⁸ The officers will continue to address the army and say, ‘Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers’ hearts won’t melt like his own.’

⁵ The men of Ai struck down about 36 of them and chased them from outside the gate to the quarries,^[a] striking them down on the descent. As a result, the people’s hearts melted and became like water.^(A)

An Oracle against Egypt

19 An oracle^(A) against Egypt:^(B)

⁷ And when they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ then say: Because of the news that is coming.^(A) Every heart will melt, and every hand will become weak. Every spirit will be discouraged, and every knee will turn to water. Yes, it is coming and it will happen.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.