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Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/7-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/06_Jos_07_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 7:3 - Israel Defeated at Ai" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="On returning to Joshua, they reported, There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. 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Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/joshua/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.” <a href="/esv/joshua/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not make the whole people toil up there, for they are few.” <a href="/bsb/joshua/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.” <a href="/kjv/joshua/7.htm">King James Bible</a> And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/7.htm">New King James Version</a> And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few.” <a href="/nasb_/joshua/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up; have only about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai; do not trouble all the people there, for they are few.” <a href="/nasb/joshua/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> They returned to Joshua and said to him, &#8220Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/joshua/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.” <a href="/lsb/joshua/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to strike down Ai; do not have all the people toil up there, for they are few.” <a href="/amp/joshua/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not make all the people go up [to fight]; have only about two thousand or three thousand men go up and attack Ai; do not make the entire army go up there, for they [of Ai] are few.” <a href="/csb/joshua/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> After returning to Joshua they reported to him, “Don’t send all the people, but send about two thousand or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don’t wear out all our people there.” <a href="/hcsb/joshua/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> After returning to Joshua they reported to him, &#8220Don&#8217t send all the people, but send about 2,000 or 3,000 men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don&#8217t wear out all our people there.&#8221 <a href="/asv/joshua/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; make not all the people to toil thither; for they are but few. <a href="/cev/joshua/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They went back to Joshua and reported, "You don't need to send the whole army to attack Ai--2,000 or 3,000 troops will be enough. Why bother the whole army for a town that small?" <a href="/erv/joshua/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; make not all the people to toil thither; for they are but few. <a href="/gwt/joshua/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They came back to Joshua and told him, "You don't need to send all the troops. Only about two or three thousand men are needed to destroy Ai. Don't tire the troops out by sending all of them. There are only a few troops in Ai." <a href="/gnt/joshua/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> they reported back to Joshua: "There is no need for everyone to attack Ai. Send only about two or three thousand men. Don't send the whole army up there to fight; it is not a large city." <a href="/isv/joshua/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> returned to Joshua. "Not all of the people need to go up," they reported. "Only about two or three thousand men should attack Ai. Since they are so few, don't make all of the army work hard up there." <a href="/msb/joshua/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> On returning to Joshua, they reported, ?There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.? <a href="/net/joshua/7.htm">NET Bible</a> They returned and reported to Joshua, "Don't send the whole army. About two or three thousand men are adequate to defeat Ai. Don't tire out the whole army, for Ai is small." <a href="/nheb/joshua/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They returned to Joshua, and said to him, "Do not let all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai. Do not make all the people to toil there, for there are only a few of them." <a href="/wbt/joshua/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labor thither; for they are but few. <a href="/web/joshua/7.htm">World English Bible</a> They returned to Joshua, and said to him, “Don’t let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai. Don’t make all the people to toil there, for there are only a few of them.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and they return to Joshua, and say to him, “Do not let all the people go up; let about two thousand men, or about three thousand men, go up, and they strike Ai; do not cause all the people to labor there; for they [are] few.” <a href="/ylt/joshua/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and they turn back unto Joshua, and say unto him, 'Let not all the people go up; let about two thousand men, or about three thousand men, go up, and they smite Ai; cause not all the people to labour thither; for they are few.' <a href="/slt/joshua/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they will turn back to Joshua, and will say to him, All the people shall not go up; about two thousand men or about three thousand men shall go up and smite Ai: thou shalt not weary there all the people for they few.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And returning they said to him: Let not all the people go up, but let two or three thousand men go and destroy the city: why should all the people be troubled in vain against enemies that are very few? <a href="/cpdv/joshua/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And returning, they said to him: “Let not the entire people go up. Instead, let two or three thousand men go out and destroy the city. Why should all the people be troubled without cause against enemies that are so very few?” <a href="/nabre/joshua/7.htm">New American Bible</a> they returned to Joshua and advised, “Do not send all the people up; if only about two or three thousand go up, they can attack and overcome Ai. You need not tire all the people: the enemy there are few.” <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Not all the people need go up; about two or three thousand men should go up and attack Ai. Since they are so few, do not make the whole people toil up there.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up, and destroy Ai; and do not send all the people there, for the men of Ai are but few. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they returned to Yeshua and they were saying to him: “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up. They will destroy Ai. Do not send all the people, because they are few”,<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him: 'Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; make not all the people to toil thither; for they are but few.' <a href="/sep/joshua/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and take the city by siege: carry not up thither the whole people, for the enemy are few. <a href="/parallel/joshua/7-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=1381" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/7.htm">Israel Defeated at Ai</a> …2Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3<a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šu·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">On returning</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">Joshua,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they reported,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“There is no need</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ya·‘al (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">to send all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people;</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: kə·’al·pa·yim (Prep-k:: Number-md) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">two</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: kiš·lō·šeṯ (Prep-k:: Number-msc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men are enough</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ya·‘ă·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">to go up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: wə·yak·kū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf-3mp) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and attack</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5857.htm" title="5857: hā·‘āy (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- A Canaanite city. Or uaya((Neh. 11:31); or eayath (Isaiah 10:28); for iy; Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in Palestine.">Ai.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Since</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">the people of Ai</a> <a href="/hebrew/4592.htm" title="4592: mə·‘aṭ (Adj-ms) -- A little, fewness, a few. Or miat; from ma'at; a little or few.">are so few,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">you need not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3021.htm" title="3021: tə·yag·ga‘- (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To toil, grow or be weary. A primitive root; properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil.">wear out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">our people</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> 4So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/13-31.htm">Numbers 13:31</a> But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” <a href="/deuteronomy/1-28.htm">Deuteronomy 1:28</a> Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’” <a href="/judges/7-2.htm">Judges 7:2-3</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ / Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. <a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">1 Samuel 14:6</a> Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-33.htm">1 Samuel 17:33</a> But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” <a href="/2_samuel/10-11.htm">2 Samuel 10:11-12</a> “If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. / Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” <a href="/2_kings/6-16.htm">2 Kings 6:16</a> “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” <a href="/2_chronicles/14-11.htm">2 Chronicles 14:11</a> Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.” <a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a> Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. <a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16-17</a> No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. <a href="/isaiah/30-15.htm">Isaiah 30:15-17</a> For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing.” / “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. / A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a> So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Matthew 17:20</a> “Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” <a href="/matthew/26-33.htm">Matthew 26:33</a> Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labor thither; for they are but few.about two [heb] about<a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a> The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.<a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Proverbs 21:25</a> The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.<a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24</a> Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-18.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-7.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-24.htm">Need</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-11.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-11.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-4.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/joshua/4-13.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/joshua/3-2.htm">Three</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-7.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-65.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/joshua/6-24.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/7-4.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/joshua/8-1.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/16-10.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/joshua/19-9.htm">Need</a> <a href="/joshua/8-21.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/joshua/7-4.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/joshua/7-4.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/joshua/7-4.htm">Three</a> <a href="/job/9-29.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/judges/4-21.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/joshua/8-1.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 7</div>1. <a href="/joshua/7-1.htm">The Israelites are smitten at Ai</a> 6. <a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua's complaint</a> 10. <a href="/joshua/7-10.htm">God instructs him what to do</a> 16. <a href="/joshua/7-16.htm">Achan is taken by the lot</a> 19. <a href="/joshua/7-19.htm">His confession</a> 24. <a href="/joshua/7-24.htm">He and all he had are destroyed in the valley of Achor</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>On returning to Joshua, they reported The spies sent by Joshua returned with their assessment of Ai, a city located near Bethel. This reflects a common military strategy of reconnaissance, seen earlier when Joshua himself was sent as a spy to Canaan (Numbers 13). The act of reporting to Joshua underscores his leadership role, similar to Moses, and highlights the importance of seeking counsel and making informed decisions.There is no need to send all the people This phrase suggests overconfidence and a reliance on human judgment rather than seeking divine guidance. It contrasts with the earlier conquest of Jericho, where God's specific instructions were followed (Joshua 6). The decision not to involve the entire army may reflect a lack of understanding of the spiritual nature of their mission, emphasizing the need for dependence on God rather than human strength.two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai The recommendation to send only a small force indicates a misjudgment of the situation. Ai, though smaller than Jericho, was strategically significant. The number "two or three thousand" suggests a minimal effort, which can be seen as a lack of vigilance. This decision foreshadows the failure that results from underestimating the enemy and not seeking God's will.Since the people of Ai are so few This assessment of Ai's population reflects a focus on physical numbers rather than spiritual readiness. The Israelites' previous victory at Jericho might have led to complacency. The phrase highlights the danger of relying on appearances and underestimating challenges, a theme echoed in other scriptures such as <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>, where God reminds Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearances.you need not wear out all our people there The concern for not exhausting the people shows a practical consideration for the well-being of the troops. However, it also reveals a lack of spiritual insight, as the true strength of Israel lay in obedience to God, not in conserving human resources. This phrase can be contrasted with the New Testament teaching in <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a>, which encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, emphasizing perseverance in faith and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. 2. <a href="/topical/a/ai.htm">Ai</a> A small city near Bethel, which the Israelites attempted to conquer after their victory at Jericho. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israelite_spies.htm">Israelite Spies</a> Sent by Joshua to scout the city of Ai and assess its defenses. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_men_of_ai.htm">The Men of Ai</a> The inhabitants of Ai, perceived as few and weak by the Israelite spies. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_defeat_at_ai.htm">The Defeat at Ai</a> Following the spies' report, the Israelites suffer an unexpected defeat due to hidden sin within the camp.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_presumption.htm">The Danger of Presumption</a> Presuming upon God's favor without seeking His guidance can lead to failure. The Israelites assumed victory without consulting God, leading to their defeat. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Hidden sin can hinder God's blessings. Achan's sin affected the entire community, reminding us that personal disobedience can have communal consequences. <a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_humility.htm">The Need for Humility</a> Humility before God is crucial. The Israelites' overconfidence in their own strength rather than reliance on God serves as a warning against pride. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God's Guidance</a> Always seek God's direction before making decisions. The Israelites' failure to consult God before attacking Ai underscores the importance of prayer and discernment. <a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a> The account highlights the importance of accountability within the community of believers. Achan's sin was not just a personal issue but affected the entire nation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 7</a> <a href="/q/augustus_caesar's_biblical_role.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_ai_mentioned_later_in_the_bible.htm">If Ai was truly annihilated, why does it not appear in later references to the region's cities in the Old Testament?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_ai_defeat_and_casualties.htm">In Joshua 7:5, is there archaeological or historical evidence supporting the defeat at Ai and the specific number of casualties? </a> <a href="/q/are_biblical_numbers_accurate.htm">Are biblical numbers accurate?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) Make not all the people to labour thither.--In these words we see, by a sort of side-glance, the (not unnatural) comment of Israel on the seven days' march round Jericho. They thought it useless labour, and were unable to appreciate the lesson which it taught. Again our attention is directed to the peculiar character of the warfare. It was not that kind of war which men would naturally have been disposed to wage. But the narrative is consistent throughout. (See Note on <a href="/joshua/2-1.htm" title="And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.">Joshua 2:1</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Make not all the people to labour thither; or, weary not the people with the journey thither. "Good successe lifts up the heart with too much confidence" (Bp. Hall). <a href="/commentaries/joshua/7-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>On returning וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ (way·yā·šu·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Joshua, יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites they reported, וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “There is no need אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not to send all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people; הָעָם֒ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock two כְּאַלְפַּ֣יִם (kə·’al·pa·yim) Preposition-k | Number - md <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand or א֚וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if three כִּשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת (kiš·lō·šeṯ) Preposition-k | Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice thousand אֲלָפִ֣ים (’ă·lā·p̄îm) Number - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand men [are enough] אִ֔ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person to go up יַעֲל֖וּ (ya·‘ă·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively and attack וְיַכּ֣וּ (wə·yak·kū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike Ai. הָעָ֑י (hā·‘āy) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5857.htm">Strong's 5857: </a> Ai -- a Canaanite city Since כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the people of Ai הֵֽמָּה׃ (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They are so few, מְעַ֖ט (mə·‘aṭ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> A little, fewness, a few you need not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not wear out תְּיַגַּע־ (tə·yag·ga‘-) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3021.htm">Strong's 3021: </a> To gasp, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every our people הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock there.? שָׁ֙מָּה֙ (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/7-3.htm">OT History: Joshua 7:3 They returned to Joshua and said (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/7-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 7:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 7:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/7-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 7:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 7:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>