Today read the second half of chapter 2 (vv. 15-24) to finish out this narrative. It’s short, so read it two or three times. Here are a couple of factoids to help you picture what’s going on.
- The hill country (v. 16) was west of Jericho. The spies came from across the river to the east. But men have been sent out to catch them (based on Rahab’s story that she sent the spies away) and they would be looking for them to return that direction. So by sending the spies into the hills to the west for a few days they’re safe from the pursuers.
- There’s no significance to the color red, except that it would be easily seen by the Israelites when they come to attack the city.
- In v. 24 we read what the spies reported to Joshua when they returned three days later. But don’t think that’s all they said. They certainly told him about Rahab, her protection and the promise they made to her. The point of recording these words is to put the focus of the narrative where it belongs. God will deliver the Land to Israel as he promised, and they’ve already seen evidence of that.