And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
Around the time when the city gates were being shut for the night, when it was getting dark, the men left. I don't know which way they went, but if you hurry after them quickly, you'll be able to catch up with them.
Rahab is lying to the king's men, telling them the Israelite spies have already left the city when she has actually hidden them on her roof.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, when Joshua sent two spies to scout out Jericho. Rahab, a prostitute living in the city wall, chose to hide the spies rather than turn them over to the king's soldiers who came looking for them. Ancient cities typically closed their gates at sunset for security, which Rahab uses as part of her deception.
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