And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
The men of Ai killed about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the city gate all the way to Shebarim, and struck them down as they fled downhill. Because of this, the people's hearts melted with fear and became like water.
This verse describes how Israel suffered an unexpected defeat at Ai, losing thirty-six men and causing the entire nation to become paralyzed with fear.
📚 Historical Context
This defeat came immediately after Israel's great victory at Jericho, and was caused by Achan's secret disobedience in taking forbidden items from Jericho. The Israelites had expected an easy victory over the small city of Ai, but instead faced their first military defeat since entering the Promised Land. This shocking loss revealed that God's blessing had been withdrawn due to hidden sin in the camp.
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