Joshua 7:1-9 ▼

1 The Israelites, however (he wrestles with God), acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction {cherem}. Achan (troubler) son of Carmi (my vineyard), the son of Zabdi (Zimri), the son of Zerah (rising), of the tribe of Judah (praised), took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD {YHWH} burned against the Israelites.

2 Meanwhile, Joshua (YHWH saves) sent men from Jericho (city of palms) to Ai (heap of ruins), which is near Beth-aven (house of wickedness) to the east of Bethel (house of God), and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.

3 On returning to Joshua (YHWH saves), they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai (heap of ruins). Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”

4 So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai (heap of ruins).

5 And the men of Ai (heap of ruins) struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries (as far as Shebarim) and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

6 Then Joshua (YHWH saves) tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD {YHWH} until evening, as did the elders of Israel (he wrestles with God); and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.

7 “O, Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH},” Joshua (YHWH saves) said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan (flowing down) to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites (sayers) to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!

8 O Lord {Adonai}, what can I say, now that Israel (he wrestles with God) has turned its back and run from its enemies?

9 When the Canaanites (merchants) and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?”