A/N: The story of Rahab can be found in the second chapter of Joshua and also verses 22-25 of the sixth chapter of Joshua.
I have long known that my city of Jericho will be judged for its wickedness. All manner of perversion and depravity, up to and including human sacrifice, have been happening here for as long as I can remember, and I know that someday it will be held accountable. As soon as I see the two unfamiliar men, I know that the day of reckoning is at hand.
"I am Salmon, and this is Caleb," one of the two men tells me. "We are of the Hebrews and have been sent to observe the goings-on in your city. Will you be so kind as to provide us with lodging for the night?"
I have heard of the Hebrew people. They are desert nomads, always moving from place to place, with a man named Moses as their leader. They worship one invisible God who has given them a list of moral and ethical rules to live by.
"You are welcome to stay here," I tell the two Hebrews. They thank me, and I lead them to their quarters. They are barely settled when I hear the sound of heavy footsteps outside.
"Soldiers!" I whisper frantically. "Quick! You must hide!" I lead them to the roof of my dwelling, where I hide them under bundles of flax drying there. After the soldiers have gone, I return to tell them that it is now safe.
"We are most indebted to you," Salmon says to me. "However may we repay you?"
"Please, sir, when your people come to take the city, spare me and my family," I beg him.
He hands me a red cord. "Hang this from your window, and you and your family will be spared," he tells me.
I do as he says. Day and night the cord hangs from my window, awaiting the arrival of the Hebrews and, with them, the end of the only life I've ever known.