Joshua 7:5

“And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men, etc.] In the pursuit of them, which were but few, but a sufficient rebuke of Providence; their loss was but small, but their shame and disgrace great: for they chased them [from] before the gate; the gate of the city of Ai: [even] unto Shebarim; not that there was a place of this name before, but it was so called from hence, because there they were broken, as Kimchi observes; and the Targum and Jarchi render it, “until they were broken,” their lines broken, not being able to retreat in order, but were scattered, and fled to their camp as they could: Gussetius f101 thinks it was the; name of a place, but not so called for the above…”

“chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim--that is, unto the "breakings" or "fissures" at the opening of the passes. and smote them in the going down--that is, the declivity or slope of the deep, rugged, adjoining wady. wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water--It is evident that the troops engaged were a tumultuary, undisciplined band, no better skilled in military affairs than the Bedouin Arabs, who become disheartened and flee on the loss of ten or fifteen men. But the consternation of the Israelites arose from another cause--the evident displeasure of God, who withheld that aid on which they had confidently reckoned.”

“Shebarim - Rather, perhaps, “the stone quarries.” The smallness of the slaughter among the Israelites indicates that they fled early, probably without real conflict in battle. return to 'Top of Page'”

“About thirty and six men - A dear victory to them, whereby Israel was awakened and reformed, and they hardened to their own ruin. The going down - By which it seems it was a down - hill way to Jericho, which was nearer Jordan. As water - Soft and weak, and full of fluctuation and trembling. Joshua 7:6”

“7:5 Ai’s defenders left through the town gate and attacked Israel’s troops directly (see 8:5). • as far as the quarries: An otherwise unknown place.”

“for they: Deu 1:44 the going down: or, Morad wherefore: Jos 2:9, Jos 2:11, Jos 5:1; Lev 26:36; Psa 22:14; Isa 13:7 Joshua 7:6”