24-25 When it was all over, Israel had killed everyone in Ai, whether in the fields or in the wilderness where they had chased them. When the killing was complete, the Israelites returned to Ai and completed the devastation. The death toll that day came to twelve thousand men and women—everyone in Ai.

26-27 Joshua didn’t lower his outstretched javelin until the sacred destruction of Ai and all its people was completed. Israel did get to take the livestock and loot left in the city; God’s instructions to Joshua allowed for that.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message for Graduates
The Message for Graduates
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $8.49
Save: $4.50 (35%)
The Message Prayerful Reading Bible, Softcover
The Message Prayerful Reading Bible, Softcover
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $21.99
Save: $8.00 (27%)
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Brown/Saddle Tan Leather-Look
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Brown/Saddle Tan Leather-Look
Retail: $16.99
Our Price: $13.99
Save: $3.00 (18%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, hardcover
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, hardcover
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Personal-Size Bible--soft leather-look, saddle tan
The Message Personal-Size Bible--soft leather-look, saddle tan
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars