As a historical expert specializing in biblical studies, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the story of Joshua and the spies sent to Jericho as recorded in the Hebrew Bible. The narrative in question is found in the Book of Joshua, which is the first book of the Old Testament and the Christian Old Covenant. It details the events following the death of Moses and the entrance of the Israelites into the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, who succeeded Moses. Joshua was a key figure in the biblical narrative, known for his role as a military leader and the one chosen to lead the Israelites into Canaan after Moses' death. The story of the spies sent to Jericho is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the conquest of the land. According to the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 2, Joshua sent two spies into the city of Jericho to "spy out the land." The text states, "Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. 'Go, look over the land,' he said, 'especially Jericho.'" (Joshua 2:1). The primary purpose of these spies was to gather intelligence about the land and its inhabitants, particularly the fortified city of Jericho, which was one of the first major obstacles the Israelites faced in their conquest of Canaan. The two spies, whose names are not mentioned in the text, sought refuge in the house of a prostitute named Rahab. Rahab, recognizing that the Israelites were favored by God and that Jericho would fall, made a deal with the spies to save her and her family when the city was conquered. The spies' mission was successful, and they returned to Joshua with a report that not only was Jericho's defense formidable, but also that its inhabitants were in fear of the approaching Israelites. It is important to note that the number of spies sent by Joshua to Jericho was two, not multiple spies as the question might imply. The story of the spies is significant as it demonstrates Joshua's strategic planning and the faith of the Israelites in God's promise to deliver the land into their hands. The narrative of the spies in Jericho is often interpreted as a testament to the importance of faith and obedience to God's will. It also serves as a reminder of the divine intervention and protection that the Israelites believed they received during their conquest of the Promised Land. In conclusion, Joshua sent two spies to Jericho to scout the land and gather information, which was a critical step in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. The story underscores the themes of faith, divine guidance, and the strategic leadership of Joshua. read more >>

As a result, the entire nation was made to wander in the desert for 40 years, until almost the entire generation of men had died. Joshua and Caleb were the two spies who brought back a good report and believed that God would help them succeed.read more >>