The book of Joshua begins with the LORD’s instructions to Joshua, describing again the borders of the land that the LORD promises them. As the people make preparation to cross over Jordan, two spies are dispatched to spy out Jericho, where they take shelter in the home of Rahab the harlot, and make her a promise of protection for herself and her family if she conceals their cause and doesn’t betray them. After the spies return with a good report, the people mobilize, and the LORD does again for the children of Israel as he did when they came out of Egypt: He parts the waters of the Jordan river, given the Israelites passage on dry ground. At the LORD’s command, the people erect twelve stones for a permanent memorial of their crossing, and Joshua has the men of Israel circumcised. At their encampment in Gilgal they observe the Passover, and Joshua encounters the captain of the host of the LORD.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission