Joshua 2:7

“And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.”

Historical Context: The book of Joshua is situated in the Old Testament and narrates the events following Moses’ death. Joshua, who was Moses’ assistant, takes on the leadership of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Joshua 2:7 occurs during the period when Joshua sent spies to Jericho to gather information about the land they were about to conquer.

Setting the Scene: In this verse, we see that the two men (spies) sent by Joshua were being pursued by others. The men who pursued them were going after them towards the Jordan River, specifically the fords (shallow crossing points). Meanwhile, the spies managed to escape the pursuit and closed the city gate behind them.

Significance of the Pursuit: The pursuit of the spies reveals that the people of Jericho were aware of the Israelites’ presence and their intentions to explore the land. The inhabitants of Jericho, upon suspecting the spies’ mission, made an effort to capture and stop them. The fact that the spies were being chased shows the tension and the importance of the information they possessed.

Symbolism of the Closed Gate: The action of the spies in shutting the city gate once they were inside Jericho carries symbolic significance. By closing the gate, they secured themselves within the city and prevented their pursuers from following them. This act of shutting the gate represents God’s providence and protection over the spies, enabling them to carry out their mission successfully.

Lessons and Applications:

• Courageous Faith: The spies displayed courage and faith as they ventured into enemy territory. They trusted God’s guidance and protection despite the risks involved. This teaches us the importance of stepping out in faith when God calls us to fulfill His purposes.
• God’s Provision: The closed gate serves as a reminder that God can make a way where there seems to be no way. He can protect His people and provide opportunities for them to accomplish His plans, even in challenging circumstances.
• Divine Timing: The timing of events in this verse is significant. The pursuit by the people of Jericho ended just in time for the spies to close the gate. This illustrates God’s perfect timing in orchestrating events for the fulfillment of His purposes.
• Trusting God’s Guidance: The spies’ successful escape and the closed gate demonstrate the importance of relying on God’s guidance and following His instructions. It highlights the need to seek His wisdom and direction in our own lives.

In conclusion, Joshua 2:7 provides a glimpse into the account of the spies sent to Jericho and highlights the elements of courage, faith, divine provision, and God’s perfect timing. It encourages us to trust in God’s guidance and protection as we carry out His purposes in our lives.