Exegetical approach to studying/reading the Bible = to draw out of the Scriptures what God says. Understand its original context and meaning. We want to first listen to the text in its original, historical context. Then take what we learn and apply to our lives.

Eisegetical approach = read into or impose our modern understandings or desires on the Scriptures and believe it is what God said.

Expository approach to teaching = expose and reveal what is there and carefully explain. Then appropriately make life application

Joshua would lead the people and God would lead Joshua.

Joshua 2:1–7 (ESV) - And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. 2And it was told to the king of Jericho, “Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.” 3Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.” 4But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. 5And 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.” 6But she had brought them up to the roof and hid them with the stalks of flax that she had laid in order on the roof. 7So the men pursued after them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. And the gate was shut as soon as the pursuers had gone out.

Why send spies?
1. It was the wise thing to do.

Luke 14:33 (ESV) - So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Walking by faith does not preclude sound thinking and wisdom

Why send spies?
2. No spies, no Rahab.

How did the spies find their way to Rahab?

Ethical question about deceit - Is lying ever justified?

God allows certain things to take place but that does not mean he condones it.

Joshua 2:8–14 (ESV) - Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof 9and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. 11And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

What are we known for?

We should be known as a group of people who love Jesus and whose lives are being transformed by the power of God. People who are different because of the transforming power of Christ in us.

Joshua 2:12–14 (ESV) - Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign 13that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” 14And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”

Joshua 2:24 (ESV) - And they said to Joshua, “Truly the Lord has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does Joshua 2 remind us about God? Maybe there is something new or unexpected it causes you to believe about Him?

2. Read Joshua 2:1-7. Why do you think Joshua sent two spies into the land when God did not specifically tell him to do it?

3. Why did God choose Rahab, a prostitute, to be part of His story? Did being a prostitute define her life (read Matthew 1:5 and Hebrews 11:31 to help)?

4. Based on biblical knowledge, how do you answer the question, is lying ever justified?

5. In Joshua 2:8-12, Rahab was very clear about what God and the people of Israel were known for. What was it? How would you describe what we, as followers of Jesus, should be known for today and why?

6. Does your life reflect your answer to question 5? Why or why not? What is one step you could take to living more in this way?