The Spies Report Back to Joshua

Joshua 2:1-24

The Big Idea

Courage, careful obedience, and trust in the LORD helped the spies return safely and share hope with Joshua.

The Bible Story

Rahab Helps the Spies

Joshua 2:22-24 records the conclusion of the spies’ mission. The two men went to the hills and stayed there for three days while the pursuers returned. Then they crossed over, came back to Joshua, and gave their report. They said that the LORD had given the land into Israel’s hands and that the people of the land were melting with fear because of Israel. This account ends with their report. It does not describe a later attack or the fall of Jericho. The focus here is on the spies’ safe return and their recognition that the LORD was guiding events. Their words connect with the earlier events in the chapter, including Rahab’s help and her recognition of the LORD’s power, while this scene itself centers on Joshua receiving the report.

Themes

A promise of protection Courage in protecting others Faith expressed through action Following agreed instructions Recognition of the LORD’s power

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

After safely returning from the hills, the two unnamed spies stand before Joshua and report that the LORD has given Israel the land and that the people of the land fear Israel. The scene ends with a calm, hopeful gathering rather than showing later conquest.

Talk together

Talk about it

What did the spies report to Joshua?
How did careful obedience help them return safely?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to discuss the ending of the spies’ mission without moving ahead to later events. Invite children to notice the spies’ courage, careful planning, and faithful report. Remind them that this scene ends with Joshua hearing the news; do not add the later battle or fall of Jericho. It can support family reading, Sunday school discussion, or a classroom lesson about faith expressed through action.

Source note