Read for This Week’s Study: Josh. 2:1–21, Num. 14:1–12,Heb. 11:31 , Exod. 12:13 , Joshua 9, Neh. 7:25 .Memory Text: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish withthose who did not believe, when she had received the spies withpeace” (Hebrews 11:31 , NKJV).W hy did I do this again?” Perhaps we all have uttered thesewords. After all, not only history repeats itself but so doeshumanity in general and we ourselves in particular. Howoften we repeat the same mistakes!Israel has a second chance of entering the Promised Land, and Joshuatakes this mission seriously. The first step is to have a clear understanding of what Joshua and the Israelites face. Joshua sends out two spiesto bring him valuable information about the land: its defense system,military preparedness, water supplies, and the attitude of the populationin the face of an invading force.One would think that God’s promise of giving the land to theIsraelites did not require any effort from them. Yet, the assurance ofdivine support does not override human responsibility. Israel stands atthe border of Canaan for a second time. Expectations run high, but thelast time Israel was at the border and had the same task, it resulted inan abysmal failure.This week, we will explore two of the most fascinating stories of thebook of Joshua and discover their relevance to our faith today. God’sgrace has infinite possibilities to surprise us.* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 11.