And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.

And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude: she dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits. {because of great...: Heb. for the greatness of servitude}

They have deeply corrupted {themselves}, as in the days of Gibeah: {therefore} he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.

O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.

When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice {men} of Israel, and put {them} in array against the Syrians:

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put {them} in array against the Syrians. {the battle...: Heb. the face of the battle was} {choice: or, young men}