Purpose of the Spies in Yehoshua 2/2

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Purpose of the Spies in Yehoshua 2

Exegetical Approaches

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Morale Boosting Mission

The spies were sent to gauge the low morale of the Canaanites, and thereby boost the confidence of the Israelite fighting force.

The spies' report – This position is supported by the fact that the spies' report focused exclusively on the fear of the Canaanites and did not include any useful military information. 
Biblical parallels – Ralbag compares the mission to Gidon's visit to the Midyanite camp in , whose sole purpose was similarly to instill confidence.
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Military Mission

The spies were sent on a military mission