Definition and Context
Spying, in the biblical context, refers to the act of secretly gathering information, often for military or strategic purposes. This practice is depicted in several instances throughout the Scriptures, where it is used by both the Israelites and their adversaries. The act of spying is often associated with themes of trust, faith, and divine guidance.

Biblical Instances

1. The Twelve Spies
One of the most notable accounts of spying in the Bible is found in the Book of Numbers. Moses, following God's command, sends twelve men to spy out the land of Canaan. Numbers 13:1-2 states, "The LORD said to Moses, 'Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. Send one man from each of their fathers’ tribes, every one a leader among them.'" The spies return with a mixed report, leading to a crisis of faith among the Israelites. Only Joshua and Caleb, who trust in God's promise, encourage the people to take the land (Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9).

2. Rahab and the Spies
In the Book of Joshua, two spies are sent by Joshua to scout the city of Jericho. They are sheltered by Rahab, a woman of faith who acknowledges the power of the God of Israel. Joshua 2:1 records, "Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there." Rahab's assistance and her declaration of faith lead to her and her family's salvation during the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:25).

3. David and the Spies
During King David's reign, spying is used as a strategic tool in warfare. In 2 Samuel 15:34-37, David sends Hushai the Arkite to act as a spy within Absalom's court to thwart the rebellion. Hushai's role is crucial in providing David with intelligence and countering the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor.

4. The Spies of Ai
After the fall of Jericho, Joshua sends men to spy out Ai. Joshua 7:2 states, "Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and told them, 'Go up and spy out the land.' So the men went up and spied out Ai." The initial defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin highlights the importance of obedience to God over mere military strategy.

Theological Implications

Spying in the Bible often serves as a test of faith and obedience. The narratives involving spies underscore the importance of relying on God's promises and guidance rather than solely on human wisdom and reconnaissance. The mixed outcomes of spying missions reflect the broader biblical theme that success is ultimately determined by adherence to God's will and commands.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The ethical dimensions of spying in the Bible are complex. While espionage is depicted as a necessary and sometimes divinely sanctioned activity, it also raises questions about trust, loyalty, and the means used to achieve ends. The accounts of the spies challenge believers to consider the balance between human initiative and divine reliance.

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of spying provide rich insights into the dynamics of faith, leadership, and divine intervention. They remind readers of the importance of trusting in God's promises and the consequences of failing to do so.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Spy.8446. tur -- to seek out, spy out, explore
... NASB Word Usage explore (1), explored (1), explores (1), follow (1), guide (1),
investigate (1), seek (2), selected (1), spied (5), spy (6), spying (2), traders ...
/hebrew/8446.htm - 6k

Human Nature (Septuagesima Sunday. )
... all ignorance and darkness, come at first from forgetting the Lord Jesus Christ,
and forgetting that he is about our path and about our bed, and spying out all ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxiii human nature septuagesima.htm

Worship
... at home? God is everywhere. God is all-seeing, all-hearing, about our path
and about our bed, and spying out all our ways. Is He ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxiv worship.htm

The Sluggard's Farm
... much of truth in it, for some people have eyes and see not, which is much the same
as having no eyes; while others have quick eyes for spying out instruction. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards farm.htm

In the Mean Time, Affairs Having Been Well Settled in Egypt to ...
... to this point, that they promised he should be present, specially that he might
be asked whether they had entered Egypt for the purpose of spying out the land. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xii in the mean.htm

That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority.
... For, indeed, those persons are eyes who, placed in the very face of the highest
dignity, have undertaken the office of spying out the road; while those who are ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter i that the unskilful.htm

The Aggressive Rejection.
... on hand to see if He would heal a certain man with a whithered hand whom they had
gotten track of, "that they might accuse Him." They were spying out evidence ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the aggressive rejection.htm

The God of the Rain
... That is, thou shalt believe continually in a living God"a God who is working everywhere
at every moment, about thy path and about thy bed, and spying out all ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xvii the god of.htm

The Hearing Ear and the Seeing Eye
... as they have no real faith in God, just in proportion as they forget God, and will
not see that he is about their path, and about their bed, and spying out all ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon vi the hearing ear.htm

Presence in Absence
... And they thought of Him, as the disciples did; as of One who was about their path
and about their bed, and spying out all their ways; as One who was in heaven ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xii presence in absence.htm

The Letter and the Spirit
... It sets people on spying out their neighbours' faults, on judging and condemning,
on fancying themselves righteous and despising others; and so kills in them ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xiii the letter and.htm

Spying (5 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Spy. Multi-Version Concordance Spying (5 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). Numbers
13:25 They returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days. ...
/s/spying.htm - 7k

Spy (27 Occurrences)

/s/spy.htm - 16k

Squads (1 Occurrence)

/s/squads.htm - 6k

Forty (142 Occurrences)
... hundred. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV). Numbers 13:25 They returned
from spying out the land at the end of forty days. (WEB ...
/f/forty.htm - 38k

Sworn (118 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:22 And to the two men who are spying the land Joshua said, 'Go into the
house of the woman, the harlot, and bring out thence the woman, and all whom ...
/s/sworn.htm - 39k

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