Old Testament

Joshua 2:24

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

They said to Joshua, "Truly, the LORD has delivered the entire land into our hands; all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us."

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

What Joshua 2:24 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the spies who were sent by Joshua to scout the land of Canaan report back to him. They express their confidence that God has given the Israelites victory over the land. The phrase 'the LORD has delivered the entire land into our hands' indicates their belief that God is actively working on their behalf. They also note that the inhabitants of the land are fearful, which suggests that the Israelites' reputation and the miraculous events surrounding their journey have instilled fear in their enemies. This fear is a sign of the psychological advantage the Israelites have as they prepare to take possession of the land. The spies' report serves to encourage Joshua and the people, reinforcing their faith in God's promise and power. It highlights the importance of trusting in God's guidance and the impact of faith on overcoming challenges. The spies' confidence reflects a pivotal moment in Israel's journey, as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land, ready to claim what God has promised them.

How to apply Joshua 2:24 to your life

This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises and recognize His power in our lives. Just as the spies reported the fear of their enemies, we can find strength in knowing that God is with us, helping us overcome our challenges. We should approach our obstacles with faith and confidence.

Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Joshua listening as the two spies, dusty from the hills, report to him among the tents of the camp

Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Two Spies and Rahab (Joshua 2:1–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joshua

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Joshua 2:24

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Joshua 2:24

At a Glance — the Book of Joshua

Author
Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
Written
Around 1400-1370 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites entering Canaan

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joshua 2:24 teach about faith?

Joshua 2:24 emphasizes the importance of faith in God's promises. The spies express their confidence that God has delivered the land into their hands, showcasing how faith can inspire courage and assurance in challenging situations. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's guidance and power, reinforcing the idea that faith can lead to victory over obstacles.

How does Joshua 2:24 relate to overcoming fear?

In Joshua 2:24, the spies report that the inhabitants of Canaan are fearful because of the Israelites. This highlights how faith in God can create a psychological advantage over challenges. Just as the Israelites faced fearsome enemies, we too can confront our fears with the assurance that God is with us, helping us to overcome our challenges and instilling confidence in our hearts.

What is the significance of the spies' report in Joshua 2:24?

The spies' report in Joshua 2:24 is significant because it serves as a source of encouragement for Joshua and the Israelites. It reinforces their faith in God's promise to deliver the land to them. The report not only highlights the fear of their enemies but also acts as a reminder of God's active role in their journey, motivating them to prepare for the conquest ahead.

How can we apply the message of Joshua 2:24 in our lives?

We can apply the message of Joshua 2:24 by trusting in God's promises and recognizing His power in our lives. Just as the spies found strength in their faith, we should approach our challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us. This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, reminding us that with God's help, we can overcome obstacles and achieve victory.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.