Joshua 7:2

Joshua sent men from the camp near Jericho to the town of Ai, which is near Bethaven, east of Bethel. “Go and explore the land,” he told them. So they went and explored around Ai.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth-aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.

In Context

1However, the Israelites had not been faithful regarding those things set apart for the Lord. Achan had taken some of them which made the Lord very angry with the Israelites. Achan was the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah.

3When they returned they told Joshua, “The whole army isn't needed. Two or three thousand men is enough to go and attack Ai. Don't bother sending everyone—there's only a few of them.”

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Cross References

Genesis 28:19He named the place “Bethel,” (previously it was called Luz).

Joshua 12:9The king of Jericho. The king of Ai, near Bethel.

1 Samuel 13:5The Philistines gathered to fight against Israel. They had three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and soldiers as numerous as sand on the seashore. They advanced and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.

1 Kings 12:29He placed one in Bethel, and the other in Dan.

Proverbs 20:18With sound advice, plans are successful; if you're going to war, make sure you have good guidance.

Isaiah 10:28The Assyrians came to Aiath, passed through Migron, and stored their supplies at Michmash.

Matthew Henry on Joshua 7:2-6

The Sin of Achan. ( b. c. 1451.) 1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth-aven, on the east side of Beth-el, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and… Read the whole commentary →

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