Joshua 7:4

4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men, and they fled before the men of Ai.

Joshua 7:4 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 7:4

So there went up thither of the people about three thousand
men
Joshua detached from the army the largest number proposed, that there might be strength enough to take the place; and those he sent under proper officers to Ai, who went up to the very gate of the city, as appears from ( Joshua 7:5 ) :

and they fled before the men of Ai;
for upon their appearing at the gate of their city, they came out with all their forces against them, and as soon as they did, the children of Israel durst not face them, but without engaging with them fled at once: God having forsaken them, their courage failed, the dread of their enemies falling on them.

Joshua 7:4 In-Context

2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven on the east side of Bethel, and spoke unto them, saying, "Go up and view the country." And the men went up and viewed Ai.

3 And they returned to Joshua and said unto him, "Let not all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labor thither, for they are but few."

4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men, and they fled before the men of Ai.

5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men, for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim and smote them in their going down. Therefore the hearts of the people melted and became as water.

6 And Joshua rent his clothes and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.