And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
Chased them ... even unto Shebarim - i:e., unto the 'breakings' or 'fissures' at the opening of the passes. But Gesenius renders Shebarim 'even unto the ruins-breaches of walls' (cf. Isaiah 30:13-14). The Septuagint omits the words entirely.
And smote them in the going down - i:e., the declivity or slope of the deep, rugged adjoining wady. [Septuagint, apo tou kataferous, from the (top of) the declivity.]
Wherefore the hearts of the people melted. It is evident that the troops engaged were a tumultuary, undisciplined band, no better skilled in military affairs than the Bedonin Arabs, who become disheartened and flee on the loss of 10 or 15 men. But the consternation of the Israelites arose from another cause-the evident displeasure of God, who withheld that aid on which they had confidently reckoned.