John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 7:3
And they returned unto Joshua, and said unto him, let not all the people go up ,.... After they had reconnoitred the place, they came back to their general, and gave it as their opinion, that there was no need for the whole army to go up against the city: but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai ; such a number they judged were sufficient to take it: and make not all the people to labour thither ; carrying their tents, bearing their armour, and going up hill: ... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 7:1-5
The story of this chapter begins with a but. The Lord was with Joshua, and his fame was noised through all that country, so the foregoing chapter ends, and it left no room to doubt but that he would go on as he had begun conquering and to conquer. He did right, and observed his orders in every thing. But the children of Israel committed a trespass, and so set God against them; and then even Joshua's name and fame, his wisdom and courage, could do them no service. If we lose our God, we lose... read more