Joshua 6:23
And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ
went in
H935
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ
went in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 24
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַנְּעָרִ֣ים
And the young men
H5288
הַנְּעָרִ֣ים
And the young men
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
2 of 24
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
הַֽמְרַגְּלִ֗ים
that were spies
H7270
הַֽמְרַגְּלִ֗ים
that were spies
Strong's:
H7270
Word #:
3 of 24
to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about
הוֹצִ֑יאוּ
and all that she had and they brought out
H3318
הוֹצִ֑יאוּ
and all that she had and they brought out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 24
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָבִ֨יהָ
and her father
H1
אָבִ֨יהָ
and her father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
8 of 24
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִמָּ֤הּ
and her mother
H517
אִמָּ֤הּ
and her mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
10 of 24
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַחֶ֙יהָ֙
and her brethren
H251
אַחֶ֙יהָ֙
and her brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
12 of 24
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְאֵ֥ת
H853
וְאֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִשְׁפְּחוֹתֶ֖יהָ
all her kindred
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחוֹתֶ֖יהָ
all her kindred
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
19 of 24
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הוֹצִ֑יאוּ
and all that she had and they brought out
H3318
הוֹצִ֑יאוּ
and all that she had and they brought out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
20 of 24
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וַיַּ֨נִּיח֔וּם
and left
H3240
וַיַּ֨נִּיח֔וּם
and left
Strong's:
H3240
Word #:
21 of 24
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
מִח֖וּץ
them without
H2351
מִח֖וּץ
them without
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
22 of 24
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
Cross References
Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.Acts 27:24Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.Acts 10:28And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.Ephesians 2:12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:1 Corinthians 5:12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?Genesis 18:24Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?Genesis 12:2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:Numbers 31:19And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern intelligence gathering, spies would observe defensive installations, troop strength, supply lines, and morale. These two spies focused on morale—the intangible but crucial factor. Rahab's testimony provided invaluable intelligence: Canaanites had heard of the Red Sea crossing (40 years prior) and Amorite defeats (recent), and their hearts melted. This intelligence proved accurate—subsequent conquests came rapidly as demoralized Canaanites couldn't mount unified resistance. The spies' report fulfilled Moses's original intent for reconnaissance: 'see the land, what it is, and the people that dwell therein' (Numbers 13:18). But where earlier spies saw obstacles, these saw opportunities. Their report energized Israel for immediate conquest. Joshua, having been one of the two faithful spies forty years earlier (Numbers 14:6-9), would have been deeply gratified by this report—the new generation showed the faith the previous generation lacked.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you report on ministry or life challenges—emphasizing obstacles or God's faithfulness?
- What does it mean to interpret circumstances theologically rather than merely describing them factually?
- How can you cultivate the spies' ability to see God's sovereignty working behind visible circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The spies' return and report to Joshua provides closure to chapter 2's narrative. They told him 'all things that befell them'—complete, honest reporting including both dangers faced and deliverance experienced. Transparency in reporting to leadership shows accountability and trust. The conclusion 'truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land' demonstrates faith interpreting circumstances theologically. They don't merely report facts ('Canaanites are afraid'); they draw the correct spiritual conclusion (God has given victory). The Hebrew אָמְנָם (omnnam—truly, surely, indeed) expresses certainty and conviction. This isn't hopeful speculation but confident assertion based on God's revealed promise and confirmed by circumstances. The phrase 'into our hands' acknowledges God's gift requires human reception—God gives, we receive and steward. Their focus on Canaanite fear rather than Canaanite fortifications shows mature faith that sees spiritual reality behind physical appearances. Fear indicates broken morale; broken morale precedes military collapse. The spies recognized that psychological defeat is more decisive than architectural strength.