They went, and came to the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but didn't find them.
The report of these spies to Joshua must have been a source of infinite encouragement to the Commander.  Up to here, Joshua could have supposed that a military assault would be necessary, but, after this report, he no doubt sought to know the will of God by every means open to him.  In these circumstances, God spoke directly to Joshua  (Joshua 3:7) with specific instructions on how the conquest was to proceed.