertain. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_danger.htm">Courage in the Face of Danger</a> Rahab's courage is a model for Christians facing opposition. Standing firm in faith requires bravery and reliance on God's strength. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_timing.htm">The Importance of Timing</a> The closing of the city gate at dusk signifies the importance of timing in God's plan. Believers should be attentive to God's timing in their lives. <a href="/topical/r/redemption_and_inclusion.htm">Redemption and Inclusion</a> Rahab's inclusion in the lineage of Christ shows that God's grace extends to all, regardless of past sins or background. This encourages believers to embrace and share the gospel with everyone.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 2</a> <a href="/q/how_did_rahab_aid_israelite_spies.htm">How did Rahab help the Israelite spies in Jericho?</a> <a href="/q/augustus_caesar's_biblical_role.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/israel's_fighting_men_count.htm">How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5)</a> <a href="/q/how_many_fighting_men_in_israel.htm">In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel? Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9) One million, one hundred thousand (I Chronicles 21:5)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - I wot not. Much has Been said about Rahab's falsehood which is little to the point. The sacred historian simply narrates the fact, and makes no comment whatever upon it. But the fact that Rahab afterwards became the wife of Salmon, a prince of the tribe of Judah, as the genealogy in St. Matthew informs us (though Knobel denies this, asserting that between Joshua and David there were more than three generations, forgetting that Boaz, when he married Ruth, was an old man, see <a href="/ruth/3-10.htm">Ruth 3:10</a>), shows that neither her falsehood nor her mode of life excited much disapprobation among the Jews. Nor need this surprise us. There is no need, with Keil, to repudiate energetically the assertion of Hauff that the author of this Book regarded Rahab's deception as not only allowable, but praiseworthy, any more than we need scruple to confess that Jael's base treachery met with the approval of Deborah and Barak. The tone of feeling in Jewish society in Rahab's day must have differed enormously in many respects from what obtains in our own time, in the light of the dispensation of the Spirit. We may take, as an instance of what that tone of feeling was, even before Israel had been corrupted by their sojourn in Egypt, the narrative in <a href="/genesis/38.htm">Genesis 38</a>. And we may be sure that in a Phoenician city the tone was many degrees lower still. Rahab, therefore, was no doubt absolutely ignorant that there was any sin, either in her mode of living or in the lie she told to save the men's lives. She acted from a twofold motive, and her course, both of thought and action, was a most surprising instance of faith and insight, in one brought up as she had been. She not only followed an instinct of humanity, at a time when human life was thought of little value, in preserving the lives of the men who had sought shelter under her roof, but she could discern in the wonderful successes of Israel the hand of a higher power than that of the gods whom she had been brought up to worship. In her subsequent conduct she betrayed an affection for her kindred somewhat uncommon in persons situated similarly to herself. And we may be sure, from the fact that she was chosen to be a "mother in Israel," that she forsook the sins of her country and her education as soon as she came within the range of a higher light (see <a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Hebrews 11:31</a> and <a href="/james/2-25.htm">James 2:25</a>). From what has been said we may learn that, though Rahab's faith was "as a grain of mustard seed," her conduct showed that she possessed it; and in hers, as in every case, to walk by the light she had was a sure prelude to the possession of more. And as regards her departure from truth here, it must be shown, before she can be blamed, that she had any idea that truthfulness was a duty. Such a duty does not appear to have been clearly recognised until He who was Himself the truth came among men. "However the guilt of Rahab's falsehood may be extenuated, it seems best to admit nothing which may tend to explain it away. We are sure that God discriminated between what was good in her conduct and what was bad; rewarding the former, and pardoning the latter. Her views of the Divine law must have been exceedingly dim and contracted. A similar falsehood, told by those who enjoy the light of revelation, however laudable the motive, would of course deserve a much heavier censure" (Matthew Henry). So also Calvin in loc.," Vitium virtuti admistum non imputatur." <a href="/commentaries/joshua/2-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>At dusk, בַּחֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙ (ba·ḥō·šeḵ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness when the gate הַשַּׁ֜עַר (haš·ša·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate was וַיְהִ֨י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be about to close, לִסְגּ֗וֹר (lis·gō·wr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5462.htm">Strong's 5462: </a> To shut up, to surrender the men וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים (wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person went out, יָצָ֔אוּ (yā·ṣā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim and I do not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no know יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know which way אָ֥נָה (’ā·nāh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> Where?, whither?, when?, hither and thither they הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person went. הָלְכ֖וּ (hā·lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk Pursue רִדְפ֥וּ (riḏ·p̄ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> To pursue, chase, persecute them אַחֲרֵיהֶ֖ם (’a·ḥă·rê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part quickly, מַהֵ֛ר (ma·hêr) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4118.htm">Strong's 4118: </a> Hastening, speedy, swift and כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you may catch them!” תַשִּׂיגֽוּם׃ (ṯaś·śî·ḡūm) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5381.htm">Strong's 5381: </a> To reach, overtake <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/2-5.htm">Joshua 2:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/2-5.htm">OT History: Joshua 2:5 It happened about the time (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/2-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 2:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 2:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/2-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 2:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 2:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>