And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai.
All who died that day, both men and women, numbered twelve thousand, the entire population of Ai.
This verse records that the entire population of the city of Ai, 12,000 people, was killed in battle that day.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Joshua, the Israelites were conquering the Promised Land as God had commanded, following their exodus from Egypt. After an initial defeat at Ai due to sin in the camp, they regrouped, sought God's direction, and launched a successful ambush that led to the city's total destruction. This verse simply reports the number of people killed in that battle, reflecting the ancient warfare practices and God's judgment on the Canaanite cities as part of His covenant promises.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.