Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So the men set out in pursuit of the spies on the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut. New Living Translation So the king’s men went looking for the spies along the road leading to the shallow crossings of the Jordan River. And as soon as the king’s men had left, the gate of Jericho was shut. English Standard Version So the men pursued after them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. And the gate was shut as soon as the pursuers had gone out. Berean Standard Bible So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. Berean Literal Bible And the men pursued them by the road to the Jordan to the fords, and they shut the gate afterward, when those who pursued them had gone out. King James Bible And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. New King James Version Then the men pursued them by the road to the Jordan, to the fords. And as soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate. New American Standard Bible So the men pursued them on the road to the Jordan, to the crossing places; and as soon as those who were pursuing them had gone out, they shut the gate. NASB 1995 So the men pursued them on the road to the Jordan to the fords; and as soon as those who were pursuing them had gone out, they shut the gate. NASB 1977 So the men pursued them on the road to the Jordan to the fords; and as soon as those who were pursuing them had gone out, they shut the gate. Legacy Standard Bible So the men pursued them on the road to the Jordan to the fords; and as soon as those who were pursuing them had gone out, they shut the gate. Amplified Bible So the [king’s] men pursued them on the road to the Jordan as far as the fords [east of Jericho]; as soon as the pursuers had gone out after them, the gate [of the city] was shut. Berean Annotated Bible So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan (flowing down), and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. Christian Standard Bible The men pursued them along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they left to pursue them, the city gate was shut. Holman Christian Standard Bible The men pursued them along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they left to pursue them, the gate was shut. American Standard Version And the men pursued after them the way to the Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they that pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. English Revised Version And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. GOD'S WORD® Translation The king's men pursued them on the road leading to a shallow place to cross the Jordan River. As soon as the king's men had left, the gate was closed. Good News Translation The king's men left the city, and then the gate was shut. They went looking for the Israelite spies as far as the place where the road crosses the Jordan. International Standard Version So the men pursued them along the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan River. As soon as the search party had left, they shut the city gate after them. NET Bible Meanwhile the king's men tried to find them on the road to the Jordan River near the fords. The city gate was shut as soon as they set out in pursuit of them. New Heart English Bible The men pursued them the way to the Jordan to the fords: and as soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate. Webster's Bible Translation And the men pursued them the way to Jordan to the fords: and as soon as they who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. World English Bible The men pursued them along the way to the fords of the Jordan River. As soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the men have pursued after them the way of the Jordan, by the fords, and they have shut the gate afterward when the pursuers have gone out after them. Berean Literal Bible And the men pursued them by the road to the Jordan to the fords, and they shut the gate afterward, when those who pursued them had gone out. Young's Literal Translation And the men have pursued after them the way of the Jordan, by the fords, and the gate they have shut afterwards, when the pursuers have gone out after them. Smith's Literal Translation And the men pursued after them the way of Jordan at the passages: and they shut the gate afterwards as they pursuing after them went forth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow they that were sent, pursued after them, by the way that leadeth to the fords of the Jordan: and as soon as they were gone out, the gate was presently shut. Catholic Public Domain Version But those who had been sent pursued after them along the way that leads to the ford of the Jordan. And as soon as they went out, the gate was closed. New American Bible But the pursuers set out along the way to the fords of the Jordan. As soon as they had left to pursue them, the gate was shut. New Revised Standard Version So the men pursued them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. As soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the men pursued after them by the way of the Jordan to the fords; and after the pursuers were gone out after the spies, they shut the gate. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the men went out after them on the road of the Jordan that is by the crossing, and they shut the gates after those pursuing the spies had gone out. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the men pursued after them the way to the Jordan unto the fords; and as soon as they that pursued after them were gone out, the gate was shut. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the men followed after them in the way to Jordan to the fords; and the gate was shut. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Rahab Welcomes the Spies…6(But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.) 7So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. Cross References So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies Exodus 14:8-9 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out defiantly. / The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon. 1 Samuel 30:8-10 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” / So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind / because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit. Genesis 31:23-24 So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. / But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” along the road to the fords of the Jordan, Judges 12:5-6 The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No,” / they told him, “Please say Shibboleth.” If he said, “Sibboleth,” because he could not pronounce it correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. So at that time 42,000 Ephraimites were killed. Judges 3:28 “Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and they did not allow anyone to cross over. Joshua 3:15-17 Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, / the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. / The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan. and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Genesis 19:10-11 But the men inside reached out, pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. / And they struck the men at the entrance, young and old, with blindness, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the door. Nehemiah 13:19 When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem, just before the Sabbath, I ordered that the gates be shut and not opened until after the Sabbath. I posted some of my servants at the gates so that no load could enter on the Sabbath day. Hebrews 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient. James 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route? Exodus 14:5-9 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.” / So Pharaoh prepared his chariot and took his army with him. / He took 600 of the best chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. … 1 Kings 20:33-34 Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. / Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. 2 Kings 6:14-18 the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. / When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” … Acts 9:23-25 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. / One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall. Matthew 2:13-15 When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Treasury of Scripture And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan to the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. the fords Judges 3:28 And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over. Judges 12:5 And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay; they shut Joshua 2:5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. Acts 5:23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. Jump to Previous Afterwards Door Jordan Leads Pursued Pursuers Pursuing Pursuit Road Shut Soon Spies WayJump to Next Afterwards Door Jordan Leads Pursued Pursuers Pursuing Pursuit Road Shut Soon Spies WayJoshua 2 1. Rahab receives and conceals the two spies sent from Shittim8. The covenant between her and them 23. Their return and description of events So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies The king of Jericho, aware of the presence of Israelite spies, sends his men to capture them. This reflects the heightened tension and fear among the Canaanites as Israel approaches. Historically, Jericho was a fortified city, and its king would have been vigilant against threats. The pursuit of the spies underscores the strategic importance of intelligence in warfare, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the story of Gideon (Judges 7). along the road to the fords of the Jordan and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut Persons / Places / Events 1. The MenThese are the king of Jericho's men who were sent to capture the Israelite spies. They represent the opposition to God's plan and the worldly forces that often seek to thwart divine purposes. 2. The Spies These are the two Israelite men sent by Joshua to scout the land of Jericho. They symbolize faith and obedience to God's command, as well as the courage to undertake risky missions for the sake of God's promises. 3. The Road to the Fords of the Jordan This is the path the men took in pursuit of the spies. It represents the natural barriers and challenges that must be navigated in the journey of faith. 4. The Gate The shutting of the gate signifies the closing off of opportunities and the urgency of the situation. It also highlights God's providence in protecting His people, as the spies were safely hidden by Rahab. 5. Rahab Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Rahab plays a crucial role in the account. Her actions demonstrate faith and the importance of aligning oneself with God's people. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProtectionEven when the world seems to close in, God provides protection and a way out for those who trust in Him. Faith in Action Like the spies and Rahab, our faith should lead us to take bold actions, trusting in God's promises and His plan. Urgency in Obedience The shutting of the gate reminds us of the urgency to act in obedience to God’s commands before opportunities are lost. Divine Providence God orchestrates events in ways we may not understand, but His plans are always for the good of those who love Him. Courage in the Face of Opposition The spies' mission teaches us to be courageous and steadfast, even when facing formidable challenges. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 2:7?2. How does Joshua 2:7 demonstrate God's protection over His plans and people? 3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from the events in Joshua 2:7? 4. How does Joshua 2:7 connect with God's promises in Deuteronomy 31:8? 5. In what ways can we trust God when facing obstacles, as seen in Joshua 2:7? 6. How can we apply the obedience seen in Joshua 2:7 to our lives? 7. How does Joshua 2:7 reflect God's sovereignty in guiding events for His purposes? 8. What does Joshua 2:7 reveal about God's protection over His people? 9. How does the pursuit in Joshua 2:7 demonstrate the theme of divine intervention? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 2? 11. What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons? 12. (1 Chronicles 12:14-15) How plausible is it that warriors crossed the Jordan River at flood stage and still overpowered enemy forces? 13. Why does God seemingly reward Rahab's lie in Joshua 2:4-7 despite prohibitions against bearing false witness elsewhere? 14. Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges? What Does Joshua 2:7 Mean So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies“Then the king of Jericho sent word to Rahab: ‘Bring out the men who came to you…’” (Joshua 2:3). The king acts swiftly, convinced the two strangers are a threat. • This is the first glimpse of Jericho’s fear (cf. Joshua 2:9–11). • God had already promised, “This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the nations” (Deuteronomy 2:25). • The pursuit shows human effort trying to thwart God’s plan, yet “No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can prevail against the LORD” (Proverbs 21:30). …along the road to the fords of the Jordan The soldiers hurry east toward shallow crossings where travelers typically entered Canaan. • These same fords will soon serve Israel when God parts the Jordan (Joshua 3:14–17). • Earlier, Ehud escaped Moab’s army at fords (Judges 3:28), highlighting this natural choke point. • While the king’s men watch the river, the spies remain hidden on Rahab’s roof—God’s route is often the unexpected one (Isaiah 55:8–9). …and as soon as they had gone out Timing is perfect. The pursuers leave just before Rahab sends the spies another way (Joshua 2:16). • Psalm 34:7 assures, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” • In Acts 5:19–23 apostles walk out of a locked prison; here the spies are kept in by a locked gate until it is safe to depart—God manages exits and entrances. …the gate was shut Jericho’s main gate swings closed for the night, a routine security measure (cf. Joshua 6:1). • To the king, a closed gate means safety; to God, it becomes a stage for deliverance. • Revelation 3:7 reminds us Jesus “opens and no one can shut, and shuts and no one can open.” • The sealed gate prevents the pursuers’ quick return, buying the spies time and confirming Rahab’s faith-filled plan (James 2:25; Hebrews 11:31). summary Joshua 2:7 underscores God’s quiet sovereignty: while pagan soldiers rush in the wrong direction, God positions His people for victory. Every detail—the soldiers’ zeal, the well-traveled ford, the precise timing, the locked gate—serves His larger purpose of bringing Israel into the land and preserving Rahab’s household. The verse invites us to trust that even when opposition seems organized and gates seem shut, the Lord orchestrates events to fulfill His sure promises. Verse 7. - Unto the fords. There were several of these fords. One near Jericho (cf, Judges 3:28; Judges 12:5, 6; 2 Samuel 17:22, 24; 2 Samuel 19:16, 19, 39); one at Bethsean, now Beisan, leading to Succoth (Judges 8:4; cf. Genesis 32:22; Genesis 33:17. See Robinson, ' Biblical Researches' 2:497; Ritter, 'Geography of Palestine'); beside others not mentioned in Scripture. A vivid description of the crossing the Jordan at the fords near Jericho is to be found in Tristrain's 'Land of Israel,' p. 520. The ford is almost certainly the one mentioned here, since an hour or two's ride brought the party to Shittim. These fords were easy to cross save when the Jordan, as was now the case (Joshua 3:15), overflowed its banks. This may have been the reason why the pursuers did not cross the fords, but they pursued the spies to the fords, hoping to find their retreat cut off. This is rendered more probable by the fact (ver. 22) that the pursuers appear to have continued their search after leaving the fords.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the [king's] menוְהָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים (wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person set out in pursuit רָדְפ֤וּ (rā·ḏə·p̄ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute [of the spies] אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙ (’a·ḥă·rê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 310: The hind or following part along the road דֶּ֣רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action to עַ֖ל (‘al) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the fords הַֽמַּעְבְּר֑וֹת (ham·ma‘·bə·rō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4569: A crossing-place, a transit, overwhelming of the Jordan, הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine and as כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that soon as they יָצְא֥וּ (yā·ṣə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim had gone out, הָרֹדְפִ֖ים (hā·rō·ḏə·p̄îm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute the gate וְהַשַּׁ֣עַר (wə·haš·ša·‘ar) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate was shut. סָגָ֔רוּ (sā·ḡā·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5462: To shut up, to surrender Links Joshua 2:7 NIVJoshua 2:7 NLT Joshua 2:7 ESV Joshua 2:7 NASB Joshua 2:7 KJV Joshua 2:7 BibleApps.com Joshua 2:7 Biblia Paralela Joshua 2:7 Chinese Bible Joshua 2:7 French Bible Joshua 2:7 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 2:7 The men pursued them the way (Josh. 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