17 Then the men said to her: “We will be released from this oath that you have made us swear,
18 unless when we come into the land, you tie this line of scarlet thread in the window through which you lowered us down, and gather to yourself in the house your father, your mother, your brothers and all your father’s household—
19 whoever goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood will be on his head and we will be innocent, but whoever is with you in the house, his blood will be on our head if any hand is laid on him.
20 But if you divulge this business of ours, then we will be released from your oath you have made us swear.”
21 So she said: “According to your words, so be it.” Then she sent them away. After they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord to the window.
22 Then they departed and came to the hill country. They stayed there for three days until the pursuers returned. Now the pursuers had looked for them all along the road, but had not found them.
23 Then the two men returned, came down from the hill country, crossed over and came to Joshua son of Nun. They reported to him all that had befallen them.