The king of Jericho was told: “Some Israelites have come into the city tonight to spy out the entire land. They’re in Rahab’s house.” So the king sent messengers to Rahab, who said to her: “Turn over the men who entered your house. They’re here to spy out our land.” But Rahab had already hidden the two men.
“Yes,” she said. “The men came to me, but I had no idea where they were from. They left at sundown, just before the city gates were closed at night. Who knows where they went. Quick! Go after them, and maybe you can catch them!” (Rahab had hidden the men on her rooftop under stalks of flax she had spread out to dry on the roof.) So the men of Jericho went out to search for the spies, and the city gates were shut behind them. They searched for them as far as where the path crosses the Jordan.
Before the spies had gone to sleep, Rahab went up to the rooftop and said to them, “I know that YAHWEH has given you this land. Everyone is absolutely terrified, and we are all paralyzed with fear because of you. We’ve heard of the miracles that accompany you and how YAHWEH dried up the waters of the Red Sea for you when you left Egypt. We’ve heard how you utterly annihilated the two Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, and their kingdoms who were on the other side of the Jordan. As soon as we heard it, our hearts melted with fear, and we were left with no courage among us because of you. YAHWEH, your God, is the true God who rules in heaven above and on earth below. 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.
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