KJV ORIGINAL
So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
So about three thousand men from the people went up there, and they ran away when the men of Ai fought against them.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse describes how Israel's army was defeated and had to retreat from the small city of Ai, which was shocking after their great victory at Jericho.
📚 Historical Context
This battle occurred shortly after Israel's miraculous victory at Jericho, where God had given them complete success. The Israelites were now conquering the Promised Land city by city, but this defeat at Ai was unexpected and demoralizing. The defeat happened because Achan had secretly taken forbidden items from Jericho, breaking God's command and bringing judgment on the whole nation.
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