They have made me jealous with false gods, enraging me with their worthless gods; so I will make them jealous with a people they do not recognize, with a nation slow to learn I will enrage them.

The Lord will judge his people, and will change his plans concerning his servants; when he sees that their power has disappeared, and that no one is left, whether confined or set free.

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

And this is the blessing to Judah. He said, Listen, O Lord, to Judah’s voice, and bring him to his people. May his power be great, and may you help him against his foes.

They will summon peoples to the mountain, there they will sacrifice proper sacrifices; for they will enjoy the abundance of the seas, and the hidden treasures of the shores.

He has selected the best part for himself, for the portion of the ruler is set aside there; he came with the leaders of the people, he obeyed the righteous laws of the Lord and his ordinances with Israel.

Be strong and brave! You must lead these people in the conquest of this land that I solemnly promised their ancestors I would hand over to them.

He has done this so all the nations of the earth might recognize the Lord’s power and so you might always obey the Lord your God.”

This is why Joshua had to circumcise them: All the men old enough to fight when they left Egypt died on the journey through the desert after they left Egypt.

The seventh time around, the priests blew the rams’ horns and Joshua told the army, “Give the battle cry, for the Lord is handing the city over to you!

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

I and all the troops who are with me will approach the city. When they come out to fight us like before, we will retreat from them.

All the troops that were with him marched up and drew near the city. They camped north of Ai on the other side of the valley.

The army was in position – the main army north of the city and the rear guard west of the city. That night Joshua went into the middle of the valley.

All the reinforcements in Ai were ordered to chase them; they chased Joshua and were lured away from the city.

Then the whole army safely returned to Joshua at the camp in Makkedah. No one dared threaten the Israelites.

Then King Horam of Gezer came up to help Lachish, but Joshua struck down him and his army until no survivors remained.

These kings came out with their armies; they were as numerous as the sand on the seashore and had a large number of horses and chariots.

Joshua and his whole army caught them by surprise at the Waters of Merom and attacked them.

My countrymen who accompanied me frightened the people, but I remained loyal to the Lord my God.