Joshua 7:3

“And they returned unto Joshua, and said unto him, let not all the people go up, etc.] After they had reconnoitred the place, they came back to their general, and gave it as their opinion, that there was no need for the whole army to go up against the city: but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; such a number they judged were sufficient to take it: [and] make not all the people to labour thither; carrying their tents, bearing their armour, and going up hill: for they [are but] few; the inhabitants of Ai, men and women making but twelve thousand; (<060825>Joshua 8:25).”

“Let not all the people go up, . . . for they are but few--As the population of Ai amounted to twelve thousand (Jos 8:25), it was a considerable town; though in the hasty and distant reconnoitre made by the spies, it probably appeared small in comparison to Jericho; and this may have been the reason for their proposing so small a detachment to capture it.”

“The total population of Ai was about twelve thousand Joshua 8:25. It could therefore hardly muster three thousand warriors. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Go up - Which was done by the wise contrivance of Divine providence, that their sin might be punished, and they awaked and reformed with as little mischief and reproach, as might be: for if the defeat of these caused so great a consternation in Joshua, it is easy to guess what dread it would have caused in the people if a host had been defeated. Joshua 7:4”

“7:3-4 God’s provision of victory at Jericho apparently bred complacency and overconfidence; Joshua did not even consult with God before sending a small contingent of troops to Ai.”

“about two: Heb. about 2,000 men, or about 3,000 men, labour. Pro 13:4, Pro 21:25; Luk 13:24; Heb 4:11, Heb 6:11, Heb 6:12; Pe2 1:5, Pe2 1:10 Joshua 7:4”