But I fear the reaction of their enemies, for their adversaries would misunderstand and say, “Our power is great, and the Lord has not done all this!”’

Then Moses went with Joshua son of Nun and recited all the words of this song to the people.

Of Benjamin he said: The beloved of the Lord will live safely by him; he protects him all the time, and the Lord places him on his chest.

I am handing over to you every place you set foot, as I promised Moses.

Your territory will extend from the wilderness in the south to Lebanon in the north. It will extend all the way to the great River Euphrates in the east (including all of Syria) and all the way to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.

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.

I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.”

Just as we obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. But may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses!

that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and rescue us from death.”

They went to the hill country and stayed there for three days, long enough for those chasing them to return. Their pursuers looked all along the way but did not find 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.

Bright and early the next morning Joshua and the Israelites left Shittim and came to the Jordan. They camped there before crossing the river.

When the entire nation was on the other side, the Lord told Joshua,

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.

But they burned the city and all that was in it, except for the silver, gold, and bronze and iron items they put in the treasury of the Lord’s house.

When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will turn against us and destroy the very memory of us from the earth. What will you do to protect your great reputation?”

They took it all from the middle of the tent, brought it to Joshua and all the Israelites, and placed it before the Lord.

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

He told them, “Look, set an ambush behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city; all of you be ready!