Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Joshua sent them off, 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 with the people. New Living Translation So they left and went to the place of ambush between Bethel and the west side of Ai. But Joshua remained among the people in the camp that night. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible 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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible 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. NASB 1995 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. NASB 1977 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. Legacy Standard Bible 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. Amplified Bible 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]. Berean Annotated Bible So Joshua (YHWH saves) sent them out, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel (house of God) and Ai (heap of ruins), to the west of Ai. But Joshua spent that night among the people. Christian Standard Bible 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. Holman Christian Standard Bible 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. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version 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. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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. Good News Translation 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. International Standard Version 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. NET Bible 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. New Heart English Bible 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. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd 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. Berean Literal Bible 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. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation 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. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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, Catholic Public Domain Version 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. New American Bible 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. New Revised Standard Version 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. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo 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. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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 OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joshua sent them, and they went to lie in ambush; and they lay between Baethel and Gai, westward of Gai. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Conquest of Ai…8And when you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do as the LORD has commanded! See, I have given you orders.” 9So 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. 10Joshua got up early the next morning and mobilized his men, and he and the elders of Israel marched before them up to Ai.… Cross References So Joshua sent them out, Joshua 2:1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. Numbers 13:17 When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he told them, “Go up through the Negev and into the hill country. Deuteronomy 1:22 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men ahead of us to search out the land and bring us word of what route to follow and which cities to enter.” and they went to the place of ambush Judges 9:25 The leaders of Shechem set up an ambush against Abimelech on the hilltops, and they robbed all who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech. Judges 20:29 So Israel set up an ambush around Gibeah. Judges 20:33 So all the men of Israel got up from their places and arrayed themselves at Baal-tamar, and the Israelites in ambush charged from their positions west of Gibeah. and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, 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. Genesis 13:3 From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched, Joshua 12:9 the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is near Bethel, one; to the west of Ai. 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 18:13 From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon. Judges 1:22-26 The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them. / They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz), / and when the spies saw a man coming out of the city, they said to him, “Please show us how to get into the city, and we will treat you kindly.” … But Joshua spent that night among the people. 1 Samuel 26:7 That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. 1 Samuel 26:5 Then David set out and went to the place where Saul had camped. He saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general of his army, had lain down. Saul was lying inside the inner circle of the camp, with the troops camped around him. Deuteronomy 23:9-14 When you are encamped against your enemies, then you shall keep yourself from every wicked thing. / If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he must leave the camp and stay outside. / When evening approaches, he must wash with water, and when the sun sets he may return to the camp. … Joshua 1:9 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.” Treasury of Scripture 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 Joshua 8:12 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. Joshua 7:2 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. Genesis 12:8 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 Ezra 2:28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three. Nehemiah 7:32 The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three. lodged Genesis 32:21 So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company. Jump to Previous Abide Abode Ai Ambush Ambushment Bethel Beth-El Joshua Kept Lie Lodgeth Midst Night Position Secret Side Spent Wait WestJump to Next Abide Abode Ai Ambush Ambushment Bethel Beth-El Joshua Kept Lie Lodgeth Midst Night Position Secret Side Spent Wait WestJoshua 8 1. God encourages Joshua3. The plan whereby Ai was taken 29. The king thereof is hanged 30. Joshua builds an altar 32. writes the law on stones 33. and pronounces the blessings and curses 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 Numbers 13. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe 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. The Ambush Site 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. Bethel A nearby city, significant in Israelite history, often associated with worship and encounters with God. 4. Ai A Canaanite city that Israel is attempting to conquer. Previously, Israel suffered a defeat here due to disobedience. 5. The People Refers to the Israelites, who are under Joshua's leadership and are part of the military strategy against Ai. Teaching Points Strategic ObedienceJoshua'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. Leadership and Presence 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. Preparation and Prayer The ambush plan required careful preparation. Similarly, Christians should prepare for spiritual battles through prayer, study, and reliance on God's guidance. Community and Unity 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 8:9?2. How does Joshua 8:9 demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's strategy? 3. What can we learn about leadership from Joshua's actions in Joshua 8:9? 4. How does Joshua 8:9 connect with God's promises in Deuteronomy 31:6? 5. How can we apply Joshua's patience and trust in God's timing today? 6. What role does preparation play in achieving victory according to Joshua 8:9? 7. What is the significance of Joshua's ambush strategy in Joshua 8:9 for modern spiritual warfare? 8. How does Joshua 8:9 reflect God's guidance in military tactics and leadership? 9. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Joshua 8:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 8? 11. If Ai was truly annihilated, why does it not appear in later references to the region's cities in the Old Testament? 12. What is Ai's significance in the Bible? 13. Where is the archaeological evidence supporting the complete destruction of Ai (Joshua 8:28)? 14. In Hosea 9:15, how do we reconcile an 'all-loving' God with the statement that God hates His people in Gilgal? What Does Joshua 8:9 Mean So Joshua sent them out“Joshua sent them out” (Joshua 8:9) is a simple phrase packed with leadership insight. • He acts immediately on God’s renewed strategy after the failure at Ai (Joshua 8:1–2; compare Numbers 27:21). • Joshua’s obedience shows trust: no committee delays, no second-guessing, just faithful execution (Exodus 17:9–10). • His sending also underscores delegation; victory often involves the whole covenant community, not a lone hero (Exodus 18:25; Ephesians 4:12). and they went to the place of ambush The warriors move to the exact spot God revealed (Joshua 8:2). • Their movement affirms that divine direction is meant to be acted upon, not admired (James 1:22). • God sometimes uses strategy, not only miracles; planning is compatible with faith (Proverbs 21:31; Luke 14:28–31). • The ambush echoes earlier tactics—Israel’s Red Sea crossing hinged on God-given positioning (Exodus 14:1–4). and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai Geography matters in biblical history. • Bethel and Ai stand in the hill country, strategic for controlling central Canaan (Genesis 12:8). • Lying “to the west” blocks Ai’s retreat and secures surprise—God’s wisdom always accounts for the terrain (Judges 7:16–22). • The precise location signals literal reliability; the chronicler expects readers to know or verify these sites (1 Kings 13:10; Isaiah 10:28). But Joshua spent that night among the people A tender, instructive contrast. • Joshua doesn’t distance himself; he shares the camp’s vulnerability (Deuteronomy 31:8). • His presence calms fears after the previous defeat (Joshua 7:5), mirroring how the Lord Himself “tabernacled” among Israel (Exodus 33:14). • Leaders who stay close foster unity and courage (1 Samuel 17:32; Philippians 2:4). summary Joshua 8:9 portrays swift obedience, strategic faith, and servant leadership. God’s plan involves organized action—ambush teams positioned with precision—yet also relational nearness, as Joshua remains with his people. The verse reassures believers that the Lord’s guidance is trustworthy, practical, and intended to be lived out together. (9) They went to lie in ambush.--Or, they went to the lurking-place; and remained between Bethel and Ai. The ambush itself (Joshua 8:2; Joshua 8:7; Joshua 8:19; Joshua 8:21) 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. . . . Verse 9. - Between Bethel and Ai. (see above, Joshua 7:2).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3091: 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 Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out and they went וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the place of ambush הַמַּאְרָ֔ב (ham·ma’·rāḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3993: An ambuscade and lay in wait וַיֵּשְׁב֗וּ (way·yê·šə·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry between בֵּ֧ין (bên) Preposition Strong's 996: An interval, space between Bethel אֵ֛ל (’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1008: Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah and Ai, הָעַ֖י (hā·‘ay) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5857: Ai -- a Canaanite city to the west מִיָּ֣ם (mî·yām) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin of Ai. לָעָ֑י (lā·‘āy) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5857: Ai -- a Canaanite city But [Joshua] יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3091: 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 Strong's 3885: To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate that הַה֖וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are night בַּלַּ֥יְלָה (bal·lay·lāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity among בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the people. הָעָֽם׃ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Links Joshua 8:9 NIVJoshua 8:9 NLT Joshua 8:9 ESV Joshua 8:9 NASB Joshua 8:9 KJV Joshua 8:9 BibleApps.com Joshua 8:9 Biblia Paralela Joshua 8:9 Chinese Bible Joshua 8:9 French Bible Joshua 8:9 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 8:9 Joshua sent them out (Josh. 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