Before the spies lay down for the nightThis phrase sets the scene for a pivotal moment in the narrative. The spies, sent by Joshua, represent the Israelite mission to scout the land of Canaan, specifically Jericho. The timing here is significant, as it occurs under the cover of night, symbolizing secrecy and urgency. The act of laying down suggests a temporary rest, indicating the spies' vulnerability and reliance on God's protection. This moment is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God provides safety and guidance during times of uncertainty, such as the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.
Rahab went up on the roof
Rahab's actions demonstrate her initiative and courage. In ancient Near Eastern culture, roofs were often flat and used for various purposes, including drying flax, which Rahab had done earlier. Her decision to go up on the roof signifies her proactive role in the unfolding events. Rahab, a Canaanite and a prostitute, is an unlikely ally for the Israelites, yet her faith and actions align her with God's purposes. This moment foreshadows her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as mentioned inMatthew 1:5, highlighting God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan. Rahab's faith is later commended inHebrews 11:31 andJames 2:25, underscoring her role as a model of faith and works.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
RahabA Canaanite woman living in Jericho, known for her occupation as a prostitute. Despite her background, she plays a crucial role in the Israelite spies' mission.
2.
The SpiesTwo men sent by Joshua to scout the land of Jericho. Their mission is to gather intelligence on the city's defenses and the morale of its inhabitants.
3.
JerichoA fortified city in Canaan, significant for its strategic location and formidable walls. It represents the first major obstacle for the Israelites in their conquest of the Promised Land.
4.
The RoofThe location where Rahab hides the spies. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, roofs were often flat and used for various domestic activities.
5.
The NightSymbolic of secrecy and danger, the night provides cover for Rahab's actions and the spies' mission.
Teaching Points
Faith in ActionRahab's decision to hide the spies demonstrates her faith in the God of Israel. True faith often requires taking risks and making difficult choices.
God's SovereigntyDespite her background, Rahab is used by God to fulfill His purposes. This illustrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to accomplish His will.
Courage and ObedienceRahab's actions required immense courage. Believers are called to be courageous and obedient, even when it means going against societal norms or personal risk.
Divine ProvidenceThe timing of Rahab's intervention shows God's providential care in orchestrating events for the good of His people.
Redemption and InclusionRahab's account is a powerful example of redemption and inclusion in God's family, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Joshua 2:8?
2.How does Rahab's faith in Joshua 2:8 inspire our trust in God's plans?
3.What can we learn from Rahab's actions about God's sovereignty and protection?
4.How does Rahab's story connect with Hebrews 11:31 on faith and works?
5.In what ways can we demonstrate courage like Rahab in our daily lives?
6.How does Rahab's acknowledgment of God challenge us to witness to others?
7.How does Joshua 2:8 demonstrate God's sovereignty in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan?
8.What role does Rahab's faith play in the narrative of Joshua 2:8?
9.How does Joshua 2:8 reflect the theme of divine intervention in human affairs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 2?
11.How did Rahab help the Israelite spies in Jericho?
12.How has your faith journey impacted your life?
13.How can the compassionate approach to accidental killers in Joshua 20 be reconciled with the violent conquests described earlier, such as in Joshua 6?
14.Psalm 15:2–3 demands complete truthfulness and no slander; how do we reconcile this with instances of approved deceit (e.g., Rahab in Joshua 2)?What Does Joshua 2:8 Mean
Before the spies lay down for the night– “Before the spies lay down for the night” (Joshua 2:8) signals urgency and timing. Rahab chooses a critical moment, not waiting until morning.
• Similar urgency appears when Abraham rises “early in the morning” to obey God (Genesis 22:3), and when Gideon reacts the same day to the Lord’s command (Judges 6:25-27).
• The phrase hints that God often prompts decisive action in what looks like the last possible window, echoingPsalm 119:60: “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.”
• For the spies, the night promised rest; for Rahab, it was a window of obedience and courage.
Rahab went up– The initiative is Rahab’s. While the men came on a mission, she becomes a surprising leader in the scene.
•Proverbs 31:27 praises a woman who “watches over the affairs of her household,” a fitting parallel as Rahab protects those under her roof.
• Her movement “up” recalls others who ascend to act in faith—like Moses going up to God on Sinai (Exodus 19:3) and Peter going up onto a housetop to pray (Acts 10:9).
• By stepping toward the spies before they speak, Rahab embodiesJames 2:17—faith expressed through action.
On the roof– In ancient Jericho, flat roofs served as storage and drying areas, but here the roof becomes a place of refuge and revelation.
•Psalm 91:1 promises safety “in the shelter of the Most High,” a spiritual reality pictured physically as the roof shelters God’s people-in-disguise.
• The elevated spot gives Rahab privacy to confess her belief (Joshua 2:9-11) much like Nicodemus sought Jesus at night for a private conversation (John 3:1-2).
• By hiding the spies under flax, Rahab turns an ordinary rooftop into a stage for divine purpose—mirroring1 Corinthians 1:27, where God chooses the unlikely to shame the strong.
summaryJoshua 2:8 portrays a decisive, faith-filled woman acting at the exact right moment, taking the initiative, and using her own rooftop as a sanctuary for God’s agents. The verse invites believers to seize God-given opportunities promptly, step forward in courageous faith, and transform everyday spaces into arenas for His deliverance.
Verse 8. -
And before they were laid down,i.e., to sleep on the roof, a common practice in the East in summer.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Beforeטֶ֣רֶם(ṭe·rem)Adverb
Strong's 2962:Non-occurrence, not yet, before[the spies]וְהֵ֖מָּה(wə·hêm·māh)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992:Theylay down for the night,יִשְׁכָּב֑וּן(yiš·kā·ḇūn)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 7901:To lie down[Rahab]וְהִ֛יא(wə·hî)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arewent upעָלְתָ֥ה(‘ā·lə·ṯāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyonעֲלֵיהֶ֖ם(‘ă·lê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe roofהַגָּֽג׃(hag·gāḡ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1406:A roof, the top of an altar
Links
Joshua 2:8 NIVJoshua 2:8 NLTJoshua 2:8 ESVJoshua 2:8 NASBJoshua 2:8 KJV
Joshua 2:8 BibleApps.comJoshua 2:8 Biblia ParalelaJoshua 2:8 Chinese BibleJoshua 2:8 French BibleJoshua 2:8 Catholic Bible
OT History: Joshua 2:8 Before they had laid down she came (Josh. Jos) 
