Joshua 2:17

17 The men told her, "We will be free from the oath which you made us swear, [if you tell anyone what we're doing here].

Joshua 2:17 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 2:17

And the men said unto her
Some think that this discourse, which passed between the spies and her, was while in the house before she let them down, or otherwise they would have been in danger of being overheard, and so the whole affair discovered; but as it was on the other side of the house, and under the wall of the city, and without it, they might with the greater safety converse together:

we [will be] blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us
swear;
that is, they would most faithfully and punctually keep it, it should be sacred to them, and she should have no occasion to lay any blame upon them in the least.

Joshua 2:17 In-Context

15 So she let them down by a rope from her window since her house was built into the city wall. (She lived in the city wall.)

16 She told them, "Go to the mountains so that the men who are pursuing you will not find you. Hide there for three days until they return to Jericho. Then you can go on your way."

17 The men told her, "We will be free from the oath which you made us swear, [if you tell anyone what we're doing here].

18 When we invade your land, tie this red cord in the window through which you let us down. Also, gather your father, mother, brothers, and all your father's family into your house.

19 Whoever leaves your house will be responsible for his own life. We will be free from that responsibility. But we will take responsibility if anyone inside your house is harmed.