Joshua 2:8-21

8Rahab went up to the roof of her house. She spoke to the men as they prepared to sleep.

9She said to them, ‘I know that the Lord has given this land to you. Everyone here is afraid of you Israelites. Everyone who lives in this land is very frightened.

10We heard how the Lord caused the water of the Red Sea to become dry. In that way he brought you out of Egypt. We heard what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites. We heard how you destroyed them completely on the east side of the Jordan River.

11When we heard what you had done, we were very frightened. We know that we are not strong enough to fight against you because the Lord, your God, is God. He rules everything in heaven and on earth.

12Now, please use the Lord's name to make a strong promise. I have been kind to you. So promise me that you will be kind to my family. Show me that you will certainly do what you have promised.

13When you attack this city, do not kill my family. Save the lives of my father, my mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families.’

14The men replied, ‘We promise to do that. If anyone kills you or your family, may we die too! Do not tell anyone about us. When the Lord gives us this land, we will be kind to you. We will save your lives.’

15So Rahab put a rope out through the window of her house. (The house that she lived in was part of the city wall.) The men climbed down the rope.

16Rahab told them, ‘Go to the hills. The men who are chasing you will not find you there. Hide there for three days until they return to this city. Then you can go back to your people.’

17The men said to her, ‘If you do what we say, we will do what we have promised.

18We will soon attack this land. So tie this red string in the window that we came through. Bring your father, your mother, your brothers and sisters and all your family into your house.

19If any of them leaves your house, they may die. If that happens, we will not be guilty. We will only be guilty if our soldiers hurt anyone who is in your house.

20But if you tell anyone about us, we do not have to do what we have promised to you.’

21Rahab said, ‘I agree with what you have said.’ She sent the men away. When they had gone, she tied the red string in her window.