⁴ So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai,^{(A) 5} who killed about thirty-six^(B) of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear^(C) and became like water.

⁶ Then Joshua tore his clothes^(D) and fell facedown^(E) to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening.^(F) The elders of Israel^(G) did the same, and sprinkled dust^(H) on their heads. ⁷ And Joshua said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord, why^(I) did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?^(J) If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! ⁸ Pardon your servant, Lord. What can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? ⁹ The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth.^(K) What then will you do for your own great name?^(L)”

¹⁰ The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? ¹¹ Israel has sinned;^(M) they have violated my covenant,^(N) which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied,^(O) they have put them with their own possessions.^{(P) 12} That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies;^(Q) they turn their backs^(R) and run^(S) because they have been made liable to destruction.^(T) I will not be with you anymore^(U) unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.