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Joshua 2:8-21

Joshua 2:8-21 NCV

Before the spies went to sleep for the night, Rahab went up to the roof. She said to them, “I know the LORD has given this land to your people. You frighten us very much. Everyone living in this land is terribly afraid of you because we have heard how the LORD dried up the Red Sea when you came out of Egypt. We have heard how you destroyed Sihon and Og, two Amorite kings who lived east of the Jordan. When we heard this, we were very frightened. Now our men are afraid to fight you because the LORD your God rules the heavens above and the earth below! So now, promise me before the LORD that you will show kindness to my family just as I showed kindness to you. Give me some proof that you will do this. Allow my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all of their families to live. Save us from death.” The men agreed and said, “It will be our lives for your lives if you don’t tell anyone what we are doing. When the LORD gives us the land, we will be kind and true to you.” The house Rahab lived in was built on the city wall, so she used a rope to let the men down through a window. She said to them, “Go into the hills so the king’s men will not find you. Hide there for three days. After the king’s men return, you may go on your way.” The men said to her, “You must do as we say. If not, we cannot be responsible for keeping this oath you have made us swear. When we return to this land, you must tie this red rope in the window through which you let us down. Bring your father, mother, brothers, and all your family into your house. If anyone leaves your house and is killed, it is his own fault. We cannot be responsible for him. If anyone in your house is hurt, we will be responsible. But if you tell anyone about this, we will be free from the oath you made us swear.” Rahab answered, “I agree to this.” So she sent them away, and they left. Then she tied the red rope in the window.