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: for they are but few; the inhabitants of Ai, men and women making but twelve thousand; Jos 8:25.