Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 7:5. It’s a really significant moment in the story of Israel's deliverance from the city of Ai. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Ai is a Powerful Enemy: The verse describes a brutal attack by the people of Ai – they attacked Israel, specifically the city of Jericho, and killed around 30 and six men. They Tried to Escape: The people of Ai tried desperately to flee from the battlefield before the battle even began. They were running for their lives! A Moment of Change: As they ran, they stumbled upon a place called Shebarim (which translates roughly as “the place where the water flows”). The Unexpected – The Water Transforms Them: This is the key part. As they reached Shebarim, the water in the river there changed . It became so clear and flowing that it resembled liquid water. It felt like a calming, soothing effect. What it Means - A Symbol of Change & Forgiveness: This verse isn’t about literal water. It's a powerful metaphor for something much more profound: Forgiveness & Letting Go: The "melting" of the hearts of the people is interpreted as a shift in their emotions after the violence. The act of running and fleeing caused them to become overwhelmed by anger and fear, but the water’s calming effect shifted those feelings towards a state of peace and understanding. God's Mercy: It suggests that God’s judgment isn't always about punishment. Sometimes, even after terrible things happen, He can offer a moment of grace and healing – a change in perspective. In short, the verse describes a shift from anger and fear to peace and understanding as a result of the people’s actions and the water's influence. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning. It’s often interpreted as a sign of God's mercy and a turning point in Israel’s history. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context of the story surrounding this event?