VOOZH about

URL: https://biblehub.com/joshua/7-3.htm

⇱ Joshua 7:3 On returning to Joshua, they reported, "There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there."

Bible > Joshua > Chapter 7 > Verse 3
◄ Joshua 7:3 ►
New International Version
When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.”

New Living Translation
When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.”

English Standard Version
And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not make the whole people toil up there, for they are few.”

Berean Standard Bible
On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”

King James Bible
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few.

New King James Version
And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few.”

New American Standard Bible
Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up; have only about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai; do not trouble all the people there, for they are few.”

NASB 1995
They returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.”

NASB 1977
And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to strike down Ai; do not have all the people toil up there, for they are few.”

Amplified Bible
Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not make all the people go up [to fight]; have only about two thousand or three thousand men go up and attack Ai; do not make the entire army go up there, for they [of Ai] are few.”

Christian Standard Bible
After returning to Joshua they reported to him, “Don’t send all the people, but send about two thousand or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don’t wear out all our people there.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After returning to Joshua they reported to him, “Don’t send all the people, but send about 2,000 or 3,000 men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don’t wear out all our people there.”

American Standard Version
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; make not all the people to toil thither; for they are but few.

Contemporary English Version
They went back to Joshua and reported, "You don't need to send the whole army to attack Ai--2,000 or 3,000 troops will be enough. Why bother the whole army for a town that small?"

English Revised Version
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; make not all the people to toil thither; for they are but few.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They came back to Joshua and told him, "You don't need to send all the troops. Only about two or three thousand men are needed to destroy Ai. Don't tire the troops out by sending all of them. There are only a few troops in Ai."

Good News Translation
they reported back to Joshua: "There is no need for everyone to attack Ai. Send only about two or three thousand men. Don't send the whole army up there to fight; it is not a large city."

International Standard Version
returned to Joshua. "Not all of the people need to go up," they reported. "Only about two or three thousand men should attack Ai. Since they are so few, don't make all of the army work hard up there."

NET Bible
They returned and reported to Joshua, "Don't send the whole army. About two or three thousand men are adequate to defeat Ai. Don't tire out the whole army, for Ai is small."

New Heart English Bible
They returned to Joshua, and said to him, "Do not let all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai. Do not make all the people to toil there, for there are only a few of them."

Webster's Bible Translation
And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labor thither; for they are but few.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”

World English Bible
They returned to Joshua, and said to him, “Don’t let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai. Don’t make all the people to toil there, for there are only a few of them.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they return to Joshua, and say to him, “Do not let all the people go up; let about two thousand men, or about three thousand men, go up, and they strike Ai; do not cause all the people to labor there; for they [are] few.”

Young's Literal Translation
and they turn back unto Joshua, and say unto him, 'Let not all the people go up; let about two thousand men, or about three thousand men, go up, and they smite Ai; cause not all the people to labour thither; for they are few.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will turn back to Joshua, and will say to him, All the people shall not go up; about two thousand men or about three thousand men shall go up and smite Ai: thou shalt not weary there all the people for they few.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And returning they said to him: Let not all the people go up, but let two or three thousand men go and destroy the city: why should all the people be troubled in vain against enemies that are very few?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And returning, they said to him: “Let not the entire people go up. Instead, let two or three thousand men go out and destroy the city. Why should all the people be troubled without cause against enemies that are so very few?”

New American Bible
they returned to Joshua and advised, “Do not send all the people up; if only about two or three thousand go up, they can attack and overcome Ai. You need not tire all the people: the enemy there are few.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Not all the people need go up; about two or three thousand men should go up and attack Ai. Since they are so few, do not make the whole people toil up there.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up, and destroy Ai; and do not send all the people there, for the men of Ai are but few.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they returned to Yeshua and they were saying to him: “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up. They will destroy Ai. Do not send all the people, because they are few”,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him: 'Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; make not all the people to toil thither; for they are but few.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and take the city by siege: carry not up thither the whole people, for the enemy are few.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel Defeated at Ai
…2Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.” 4So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai.…

Cross References
Numbers 13:31
But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!”

Deuteronomy 1:28
Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”

Judges 7:2-3
Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ / Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.

1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”

1 Samuel 17:33
But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

2 Samuel 10:11-12
“If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. / Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

2 Kings 6:16
“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

2 Chronicles 14:11
Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.”

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 33:16-17
No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.

Isaiah 30:15-17
For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing.” / “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. / A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 17:20
“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 26:33
Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.”


Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 21:25
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

Luke 13:24
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Jump to Previous
Ai Attack Joshua Labor Need Smite Strike Thither Thousand Three Toil Weary Whole
Jump to Next
Ai Attack Joshua Labor Need Smite Strike Thither Thousand Three Toil Weary Whole
Joshua 7
1. The Israelites are smitten at Ai
6. Joshua's complaint
10. God instructs him what to do
16. Achan is taken by the lot
19. His confession
24. He and all he had are destroyed in the valley of Achor














On returning to Joshua, they reported
The spies sent by Joshua returned with their assessment of Ai, a city located near Bethel. This reflects a common military strategy of reconnaissance, seen earlier when Joshua himself was sent as a spy to Canaan (Numbers 13). The act of reporting to Joshua underscores his leadership role, similar to Moses, and highlights the importance of seeking counsel and making informed decisions.

There is no need to send all the people
This phrase suggests overconfidence and a reliance on human judgment rather than seeking divine guidance. It contrasts with the earlier conquest of Jericho, where God's specific instructions were followed (Joshua 6). The decision not to involve the entire army may reflect a lack of understanding of the spiritual nature of their mission, emphasizing the need for dependence on God rather than human strength.

two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai
The recommendation to send only a small force indicates a misjudgment of the situation. Ai, though smaller than Jericho, was strategically significant. The number "two or three thousand" suggests a minimal effort, which can be seen as a lack of vigilance. This decision foreshadows the failure that results from underestimating the enemy and not seeking God's will.

Since the people of Ai are so few
This assessment of Ai's population reflects a focus on physical numbers rather than spiritual readiness. The Israelites' previous victory at Jericho might have led to complacency. The phrase highlights the danger of relying on appearances and underestimating challenges, a theme echoed in other scriptures such as 1 Samuel 16:7, where God reminds Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearances.

you need not wear out all our people there
The concern for not exhausting the people shows a practical consideration for the well-being of the troops. However, it also reveals a lack of spiritual insight, as the true strength of Israel lay in obedience to God, not in conserving human resources. This phrase can be contrasted with the New Testament teaching in Galatians 6:9, which encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, emphasizing perseverance in faith and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land.

2. Ai
A small city near Bethel, which the Israelites attempted to conquer after their victory at Jericho.

3. Israelite Spies
Sent by Joshua to scout the city of Ai and assess its defenses.

4. The Men of Ai
The inhabitants of Ai, perceived as few and weak by the Israelite spies.

5. The Defeat at Ai
Following the spies' report, the Israelites suffer an unexpected defeat due to hidden sin within the camp.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Presumption
Presuming upon God's favor without seeking His guidance can lead to failure. The Israelites assumed victory without consulting God, leading to their defeat.

The Importance of Obedience
Hidden sin can hinder God's blessings. Achan's sin affected the entire community, reminding us that personal disobedience can have communal consequences.

The Need for Humility
Humility before God is crucial. The Israelites' overconfidence in their own strength rather than reliance on God serves as a warning against pride.

Seeking God's Guidance
Always seek God's direction before making decisions. The Israelites' failure to consult God before attacking Ai underscores the importance of prayer and discernment.

Community Accountability
The account highlights the importance of accountability within the community of believers. Achan's sin was not just a personal issue but affected the entire nation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 7:3?

2. Why did the spies suggest sending only "two or three thousand men"?

3. How does Joshua 7:3 demonstrate reliance on human judgment over God's guidance?

4. What lessons can we learn about overconfidence from Joshua 7:3?

5. How does Joshua 7:3 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God?

6. How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, unlike in Joshua 7:3?

7. Why did the Israelites underestimate Ai's strength in Joshua 7:3?

8. How does Joshua 7:3 reflect on leadership and decision-making?

9. What does Joshua 7:3 teach about the consequences of disobedience?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 7?

11. What is Ai's significance in the Bible?

12. If Ai was truly annihilated, why does it not appear in later references to the region's cities in the Old Testament?

13. In Joshua 7:5, is there archaeological or historical evidence supporting the defeat at Ai and the specific number of casualties?

14. Are biblical numbers accurate?
What Does Joshua 7:3 Mean
On returning to Joshua, they reported

- The spies’ swift return mirrors the pattern in Joshua 2:23–24, where reconnaissance ends with a direct, confident report.

- Unlike Moses in Numbers 14:5–10, Joshua receives no appeal to seek the Lord; the men assume their assessment is enough, revealing a subtle drift from the explicit dependence modeled in Joshua 6:2.

- Their report demonstrates legitimate military order and accountability (Proverbs 11:14), yet the absence of prayerful consultation (Joshua 9:14) foreshadows trouble.

There is no need to send all the people

- The counsel sounds practical, echoing Gideon’s drastically reduced force in Judges 7:2—but there the reduction was God’s command, not man’s idea.

- Here human efficiency replaces divine direction. Psalm 20:7 warns how easily trust slides from the Lord to numbers and strategy.

- Overconfidence masks the hidden sin of Achan (Joshua 7:11), reminding us that spiritual issues, not troop size, determine victory (Deuteronomy 1:42).

two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai

- The estimate seems logical: Ai’s population was far smaller than Jericho’s. Yet 1 Corinthians 10:12 cautions, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

- Jonathan once said the opposite—“Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). The spies reverse that logic, assuming “few” soldiers are automatically sufficient.

- When correction finally comes, Joshua mobilizes thirty thousand men under God’s directive (Joshua 8:3–4), proving that the Lord—not math—chooses the means.

Since the people of Ai are so few

- The men see only the visible enemy, forgetting the invisible barrier of God’s displeasure (Isaiah 59:2).

- David misread Goliath’s size as small compared to God (1 Samuel 17:45); these spies read Ai’s size as small compared to Israel, a subtle but fatal shift.

- Scripture consistently warns against despising “the day of small things” (Zechariah 4:10) because the Lord often uses small forces to display His power—or small obstacles to expose hidden sin.

you need not wear out all our people there

- Stewardship of troops is sensible (Proverbs 21:5), yet true rest comes from obedience, not relaxation (Exodus 33:14).

- David stayed home “when kings go out to battle” and fell into sin (2 Samuel 11:1–4); Israel now repeats the pattern by withholding effort when wholehearted engagement was required.

- Jesus later teaches His disciples to “watch and pray” rather than seek convenience (Matthew 26:41). Spiritual vigilance matters more than conserving energy.

summary

Joshua 7:3 records a confident, commonsense plan that inadvertently sidelines God’s voice. The spies return, recommend minimal force, and appeal to efficiency because Ai seems insignificant. Their assessment ignores the unseen factor of covenant holiness, leading to Israel’s defeat (Joshua 7:4-5). The verse cautions against trusting human calculation, belittling small challenges, and substituting practicality for prayer. True victory depends on hearing and obeying the Lord, regardless of an enemy’s size or our own resources.

(3) Make not all the people to labour thither.--In these words we see, by a sort of side-glance, the (not unnatural) comment of Israel on the seven days' march round Jericho. They thought it useless labour, and were unable to appreciate the lesson which it taught. Again our attention is directed to the peculiar character of the warfare. It was not that kind of war which men would naturally have been disposed to wage. But the narrative is consistent throughout. (See Note on Joshua 2:1.)Verse 3. - Make not all the people to labour thither; or, weary not the people with the journey thither. "Good successe lifts up the heart with too much confidence" (Bp. Hall).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On returning
וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ (way·yā·šu·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Joshua,
יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

they reported,
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“There is no need
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

to send all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the people;
הָעָם֒ (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

two
כְּאַלְפַּ֣יִם (kə·’al·pa·yim)
Preposition-k | Number - md
Strong's 505: A thousand

or
א֚וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

three
כִּשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת (kiš·lō·šeṯ)
Preposition-k | Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

thousand
אֲלָפִ֣ים (’ă·lā·p̄îm)
Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505: A thousand

men [are enough]
אִ֔ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

to go up
יַעֲל֖וּ (ya·‘ă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

and attack
וְיַכּ֣וּ (wə·yak·kū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5221: To strike

Ai.
הָעָ֑י (hā·‘āy)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5857: Ai -- a Canaanite city

Since
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the people of Ai
הֵֽמָּה׃ (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

are so few,
מְעַ֖ט (mə·‘aṭ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few

you need not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

wear out
תְּיַגַּע־ (tə·yag·ga‘-)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3021: To gasp, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

our people
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

there.”
שָׁ֙מָּה֙ (šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither


Links
Joshua 7:3 NIV
Joshua 7:3 NLT
Joshua 7:3 ESV
Joshua 7:3 NASB
Joshua 7:3 KJV

Joshua 7:3 BibleApps.com
Joshua 7:3 Biblia Paralela
Joshua 7:3 Chinese Bible
Joshua 7:3 French Bible
Joshua 7:3 Catholic Bible

OT History: Joshua 7:3 They returned to Joshua and said (Josh. Jos)