Joshua 2:24 - They said to Joshua, “Truly Yahweh has delivered all the land into our hands. Moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away before us.”

Generated Verse: Joshua 2:24

What does "Joshua 2:24" mean?


This verse, Joshua 2:24, is a report back to Joshua from the two spies he sent to Jericho. It means the following:

"They said to Joshua, “Truly Yahweh has delivered all the land into our hands.": The spies are confident that God (Yahweh) has already given the land of Canaan to the Israelites. This is a statement of faith based on what they observed in Jericho. They aren't saying they have conquered it, but that the victory is assured because of God's power.

"Moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away before us.”: This means that the inhabitants of Canaan are terrified and disheartened by the Israelites. The phrase "melt away" suggests their courage and resolve are gone. This terror is a direct result of the fear instilled by Yahweh's reputation and the reports of His miraculous acts on behalf of the Israelites (especially the parting of the Red Sea).

In summary:

The spies are telling Joshua that the mission was successful. They are conveying not only a message of encouragement but also an acknowledgement of God's intervention. The people of Canaan are paralyzed by fear of the Israelites and, more importantly, their God, Yahweh. This fear makes the spies believe that the conquest will be easier than expected because the enemy is already demoralized.

The verse sets the stage for the Israelite invasion of Canaan, highlighting the importance of faith and the role of divine providence in their success.