The men agreed. They said, “We will trade our lives for yours. Don’t tell anyone what we are doing. Then, when the Lord gives us our land, we will be kind to you. You can trust us.”
Now, tell me, will you be kind and loyal to my master and give him your daughter? Or will you refuse to give him your daughter? Tell me so I will know what I should do.”
The time came when Israel (Jacob) knew he would soon die, so he called his son Joseph to him. He said, “If you love me, then put your hand under my leg and make a promise. [252] Promise that you will do what I say and that you will be truthful with me. When I die, don’t bury me in Egypt.
David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead. These messengers told the men in Jabesh: “The Lord bless you, because you have shown kindness to your lord Saul by burying {his ashes}. [9]
The king came by and the prophet said to him, “I went to fight in the battle. One of our men brought an enemy soldier to me. The man said, ‘Guard this man. If he runs away, then you will have to give your life in his place. Or you will have to pay a fine of 75 pounds [226] of silver.’
Tell me that you will allow my family to live—my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all of their families. Promise that you will save us from death.”
The city and everything in it belongs to the Lord. [29] Only Rahab the prostitute and all the people in her house will remain alive. These people must not be killed because Rahab helped the two spies.
Joshua talked to the two spies. Joshua said, “Go into the prostitute’s house. Bring her out. And bring all the people who are with her. Do this because of the promise you made to her.”
Joshua saved Rahab the prostitute, her family, and all the other people that were with her. Joshua let them live because Rahab helped the spies that Joshua had sent out to Jericho. Rahab still lives among the people of Israel today.
Jonathan, be kind to me. I am your servant. You have made an agreement with me before the Lord. If I am guilty, then you may kill me yourself! But don’t take me to your father.”