The Scarlet Cord and the Conquest of Jericho: The Handicap of the "Omniscient Reader"

The authors analyze Joshua 2 in considering the potential pitfalls of approaching the biblical text as a well-acquainted omniscient reader. Noting the inconsistency between a covert military operation and a divinely inspired miracle at Jericho, they question Joshua’s intentions in sending a spy mission. Equally perplexing is the decision by the spies to remain in Jericho overnight, increasing the chances of their capture, their decision to proceed to Rahab’s house, their insistence that Rahab not divulge the substance of their conversation, and the role of the scarlet cord, which was destined to fall with the walls. The authors therefore conclude that in undertaking this espionage mission, Joshua assumes that the Israelites would vanquish Jericho by natural means. He therefore dispatches the spies to procure the assistance of a resident of Jericho in gaining access to the city, alleviating the problem of a protracted siege of a walled city. Novetsky and Mermelstein conclude in explaining why God did not originally divulge His battle plans to Joshua.