Joshua 2:10
For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction.
For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt,

The deliverance at the Red Sea revealed the LORD’s sovereign power over creation and over Egypt, the nation that had enslaved Israel. Israel passed through on dry ground while Pharaoh’s army was judged in the returning waters (Exodus 14). The nations of Canaan had heard of this mighty act for forty years, and the memory of it testified that Israel’s God was unlike the idols of the land. Paul identifies Israel’s passage through the sea as a baptismal type, marking their separation from slavery and their identification with Moses under God’s saving leadership (1 Corinthians 10:1–2). The same God who made a way through the sea would later stop the Jordan so Israel could enter the promised land (Joshua 3:14–17).

Exo 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea,…
Exo 15:4-5 Pharaoh’s chariots and army He has cast into the sea;…

and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan,

Israel’s victories east of the Jordan confirmed that the LORD was giving His people the land He had promised. Sihon king of Heshbon refused Israel peaceful passage and attacked them, while Og king of Bashan ruled a strong kingdom marked by fortified cities (Numbers 21:21–35; Deuteronomy 2:24—3:11). Neither military strength nor formidable defenses could withstand the God who fought for Israel. Their defeat caused the peoples of Canaan to recognize that the LORD had already begun to fulfill His promise.

Deu 2:31-35 Then the LORD said to me, “See, I have begun…
Deu 3:1-11 Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan…

whom you devoted to destruction.

Sihon and Og fell under God’s righteous judgment, and their kingdoms were removed so that idolatry and rebellion would not remain as a controlling influence in Israel’s inheritance. The destruction was not an act of private vengeance but obedience to God’s command and a warning that He judges persistent wickedness. Israel’s conquest also called them to wholehearted faithfulness, since the same God who judged the Amorites required His covenant people to reject the sins of the nations.

Deu 20:16-18 However, in the cities of the nations that the LORD your God…
Deu 7:1-2 When the LORD your God brings you into the land…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who performs mighty acts on behalf of His people.

2. The Red Sea
The body of water that God miraculously parted to allow the Israelites to escape from Egypt.

3. Egypt
The land of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered.

4. Sihon and Og
Kings of the Amorites who opposed Israel and were defeated by them.

5. The Amorites
A group of people living in Canaan, known for their opposition to Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness
The account of the Red Sea and the defeat of Sihon and Og reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Just as He delivered Israel, He is faithful to deliver us from our trials.

The Power of Testimony
Rahab's acknowledgment of God's deeds shows the impact of testimony. Our lives and words should testify to God's greatness, influencing others to recognize His power.

Fear of the Lord
The fear that fell upon the inhabitants of Canaan due to God's mighty acts serves as a reminder of the reverence due to God. We should live in awe of His power and holiness.

God's Sovereignty
The events demonstrate God's control over nature and nations. Trusting in His sovereignty gives us peace amidst uncertainty.

Courage in Faith
Rahab's faith, despite her background, shows that God honors those who trust in Him. We are called to step out in faith, even when it seems risky.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the parting of the Red Sea demonstrate God's power and faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our current challenges?

2. In what ways can our personal testimonies of God's work in our lives impact those around us, similar to how Rahab was impacted by the accounts of God's deeds?

3. What does the fear of the Lord mean in a practical sense, and how can we cultivate a healthy reverence for God in our daily lives?

4. How can understanding God's sovereignty over the events in Joshua 2:10 help us trust Him more fully in our own lives?

5. What steps can we take to demonstrate courage in our faith, following Rahab's example, even when it involves personal risk or sacrifice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 14
Describes the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness.

Numbers 21
Details the defeat of Sihon and Og, highlighting God's provision and protection for Israel.

Deuteronomy 2-3
Recounts the victories over Sihon and Og, reinforcing the theme of God's deliverance.

Psalm 136
Celebrates God's enduring love and mighty acts, including the parting of the Red Sea and victories over kings.
A Mixed CharacterSunday School TimesJoshua 2:1-24
A Parenthesis of GraceA. B. Mackay.Joshua 2:1-24
An Unexpected Ally of the Lord's HostG. W. Butler, M. A.Joshua 2:1-24
Beginning At the Right PointJ. Parker, D. D.Joshua 2:1-24
Gradual EnlightenmentW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 2:1-24
Our God, God Over AllJ. Irons.Joshua 2:1-24
Rahab SavedJ. B. Owen, M. A.Joshua 2:1-24
Rahab's FaithJoshua 2:1-24
Rahab's ReasoningW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 2:1-24
The Powers of Evil in TerrorJohn McNeill.Joshua 2:1-24
The Scarlet LineG. Wagner.Joshua 2:1-24
The Spies DespatchedJ. H. Snell.Joshua 2:1-24
People
Amorites, Israelites, Joshua, Nun, Og, Rahab, Sihon
Places
Egypt, Jericho, Jordan River, Red Sea, Shittim
Topics
Amorite, Amorites, Beyond, Completely, Curse, Destroyed, Devoted, Dried, Dry, East, Egypt, Jordan, Kings, News, Og, Presence, Red, Sihon, Utterly, Waters
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 2:10

     4819   dryness
     5102   Moses, life of

Joshua 2:8-11

     5819   cowardice

Joshua 2:8-14

     5047   opportunities, in life

Joshua 2:8-20

     5731   parents

Joshua 2:10-11

     7223   exodus, significance

Library
The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

But, as for that which is Written, that God did Good to the Hebrew...
32. But, as for that which is written, that God did good to the Hebrew midwives, and to Rahab the harlot of Jericho, [2444] this was not because they lied, but because they were merciful to God's people. That therefore which was rewarded in them was, not their deceit, but their benevolence; benignity of mind, not iniquity of lying. [2445] For, as it would not be marvellous and absurd if God on account of good works after done by them should be willing to forgive some evil works at another time before
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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