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But Joshua remained among the people in the camp that night. <a href="/esv/joshua/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> So Joshua sent them out. And they went to the place of ambush and lay between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai, but Joshua spent that night among the people. <a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/joshua/8.htm">King James Bible</a> Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Joshua therefore sent them out; and they went to lie in ambush, and stayed between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua lodged that night among the people. <a href="/nasb_/joshua/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Joshua sent them away, and they went to the place of ambush and remained between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua spent that night among the people. <a href="/nasb/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Joshua sent them away, and they went to the place of ambush and remained between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua spent that night among the people. <a href="/nasb77/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So Joshua sent them away, and they went to the place of ambush and remained between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua spent that night among the people. <a href="/lsb/joshua/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Joshua sent them away, and they went to the place of ambush and remained between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua spent that night among the people. <a href="/amp/joshua/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Joshua sent them off, and they went to the place for the ambush and stayed [hidden] between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua spent that night among the people [in Gilgal]. <a href="/csb/joshua/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So Joshua sent them out, and they went to the ambush site and waited between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai. But he spent that night with the troops. <a href="/hcsb/joshua/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So Joshua sent them out, and they went to the ambush site and waited between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai. But he spent that night with the troops. <a href="/asv/joshua/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Joshua sent them forth; and they went to the ambushment, and abode between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people. <a href="/cev/joshua/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> now go! The 30,000 soldiers went to a place on the west side of Ai, between Ai and Bethel, where they could hide and wait to attack. That night, Joshua stayed in camp with the rest of the army. <a href="/erv/joshua/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Joshua sent them forth: and they went to the ambushment, and abode between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people. <a href="/gwt/joshua/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So Joshua sent them out, and they hid. They took their position west of Ai, between Bethel and Ai. Joshua spent the night with the troops. <a href="/gnt/joshua/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> So Joshua sent them out, and they went to their hiding place and waited there, west of Ai, between Ai and Bethel. Joshua spent the night in camp. <a href="/isv/joshua/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> So Joshua sent them out, and they set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai. Joshua spent that night in the camp among the army. <a href="/msb/joshua/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/joshua/8.htm">NET Bible</a> Joshua sent them away and they went to their hiding place west of Ai, between Bethel and Ai. Joshua spent that night with the army. <a href="/nheb/joshua/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Joshua sent them out; and they went to set up the ambush, and stayed between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua stayed among the people that night. <a href="/wbt/joshua/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/joshua/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Joshua sent them out; and they went to set up the ambush, and stayed between Bethel and Ai on the west side of Ai; but Joshua stayed among the people that night. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Joshua sends them away, and they go to the ambush, and abide between Bethel and Ai, on the west of Ai; and Joshua lodges on that night in the midst of the people. <a href="/ylt/joshua/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Joshua sendeth them away, and they go unto the ambush, and abide between Bethel and Ai, on the west of Ai; and Joshua lodgeth on that night in the midst of the people. <a href="/slt/joshua/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joshua will send them away; and they will go to the ambush, and they will dwell between the house of God and between Ai, from the sea to Ai: and Joshua will remain in that night in the midst of the people.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he sent them away, and they went on to the place of the ambush, and abode between Bethel and Hai, on the west side of the city of Hai. But Josue stayed that night in the midst of the people, <a href="/cpdv/joshua/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he sent them away, and they traveled to the place of the ambush, and they settled between Bethel and Ai, toward the western region of the city of Ai. But Joshua remained for that night in the midst of the people. <a href="/nabre/joshua/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Joshua sent them away. They went to the place of ambush, taking up their position to the west of Ai, toward Bethel. Joshua, however, spent that night with the army. <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So Joshua sent them out; and they went to the place of ambush, and lay between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai; but Joshua spent that night in the camp.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So Joshua sent them forth; and they went to the place of ambush, and lay between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua spent that night among the people. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yeshua sent and they went to the place of ambush and they stayed between Bayth Eil and Ai from the west of the city and Yeshua spent that night among the people<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Joshua sent them forth; and they went to the ambushment, and abode between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua lodged that night among the people. <a href="/sep/joshua/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Joshua sent them, and they went to lie in ambush; and they lay between Baethel and Gai, westward of Gai. <a href="/parallel/joshua/8-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=1791" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm">The Conquest of Ai</a> …8And when you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do as the LORD has commanded! See, I have given you orders.” 9<a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">So Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·lā·ḥêm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent them out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and they went</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3993.htm" title="3993: ham·ma’·rāḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- An ambush. From 'arab; an ambuscade.">the place of ambush</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šə·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and lay in wait</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: bêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: ’êl (N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine.">Bethel</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5857.htm" title="5857: hā·‘ay (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- A Canaanite city. Or uaya((Neh. 11:31); or eayath (Isaiah 10:28); for iy; Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in Palestine.">and Ai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: mî·yām (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">to the west</a> <a href="/hebrew/5857.htm" title="5857: lā·‘āy (Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- A Canaanite city. Or uaya((Neh. 11:31); or eayath (Isaiah 10:28); for iy; Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in Palestine.">of Ai.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">But Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/3885.htm" title="3885: way·yā·len (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or liyn; a primitive root; to stop; by implication, to stay permanently; hence to be obstinate.">spent</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: bal·lay·lāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">night</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: bə·ṯō·wḵ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">among</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people.</a> 10Joshua got up early the next morning and mobilized his men, and he and the elders of Israel marched before them up to Ai.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a> Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” <a href="/deuteronomy/31-7.htm">Deuteronomy 31:7-8</a> Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” <a href="/psalms/27-14.htm">Psalm 27:14</a> Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! <a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">1 Samuel 15:3</a> Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” <a href="/2_chronicles/20-17.htm">2 Chronicles 20:17</a> You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. <a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a> But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” <a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Judges 7:16-22</a> And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. / “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. / When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’” ... <a href="/1_kings/20-29.htm">1 Kings 20:29-30</a> For seven days the armies camped opposite each other, and on the seventh day the battle ensued, and the Israelites struck down the Arameans—a hundred thousand foot soldiers in one day. / The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room. <a href="/2_kings/6-8.htm">2 Kings 6:8-12</a> Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. ... <a href="/nehemiah/4-9.htm">Nehemiah 4:9</a> So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night. <a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a> and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a> What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? <a href="/1_corinthians/15-57.htm">1 Corinthians 15:57</a> But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-11</a> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and stayed between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.between<a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Joshua 8:12</a> And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.<a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Joshua 7:2</a> And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.<a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Genesis 12:8</a> And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.Hai<a href="/ezra/2-28.htm">Ezra 2:28</a> The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.<a href="/nehemiah/7-32.htm">Nehemiah 7:32</a> The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.lodged<a href="/genesis/32-21.htm">Genesis 32:21</a> So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/2-22.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/joshua/5-8.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-13.htm">Ambushment</a> <a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/6-17.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/joshua/8-4.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/psalms/91-1.htm">Lodgeth</a> <a href="/joshua/7-23.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">Night</a> <a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Position</a> <a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/joshua/7-7.htm">Side</a> <a href="/joshua/6-11.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/joshua/8-4.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-2.htm">West</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/18-5.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/judges/5-16.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/joshua/8-10.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Ambushment</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/joshua/8-10.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/9-4.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/psalms/91-1.htm">Lodgeth</a> <a href="/joshua/8-13.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/joshua/8-13.htm">Night</a> <a href="/joshua/8-11.htm">Position</a> <a href="/joshua/8-13.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/joshua/8-11.htm">Side</a> <a href="/joshua/8-13.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/joshua/8-13.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">West</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 8</div>1. <a href="/joshua/8-1.htm">God encourages Joshua</a> 3. <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">The plan whereby Ai was taken</a> 29. <a href="/joshua/8-29.htm">The king thereof is hanged</a> 30. <a href="/joshua/8-30.htm">Joshua builds an altar</a> 32. <a href="/joshua/8-32.htm">writes the law on stones</a> 33. <a href="/joshua/8-33.htm">and pronounces the blessings and curses</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So Joshua sent them out Joshua, as the leader of Israel, is executing a strategic military plan given by God. This reflects his role as a faithful servant and leader, following divine instructions. The sending out of the men signifies obedience and trust in God's plan, reminiscent of the sending of the spies in <a href="/numbers/13.htm">Numbers 13</a>.and they went to the place of ambush The ambush is a tactical maneuver, showing the Israelites' reliance on strategy as well as divine guidance. This reflects the wisdom in combining human effort with faith in God's promises. The use of ambushes is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/judges/20-29.htm">Judges 20:29-34</a>, indicating a common military tactic of the time.and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai This geographical detail highlights the strategic positioning of the ambush. Bethel and Ai were significant locations in the central hill country of Canaan. Bethel, meaning "house of God," was a place of previous significance to the patriarchs (<a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Genesis 12:8, 28</a>:19). The proximity to these locations underscores the importance of the conquest in fulfilling God's promise to Abraham regarding the land.to the west of Ai The specific mention of the direction indicates the careful planning involved in the ambush. Ai, meaning "ruin," was a fortified city, and its defeat was crucial for the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. The western position allowed the Israelites to cut off any retreat or reinforcements from Bethel, showcasing strategic military acumen.But Joshua spent that night among the people Joshua's decision to stay with the people demonstrates his leadership style, characterized by solidarity and encouragement. This act of staying with the people can be seen as a type of Christ, who dwelt among humanity (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>). It also reflects the importance of unity and morale in achieving victory, as seen in other biblical narratives where leaders are present with their people (e.g., Moses in <a href="/exodus/17-10.htm">Exodus 17:10-13</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The leader of Israel, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. In this verse, he is seen executing a strategic military plan. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_ambush_site.htm">The Ambush Site</a> A strategic location chosen by Joshua for the Israelite ambush against Ai. It is situated between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai. 3. <a href="/topical/b/bethel.htm">Bethel</a> A nearby city, significant in Israelite history, often associated with worship and encounters with God. 4. <a href="/topical/a/ai.htm">Ai</a> A Canaanite city that Israel is attempting to conquer. Previously, Israel suffered a defeat here due to disobedience. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a> Refers to the Israelites, who are under Joshua's leadership and are part of the military strategy against Ai.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/strategic_obedience.htm">Strategic Obedience</a> Joshua's actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Believers are called to be obedient to God's Word, trusting His plans even when they require patience and strategy. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_presence.htm">Leadership and Presence</a> Joshua's decision to stay with the people highlights the importance of leadership presence. Leaders in the church and community should be present and engaged with those they lead, especially during challenging times. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_prayer.htm">Preparation and Prayer</a> The ambush plan required careful preparation. Similarly, Christians should prepare for spiritual battles through prayer, study, and reliance on God's guidance. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_unity.htm">Community and Unity</a> Joshua's presence with the people underscores the value of community and unity. Believers are encouraged to support one another, fostering a sense of togetherness in pursuing God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 8</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_ai_mentioned_later_in_the_bible.htm">If Ai was truly annihilated, why does it not appear in later references to the region's cities in the Old Testament?</a> <a href="/q/augustus_caesar's_biblical_role.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/where's_the_evidence_of_ai's_destruction.htm">Where is the archaeological evidence supporting the complete destruction of Ai (Joshua 8:28)?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_hosea_9_15_show_god's_love.htm">In Hosea 9:15, how do we reconcile an 'all-loving' God with the statement that God hates His people in Gilgal?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) They went to lie in ambush.--Or, they went to the lurking-place; and remained between Bethel and Ai. The ambush itself (<a href="/joshua/8-2.htm" title="And you shall do to Ai and her king as you did to Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall you take for a prey to yourselves: lay you an ambush for the city behind it.">Joshua 8:2</a>; <a href="/joshua/8-7.htm" title="Then you shall rise up from the ambush, and seize on the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.">Joshua 8:7</a>; <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm" title="And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hurried and set the city on fire.">Joshua 8:19</a>; <a href="/joshua/8-21.htm" title="And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai.">Joshua 8:21</a>) is described by a slightly different word.Among the people--i.e., at Gilgal.10) Joshua . . . numbered.--Or, rather, mustered the people.He then went up with the elders of Israel at the head of the main body, and made an imposing demonstration with a large force in front of the town. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Between Bethel and Ai. (see above, <a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Joshua 7:2</a>). <a href="/commentaries/joshua/8-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites sent them out, וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֣ם (way·yiš·lā·ḥêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out and they went וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the place of ambush הַמַּאְרָ֔ב (ham·ma’·rāḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3993.htm">Strong's 3993: </a> An ambuscade and lay in wait וַיֵּשְׁב֗וּ (way·yê·šə·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry between בֵּ֧ין (bên) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between Bethel אֵ֛ל (’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1008.htm">Strong's 1008: </a> Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah and Ai, הָעַ֖י (hā·‘ay) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5857.htm">Strong's 5857: </a> Ai -- a Canaanite city to the west מִיָּ֣ם (mî·yām) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin of Ai. לָעָ֑י (lā·‘āy) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5857.htm">Strong's 5857: </a> Ai -- a Canaanite city But [Joshua] יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites spent וַיָּ֧לֶן (way·yā·len) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3885.htm">Strong's 3885: </a> To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate that הַה֖וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are night בַּלַּ֥יְלָה (bal·lay·lāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity among בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> A bisection, the centre the people. הָעָֽם׃ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/8-9.htm">Joshua 8:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">OT History: Joshua 8:9 Joshua sent them out (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/8-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 8:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/8-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 8:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>