Does anyone remember the names of the two spies who trusted God’s promises and gave the good report? Their names were Joshua and Caleb. After Moses died, God chose Joshua to lead his people into the promised land. The Lord said to Joshua, “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous” (Josh. 1:5–6), for Joshua had to take over and destroy every city in the land. Joshua obeyed God. And the people followed his lead. They said, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go” (1:16).

Joshua sent new spies into Jericho, a city in the promised land. When the king of Jericho found out, he sent his men to capture them. But a woman named Rahab hid them. She did this because she had faith in God, even though she wasn’t from Israel. She had heard of God’s power, and she knew he would keep his promises, including giving Israel the promised land (which is where her city was!). The spies told her that if she tied a scarlet (red) cord in the window then they would be kind to her and her family when the Israelites came. When the spies returned safely, they gave this good report, “The Lord has given the land into our hands. Let’s go!” (see 2:24).