And it came to passe about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was darke, that the men went out: whither the men went, I wote not: pursue after them quickely, for ye shall ouertake them. Joshua 2:5 (KJV)
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Joshua that describes the events leading up to the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. Prior to this verse, Joshua had sent two spies into the city of Jericho to gather information. The spies had entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and sought refuge there. In Joshua 2:5, Rahab speaks to the king’s messengers who came looking for the spies. She tells them that the men they were seeking went out as the gate was being shut at dusk, though she did not know their destination. She urges the messengers to pursue them quickly, suggesting they might overtake them. This verse reveals Rahab’s quick thinking and resourcefulness. Her actions demonstrated her faith in the God of Israel and her willingness to aid His people. Joshua 2:5 also highlights the element of secrecy and danger present in this particular mission. The men who went out under cover of darkness were the Israelite spies, and their departure as the gate was being shut emphasizes the risk they were taking. Rahab’s advice to pursue them quickly indicates the urgency of the situation, both for the king’s men and for the spies themselves. Overall, Joshua 2:5 contributes to the narrative of Joshua as a story of faith, courage, and God’s providential guidance. It sets the stage for the subsequent events in the book, including the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the eventual conquest of Jericho by the Israelites.
