Q1. Rahab's House

[Paula Price]

The spies were sent to learn of the cities layout and of its defense and how to enter it for battle. I think they lodged in Rehabs house because the soldier's  would not have thought to look for them there had someone not told them they were seen going there. They were known for their religious  beliefs and association with sinners would not have been acceptable. I do believe that God sent them there for it was in his plan to laid the way for the birth of the Messiah. It is through the linage of Rehab that the promise would be fulfilled. God always has a plan and we are called according to his purpose.

[Irmela]

Q1. (Joshua 2:1)

What were the spies sent to learn?

Why do you think they sought to lodge in a prostitute's house?

Do you think God sent them there?

They were sent to see the layout of the land close by, especially around Jericho.  

That was the most likely place where they would not be searched for, also that is where they would be able to glean information about the feelings of the people of Jericho, without suspicion.  It would not be openly broadcasted who were at home in her house for business and what was said as this could easily open up a dark secret. So movements and messages were handled with discretion.

I do believe God's hand of mercy sent them to Rahab. He saw that she heard, trusted and believed in Him.

[Krissi]

I am writing during the war taking place in the Ukraine. During this war, which I follow closely, both sides (Russia/global-South v. Western powers) regularly send out reconnaissance groups before they enter new territory. Even in a day of ubiquitous surveillance, it is still necessary to get "intel" on the ground. This is what Joshua did. I'm sure God directed him to do this, to gain intel before entering. It could be inferred, then, that God expects us to prepare and not just count on Him to perform miracles in the absence of our preparation. 

Like all reconnaissance groups, they were sent to look for weak spots, to judge the strength of the opponent in various zones, to see what sort of military disciple existed, how many troops were there ... where the best places of entry could be, etc. General intelligence gathering.

The fact that God led them to a godly(!) prostitute is fascinating. I tend to judge prostitutes harshly. They have chosen to sell their bodies for cash, after all, defiling one of God's most beautiful institutions -- marriage. Since volition is choice, they could have chosen differently. Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps this particular prostitute was unable to escape her "profession?" I don't know, but still think that prostitution is a vile sin that entraps men and ruins families. And yet, God saw her heart. 

I've read about people whose ministries are to prostitutes who see, often, the beauty in their souls and potential for His service once saved. 

Anyway, the idea that they stayed in a place where men paid for sex (and though the Bible is mute on this, I assume they did not avail themselves), and were able to hear and see what was going on in the room/s next to theirs, is amazing. God knew they were men of character and strength who would not give into any temptation. And, amazingly, they found -- by His grace -- a redeemable prostitute. It's the Gomer narrative without the backsliding. Or, perhaps, that of Mary Magdeline.

Pastor Ralph writes they stayed with Rahab because no one would ever expect them to be there. I wonder if that is true. These are foreign men apart from their wives and families who have slipped in unnoticed and may be most likely to pay for sex, not least likely ... in the eyes of the natives who didn't understand or know of their godly heritage and faith. The locals would have expected them to act like foreigners and therefore would have not been surprised if they visited sex workers. 

I think God Himself sent and protected the spies and their visitation to that place was for Rahab's sake, not their own. She needed to meet them as she was in the lineage of Christ.