Chapter 2

Spies sent to Jericho.  They visit Rahab, who hides them from the king.  MSB says this was a good place to go and remain inconspicuous as they gathered information about the city.  Further, she lived on the wall, where they might be able to make a quick getaway if necessary.  And sure enough, they were recognized as both strangers to the city and as Israelites. 

When the king's men come looking, she admits the men were there - since it was known anyway - but says they not only left, but went right out the gate, just before it closed.  She says she had no idea who they were.  This would seem a common fib from prostitutes.  She encourages the king's men to pursue the spies - who are hidden on the roof.  They go, and the gate is again shut behind them, which is why the two spies had to be let down on a rope.

This is Rahab's confession of faith:

11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. [Jos 2:11 ESV]

In return for her provision, they agree to save alive her and her father's house when they come back to take the city.  She lets them out of the city by a rope from her window, since the gates are shut. 

As they are leaving, they work out the details of who promised what and the conditions that must be met for the promise to be honored.

The spies get safely back across the Jordan and report all to Joshua.  They are very confident about the success of the coming campaign.