Joshua 2:12-24

Please, solemnly swear to me by the name of YAHWEH that you will show kindness to my family because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families. Don’t let us be killed!” The men answered, “If you don’t disclose our mission to anyone, we’ll pledge our lives for yours. Then, when YAHWEH gives us this land, we’ll honor our promise and treat you kindly.” Rahab’s house was built into the city wall, so she let them down from the window by a rope. She told them, “Head for the hill country and hide. The men chasing you won’t find you there. Hide for three days until they have returned, then you’ll be safe to go your way.” But the men warned her, “You must do what we say, or we will not be bound to the oath you made us swear. When our invasion begins, bring all your family together in your house—your father and mother, your brothers and sisters, and all their families. And tie this crimson rope in the same window through which you let us down. Remember, if anyone ventures outside your house, his death will be his own fault, not ours! But if anyone inside your house is harmed, then we will be held responsible. And if you disclose our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.” Rahab replied in agreement, “Let it be as you say.” And she sent them away, and after they departed, she tied the crimson rope in her window. The spies went straight to the hill country and hid there for three days, until the pursuers turned back. The king’s men had scoured the countryside without finding them. Then the two men came down from the hills and crossed back over the Jordan to their camp. They reported to Joshua son of Nun all that had happened to them: “YAHWEH has certainly handed over the entire land into our hands! All the people of the land melt in fear before us!”