Joshua 7:2-4

Good News Translation

² Joshua sent some men from Jericho to Ai, a city east of Bethel, near Bethaven, with orders to go and explore the land. When they had done so, ³ 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.” ⁴ So about three thousand Israelites made the attack, but they were forced to retreat.