Joshua 8:9

Translations

Modern

So Joshua sent them out, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai. But Joshua spent that night among the people.

Traditional

Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Beth–el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.

Literal

And Joshua sent them out, and they went to the ambush, and stayed between Bethel and between Ai, on the west side of Ai. And Joshua lodged that night in the midst of the people.

Latin

Dimisitque eos, et perrexerunt ad locum insidiarum, sederuntque inter Bethel et Hai, ad occidentalem plagam urbis Hai: Josue autem nocte illa in medio mansit populi,

Original

Hebrew

English

So Joshua sent them out, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai. But Joshua spent that night among the people.

Notes

Joshua 8:4–9

Joshua told the selected group what to expect from Israel’s main army. This special unit would be separated from Joshua’s direct command for almost two days. Because of this, they needed to understand clearly what they were supposed to do.

Israel’s success in this second attack on Ai depended on exact timing. The group had to rush into the town at the right moment.

Joshua 8:1–13

The Israelites made the first attempt to conquer Ai without consulting God. The second attempt was at God's command and direction. Before this attempt, God spoke to Joshua and gave him a strategy. More importantly, after Israel's recent disaster, God offered encouragement and a promise.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua

Events

War with Canaanites

Related verses

Ezra 2:28
…the men of Bethel and Ai, 223;
Joshua 7:2
Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.
Joshua 8:12
Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city.
Genesis 12:8
From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD.
Nehemiah 7:32
…the men of Bethel and Ai, 123;
Genesis 32:21
So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp.

People

Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan

Places

Ai: A Canaanite city conquered by Joshua after initial defeat Bethel: Important city in Israel, associated with Abraham and Jacob

Glossary

Ai Conquest and Allotment of the Land Joshua, Book of Judah, Tribe of Judges, Book of Tribe of Dan Warfare

Topics

Ambush: At Ai Armies: March in Ranks: Ambushes, at Ai Armies: March in Ranks: Decoy Sieges: Ai Strategy in War

Joshua 8:9

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