16. She told them, “Head to the hill country, so the ones chasing you don’t find you. Hide from them there for three days, long enough for those chasing you to return. Then you can be on your way.”
17. The men said to her, “We are not bound by this oath you made us swear unless the following conditions are met:
18. When we invade the land, tie this red rope in the window through which you let us down, and gather together in your house your father, mother, brothers, and all who live in your father’s house.
19. Anyone who leaves your house will be responsible for his own death – we are innocent in that case! But if anyone with you in the house is harmed, we will be responsible.
20. If you should report what we’ve been up to, we are not bound by this oath you made us swear.”
21. She said, “I agree to these conditions.” She sent them on their way and then tied the red rope in the window.
22. They went to the hill country and stayed there for three days, long enough for those chasing them to return. Their pursuers looked all along the way but did not find them.
23. Then the two men returned – they came down from the hills, crossed the river, came to Joshua son of Nun, and reported to him all they had discovered.
24. They told Joshua, “Surely the Lord is handing over all the land to us! All who live in the land are cringing before us!”