TSK · Ezra 2:28

Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai(which is located near Beth Aven, east of Bethel) and instructed them,“Go up and spy on the land.” So the men went up and spied on Ai.

No men were left in Ai or Bethel; they all went out after Israel. They left the city wide open and chased Israel.

Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-Melech and their companions to seek the LORD’s favor