4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.
4 So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai,
4 So about 3,000 men went up there from the people. And they fled before the men of Ai,
4 So three thousand men went up - and then fled in defeat before the men of Ai!
4 So about three thousand men went up there from the people, but they fled before the men of Ai.
4 So approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 7:4
Commentary on Joshua 7:1-5
(Read Joshua 7:1-5)
Achan took some of the spoil of Jericho. The love of the world is that root of bitterness, which of all others is most hardly rooted up. We should take heed of sin ourselves, lest by it many be defiled or disquieted, Hebrews 12:15; and take heed of having fellowship with sinners, lest we share their guilt. It concerns us to watch over one another to prevent sin, because others' sins may be to our damage. The easy conquest of Jericho excited contempt of the enemy, and a disposition to expect the Lord to do all for them without their using proper means. Thus men abuse the doctrines of Divine grace, and the promises of God, into excuses for their own sloth and self-indulgence. We are to work out our own salvation, though it is God that works in us. It was a dear victory to the Canaanites, whereby Israel was awakened and reformed, and reconciled to their God, and the people of Canaan hardened to their own ruin.