Now select for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one per tribe.

Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one per tribe.

“Select for yourselves twelve men from the people, one per tribe.

So about three thousand men went up, but they fled from the men of Ai.

When Joshua dismissed the people, they went to their allotted portions of land.

But the woman hid the two men and replied, “Yes, these men were clients of mine, but I didn’t know where they came from.

When it was time to shut the city gate for the night, the men left. I don’t know where they were heading. Chase after them quickly, for you have time to catch them!”

Twelve thousand men and women died that day, including all the men of Ai.

The men said to her, “We are not bound by this oath you made us swear unless the following conditions are met:

Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai (which is located near Beth Aven, east of Bethel) and instructed them, “Go up and spy on the land.” So the men went up and spied on Ai.

They returned and reported to Joshua, “Don’t send the whole army. About two or three thousand men are adequate to defeat Ai. Don’t tire out the whole army, for Ai is small.”

No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone.

Any man who rebels against what you say and does not obey all your commands will be executed. But be strong and brave!”

Meanwhile the king’s men tried to find them on the road to the Jordan River near the fords. The city gate was shut as soon as they set out in pursuit of them.

Then the two men returned – they came down from the hills, crossed the river, came to Joshua son of Nun, and reported to him all they had discovered.

Have all the warriors march around the city one time; do this for six days.

They annihilated with the sword everything that breathed in the city, including men and women, young and old, as well as cattle, sheep, and donkeys.

Joshua and the whole army marched against Ai. Joshua selected thirty thousand brave warriors and sent them out at night.

He took five thousand men and set an ambush west of the city between Bethel and Ai.

No men were left in Ai or Bethel; they all went out after Israel. They left the city wide open and chased Israel.