Joshua 2:23 kjv

So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:

Joshua 2:23 nkjv

So the two men returned, descended from the mountain, and crossed over; and they came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all that had befallen them.

Joshua 2:23 niv

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.

Joshua 2:23 esv

Then the two men returned. They came down from the hills and passed over and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and they told him all that had happened to them.

Joshua 2:23 nlt

Then the two spies came down from the hill country, crossed the Jordan River, and reported to Joshua all that had happened to them.

Joshua 2 verses

Joshua 2 23 Meaning

Joshua 2:23 describes the safe and successful return of the two Israelite spies sent to Jericho. After following Rahab's instructions and hiding for three days in the hill country to evade their pursuers, they crossed the Jordan River and presented a complete account of their mission to Joshua, their leader. This verse signifies the completion of a crucial intelligence-gathering operation, vital for the impending conquest of Canaan, confirming God's hand in preparing the way for Israel.

Joshua 2 23 Context

Joshua chapter 2 opens with Joshua sending two spies to Jericho, marking the beginning of the campaign to conquer Canaan, a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham (Gen 12:7). This verse, Joshua 2:23, concludes the spies' mission. After a narrow escape facilitated by Rahab, a harlot from Jericho who protected them due to her faith in YHWH, they followed her strategic advice to hide for three days in the hill country. This hiding period allowed them to avoid capture by their pursuers. Their return to Joshua across the Jordan River is a pivotal moment, signaling their successful completion of the assignment and the impending miraculous crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3) and the siege of Jericho (Joshua 6). Historically, Israel was poised on the eastern bank of the Jordan, prepared to enter the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. This mission gathered intelligence but more importantly, it provided a first-hand account of God instilling fear in the hearts of the Canaanites, confirming His promises.

Joshua 2 23 Word analysis

• So (וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ - vayyashuvu): "And they returned." This indicates the successful completion and safe conclusion of their journey. It acts as a transitional connective, linking their past actions (hiding and traveling) to their immediate presence before Joshua.
• the men (הָאֲנָשִׁים - ha'anashim): Refers specifically to the two spies mentioned in Joshua 2:1. The definite article 'the' emphasizes they were the particular individuals sent on this mission. The fact that both returned signifies a successful and preserved operation.
• returned (וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ - vayyashuvu): Signifies their physical re-entry to the Israelite camp. In the original Hebrew, the verb form implies a completed action. It also carries the nuance of reversing direction after an outgoing journey.
• and descended from the hill country (וַיֵּרְדוּ מֵהָהָר - vayyerdu meha-har): Details their tactical route. Following Rahab's instructions, they spent three days in the elevated terrain west of Jericho (Josh 2:16). Their descent indicates their return to the plain leading to the Jordan. This demonstrates adherence to their savior's advice, akin to walking in wisdom.
• and crossed over (וַיַּעַבְּרוּ - vayya'avru): This refers to crossing the Jordan River, which served as a natural barrier to the Promised Land. This foreshadows the miraculous crossing of the entire Israelite nation in the very next chapter, underscoring divine enablement.
• and came to Joshua (וַיָּבֹאוּ אֶל-יְהוֹשֻׁעַ - vayyavo'u 'el-Yehoshua): Direct reporting to their divinely appointed leader. Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ - Yehoshua) means "The Lord is salvation." Their coming to him reinforces his authority and role as God's chosen successor to Moses, vital for national direction.
• the son of Nun (בֶּן-נוּן - ben-Nun): A standard Hebrew way to identify a person, highlighting their lineage. It places Joshua in his generational context and signifies his established identity within the Israelite community. "Nun" can mean "fish" or "perpetuity," but its primary role here is simply a patronymic.
• and told him (וַיַּגִּידוּ לוֹ - vayyaggidu lo): "And they declared to him," or "made known to him." It signifies the act of delivering their full, detailed intelligence report. It implies transparent and honest communication, essential for strategic decision-making.
• all that had happened to them (אֵת כָּל-הַמֹּצְאוֹת אֹתָם - 'et kol ha-motz'ot 'otam): This phrase emphasizes the comprehensiveness of their report. It included not just their observations of Jericho but their escape, Rahab's actions, and her confession of YHWH's greatness and the fear of the Canaanites. It was a holistic account of their divine experience and confirming evidence.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "So the men returned and descended from the hill country and crossed over": This phrase details the strategic and divinely protected journey back. It shows the successful evasion of pursuers and the physical return to their camp after crossing a significant geographical and spiritual boundary. The sequential actions emphasize the completeness of their mission and the unfolding of God's plan.
• "and came to Joshua the son of Nun and told him all that had happened to them": This highlights the official culmination of the mission. The spies submit their report to the rightful authority, Joshua, thereby providing him with the intelligence needed to proceed with the conquest. The phrase "all that had happened to them" indicates a full and open disclosure, including both the military intelligence about Jericho's inhabitants' fear and the miraculous nature of their escape, emphasizing God's direct intervention in their journey. This full report provided the crucial confirmation needed for the impending invasion.

Joshua 2 23 Bonus section

• Contrast with previous generation: This spy mission starkly contrasts with the one sent by Moses in Numbers 13. While the earlier mission led to widespread fear, unbelief, and a forty-year delay in entering Canaan, Joshua's spies return with a report that inspires faith and encourages immediate action (Josh 2:24). This shows a renewed generation ready to trust God and obey His command to enter the land.
• The Power of Report/Testimony: The content of "all that had happened to them" (specifically the fear of the land's inhabitants, see Josh 2:9-11, 24) served as powerful encouragement and a catalyst for action. It confirmed that YHWH was indeed fighting for Israel. This highlights the importance of faith-filled reports and testimonies in God's redemptive plan.
• Rahab's Pivotal Role: While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the spies' successful return and comprehensive report directly hinged upon Rahab's faithfulness and strategic guidance. Her faith (Heb 11:31) not only saved her household but also enabled the critical intelligence gathering that fueled Israel's confidence.

Joshua 2 23 Commentary

Joshua 2:23 is a brief but highly significant verse marking the successful conclusion of the spy mission. Unlike the prior disheartening report in Numbers 13, these spies return with an affirming, faith-boosting account, which will prove crucial for Israel's morale and God's glory. Their journey back, particularly their three days in the hill country and the crossing of the Jordan, emphasizes divine protection and Rahab's wise counsel, echoing how faith can be met with providential guidance. Their immediate and comprehensive report to Joshua underscores the disciplined structure of Israel's leadership under God. This verse ultimately serves as a confident prologue to the dramatic events of Israel's entry into the Promised Land, confirming that the land's inhabitants are indeed "melting in fear" before YHWH and His people. It reveals God's active work in preparing the hearts of the enemy, even before Israel strikes a blow. This confirms to Joshua and the nation that God is fulfilling His promises and is indeed "going before them" as He promised (Deut 31:3).