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Joshua episode 2: Spies in Jericho

Rahab helps two spies escape from Jericho.
Contributed by David & Goliath (DG)
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When Moses died, God appointed Joshua as their leader. Joshua was a brave man who chose to obey God. His mission to lead the people of Israel into the promised land was not easy, but the Lord promised to be with him. – Slide 1
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God had delivered His people from the Egyptians, but they still had a big obstacle ahead of them. Now they had to face the giants of Canaan and go into the promised land. – Slide 2
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Israel were camping near the city of Jericho in the land of Canaan. – Slide 3
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Joshua chose two spies to sneak into the city of Jericho without being discovered. They were to explore the city without getting caught. <br/>Jericho was a large city just across the Jordan river. It was the first city that the people of Israel would have to conquer upon entering Canaan. – Slide 4
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The spies were to explore the city and how it was defended. If anyone found out the purpose of their visit, it could cost them their lives. Besides, if the people of Jericho learned that the Israelites were camping nearby, they might attack them unexpectedly. It was top secret mission. – Slide 5
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Once they arrived in Jericho, the spies discovered it was a large and powerful city, surrounded by some very high, thick walls. They gathered information about the people and how they protected their city. When night fell, they had to find a place to hide so that, in the morning, they could return to the camp of the people of Israel. – Slide 6
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In their time of need God helped them again. They entered into the house of a woman named Rahab. She had heard about the greatness of their God and was willing to shelter them. – Slide 7
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But it seems that the two spies did not sneak in without being noticed. Someone found out were in the city and went straight to the King of Jericho. <br/>He reported, ‘Two foreign men were in Jericho today. I think they’re spies for the Israelites. They were seen going to the house of Rahab.’ <br/>The angry king gave orders to go to Rahab’s house immediately and bring the spies to him. – Slide 8
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Rahab heard the sound of footsteps making their way to her house, followed by loud knocking on her door. – Slide 9
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She knew the King’s men were looking for the two Jewish spies. But instead of betraying them, she took the spies up to the roof and hid them under the stalks of flax. <br/>Then she came back and slowly opened the door. – Slide 10
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The King’ s men shouted, ‘Bring out the two men you have hiding in your house, they are spies from Israel. Give them to us immediately. <br/>‘Yes, two men came by but they were in a hurry and left earlier today,’ she replied. ‘I had no idea who they were. I don't know where they went, but if you hurry you might catch them.’ <br/>The King’s men hurried off, looking for the spies. – Slide 11
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After they left, she went to the roof where she had hidden the spies. ‘I have heard of your God. We've all heard of Him,’ she said with a trembling voice. <br/>‘I have heard how you left Egypt, how your God dried up the Red Sea and you crossed on dry land. I know how God gave you the victory and there is no God like your God. He is the Lord over heaven and earth and has given you this land. All of Jericho is terrified and trembles before you because of this.’ <br/> Rehab continued, ‘I ask you one thing. Please promise that you will show me and my family the same kindness that I've shown you, when you come to conquer Jericho.’ – Slide 12
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The spies promised, ‘When the Lord delivers Jericho into our hands, we will show kindness and faithfulness both to you and to your household.’ <br/>The spies had to return to Joshua and the people of Israel, but after everything that had happened it was very risky for them to be seen in the city. – Slide 13
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Rahab had an idea. Her house was part of the outer wall of the city. So, she let them down by a rope through the window. <br/>‘Go to the mountains so you don't meet those who want to capture you,’ Rehab said. ‘Hide there for three days until things calm down.’ – Slide 14
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After three days of hiding in the forest they came down from the mountains, crossed the Jordan river and reached Joshua and the people of Israel. – Slide 15
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When the spies returned to the camp, they told Joshua everything that had happened to them. He was amazed at how God took care of them. <br/>What's more, Joshua found out something very important. The people of Israel might have fears about attacking the city of Jericho, but the people of this large and powerful city were more afraid of them and their God. <br/>If God is with us, we have nothing to fear. – Slide 16
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