Joshua 7:1–6

Achan’s Sin

7 But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted thingsa;f Achang son of Karmi, the son of Zimri,b the son of Zerah,h of the tribe of Judah,i took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burnedj against Israel.k

2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai,l which is near Beth Avenm to the east of Bethel,n and told them, “Go up and spy outo the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.

3 When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.” 4 So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai,p 5 who killed about thirty-sixq of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fearr and became like water.

6 Then Joshua tore his clothess and fell facedownt to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening.u The elders of Israelv did the same, and sprinkled dustw on their heads.