⁵ The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them and chased them from outside the city gate to the quarries,^[a] striking them down on the descent. As a result, the people lost heart.^[b](A)

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 all knees will run with urine.^[a](B) Yes, it is coming and it will happen. This is the declaration of the Lord God.” ’