Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window. (Her house was built as part of the city wall; she lived in the wall.)

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.

Indeed, for forty years the Israelites traveled through the desert until all the men old enough to fight when they left Egypt, the ones who had disobeyed the Lord, died off. For the Lord had sworn a solemn oath to them that he would not let them see the land he had sworn on oath to give them, a land rich in milk and honey.

Joshua made a peace treaty with them and agreed to let them live. The leaders of the community sealed it with an oath.

We must let them live so we can escape the curse attached to the oath we swore to them."

The leaders then added, "Let them live." So they became woodcutters and water carriers for the whole community, as the leaders had decided.

The one who committed manslaughter should escape to one of these cities, stand at the entrance of the city gate, and present his case to the leaders of that city. They should then bring him into the city, give him a place to stay, and let him live there.