Immerse: Kingdoms Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 17
2:15–3:8
J osh u a
5
“If you don’t betray us, we will keep our promise and be kind to you when
the Lord gives us the land.”
Then, since Rahab’s house was built into the town wall, she let them
down by a rope through the window. “Escape to the hill country,” she told
them. “Hide there for three days from the men searching for you. Then,
when they have returned, you can go on your way.”
Before they left, the men told her, “We will be bound by the oath we
have taken only if you follow these instructions. When we come into the
land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through
which you let us down. And all your family members—your father,
mother, brothers, and all your relatives—must be here inside the house.
If they go out into the street and are killed, it will not be our fault. But if
anyone lays a hand on people inside this house, we will accept the responsibility for their death. If you betray us, however, we are not bound by this
oath in any way.”
“I accept your terms,” she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window.
The spies went up into the hill country and stayed there three days. The
men who were chasing them searched everywhere along the road, but they
finally returned without success.
Then the two spies came down from the hill country, crossed the Jordan
River, and reported to Joshua all that had happened to them. “The Lord
has given us the whole land,” they said, “for all the people in the land are
terrified of us.”
Early the next morning Joshua and all the Israelites left Acacia Grove
and arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, where they camped before
crossing. Three days later the Israelite officers went through the camp,
giving these instructions to the people: “When you see the Lev itical
priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, move
out from your positions and follow them. Since you have never traveled
this way before, they will guide you. Stay about half a mile behind them,
keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you don’t
come any closer.”
Then Joshua told the people, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the
Lord will do great wonders among you.”
In the morning Joshua said to the priests, “Lift up the Ark of the Cov
enant and lead the people across the river.” And so they started out and
went ahead of the people.
The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader
in the eyes of all the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as
I was with Moses. Give this command to the priests who carry the Ark of