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 Student Bible (Softcover)
The Message Student Bible (Softcover)
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.49
Save: $5.50 (22%)
The Message Gospel of John
The Message Gospel of John
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $4.49
Save: $0.50 (10%)
The Message SOLO New Testament: An Uncommon Devotional - eBook
The Message SOLO New Testament: An Uncommon Devotional - eBook
Retail: $16.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $7.00 (41%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message of Proverbs - eBook
The Message of Proverbs - eBook
Retail: $3.99
Our Price: $2.89
Save: $1.10 (28%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gospel of John in Contemporary Language - eBook
The Message Gospel of John in Contemporary Language - eBook
Retail: $2.99
Our Price: $2.39
Save: $0.60 (20%)