Sitim] In the plains of Moab, neer Jordan, where the Israelites now encamped, Numbers 33:49. spie secretly] Hebr. silently; 1: e. to spie out the land with as much silence and secrecy as they could; and that both in respect of the Israelites, that they might not again be discouraged, as before, with rumours, Numbers 13:28. 32. and in respect of the people of the land, that they might not discover and apprehend them. even Jericho]ie. And chiefly Jericho, as being in the confines of the countrey; situated an hundred and fifty stadia from Hirusalem, and sixty from Jordan: a place very fruitfull, and abounding with palm-trees; and therefore called, The city of palms, Deuteronomy 34:3. Judges 1:16. 2 Chronicles 28:15. an harlots house] The Hebrew word may signifie an inne-keeper; but she might be both; for she is plainly called an harlot, Hebrews 11:31. James 2:25. to whom Gods providence directed them, for the preservation of her and her kinred, and for the confirmation of the spies and Israelites in assurance of conquest; as Gideon was by telling of the dream, Jud. 7. 13. 15.