יהושע, פרק ב׳, פסוק ה׳

Facing a sudden interrogation by the king's guards, Rahab employs brilliant psychological tactics to protect the hidden spies. Rather than denying that the men had visited her, she confirms the guards' suspicions. By pretending to share their concern about the threat of espionage, she successfully wins their trust. This clever manipulation allows her to direct the guards on a false pursuit far away from her home [אלשיך, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

To make her story convincing, she builds a narrative around the time of the men's departure. She explains that they left just as darkness fell and the city gates were about to be locked [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Since the dark hours are not a normal time for people to enter or leave the city [ביאור שטיינזלץ], she uses this detail as absolute proof of their guilt. She argues that innocent travelers would have departed during daylight. The fact that these men slipped away in the dark without lighting a torch, right before the gates closed, is clear evidence that they were fleeing [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].

She then claims complete ignorance about their destination [מצודת ציון], noting that just as the men kept their origins a secret, they also hid where they were running [מלבי״ם]. Anticipating that the guards might ask why she did not step outside to see which way they went, she subtly focuses on the nature of the fugitives. She implies that it would be highly improper and suspicious for a lone woman to wander outside in the dark to follow a group of men [אלשיך].

Finally, she urges the guards to chase after them immediately. She instills them with false confidence, assuring them that the men had only just left and could not have traveled far. By promising the guards that a quick, eager pursuit will guarantee a successful capture, she ensures they leave her home at once [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, אלשיך].