Joshua 8:9 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

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.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

So Joshua sent them out, and they went to hide and wait in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai. But Joshua spent that night with his people.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Joshua is carefully positioning his troops for a strategic attack while staying close to his main army to lead them.

📚 Historical Context

This takes place during Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, specifically their second attempt to capture the city of Ai after their initial defeat due to Achan's sin. Joshua is now implementing a military strategy involving an ambush force while he remains with the main army to coordinate the attack.

Explore Similar Verses

Joshua 8:4

Joshua gave them orders, saying, 'Listen, you will hide and wait to ambush the city from behind it. Don't go too far away from the city, but everyone be ready.'

Joshua 8:13

After they had positioned all their troops - the main army north of the city and the soldiers lying in ambush on the west side of the city - Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley.

Joshua 8:21

When Joshua and all the Israelites saw that their hidden soldiers had captured the city and that smoke was rising from it, they turned around and attacked the men of Ai.

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