What can we learn from the spies' report about trusting God's promises?

A Snapshot of Joshua 2:23

“Then the two men came down from the hill country, crossed over, came to Joshua son of Nun, and reported to him all that had happened to them.”

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What the Spies Actually Saw

• A pagan city already trembling before Israel’s God (2:9–11)

• Rahab’s confession that “the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (2:11)

• Physical evidence that God had gone before them—open gates, fearful hearts, a ready ally

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Key Lessons About Trusting God’s Promises

• God’s word proves true in real-world circumstances—what He said in Exodus 23:27 (“I will send My terror ahead of you…”) unfolded exactly in Jericho.

• Fear melts away when we recount God’s past victories. The spies revisited the Red Sea story (2:10), reminding themselves of God’s unbroken track record.

• Obedient steps invite confirmation. Because the spies went where Joshua sent them, they returned with fresh assurance for the whole camp (2:24).

• God often uses unlikely people (Rahab) to showcase His faithfulness, underscoring that His promises do not rely on human credentials (1 Corinthians 1:27).

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Scripture Connections That Reinforce Trust

• Numbers 23:19—“God is not a man, that He should lie…”; the report displays that reliability.

• Joshua 21:45—“Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed”; the spies provide early proof.

• Hebrews 10:23—“He who promised is faithful”; their firsthand account illustrates this truth.

• 2 Corinthians 1:20—“For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ”; the Jericho episode foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus.

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Practical Takeaways Today

• Rehearse God’s past faithfulness; it fuels present courage.

• Look for God’s hand even in enemy territory; His sovereignty extends everywhere.

• Share testimonies openly—like the spies did—so the community’s faith rises.

• Expect God to work through unexpected allies and avenues.

• Move forward in obedience; assurance usually follows action, not the other way around.