Joshua led 3,000 men to Ai but they were defeated. 36 men died because Achan was disobedient. After Achan was killed God told Joshua how to defeat Ai. Joshua sent 5,000 to ambush behind Ai. The next day the rest of the army went towards Ai and retreated. The soldiers in Ai thought that the Israelites were running away again and chased them. All the soldiers left the city and left the gates open.
When Joshua thought they were chasing him he gave the signal, and the ambush ran into the city, killed the people and set it alight. As the smoke came up from the city. Joshua knew that they were successful and turned and began to kill them. The men of Ai had nowhere to go. Because soon the men in the city came after them and they were caught. 12,000 people were killed but the live cattle and loot was kept by the Israelites.
The king was the last person killed and his body hung on a tree and then he was thrown in the city gates and put rocks on them.
Bible References: Joshua 7-8
Have a look at modern Ai
