Joshua 8:4-17 in English

⁴ And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city; go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

⁵ and I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city. And it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them;

⁶ and they will come out after us, till we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: so we will flee before them;

⁷ and ye shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city: for Jehovah your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ And it shall be, when ye have seized upon the city, that ye shall set the city on fire; according to the word of Jehovah shall ye do: see, I have commanded you.

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ And Joshua arose up early in the morning, and mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the people, even the men of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and encamped on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² And he took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ So they set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers-in-wait that were on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

¹⁴ And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he knew not that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ And all the people that were in the city were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And he charged them, saying, Do ye lie in ambush behind the city: do not go far from the city, and ye shall all be ready.

⁵ And I and all with me will draw near to the city: and it shall come to pass when the inhabitants of Gai shall come forth to meet us, as before, that we will flee from before them.

⁶ And when they shall come out after us, we will draw them away from the city; and they will say, These men flee from before us, as also before.

⁷ And ye shall rise up out of the ambuscade, and go into the city.

⁸ Ye shall do according to this word, lo! I have commanded you.

⁹ And Joshua sent them, and they went to lie in ambush; and they lay between Bæthel and Gai, westward of Gai.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people; and he went up, he and the elders before the people to Gai.

¹¹ And all the men of war went up with him, and they went forward and came over against the city eastward.

¹² And the ambuscade was on the west side of the city.

¹⁴ And it came to pass when the king of Gai saw it, he hasted and went out to meet them direct to the battle, he and all the people that were with him: and he knew not that there was an ambuscade formed against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and Israel saw, and retreated from before them.

¹⁶ And they pursued after the children of Israel, and they themselves went to a distance from the city.

¹⁷ There was no one left in Gai who did not pursue after Israel; and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

⁵ And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them,

⁶ (For they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them.

⁷ Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.

¹² And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

¹⁴ And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

⁵ And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them,

⁶ (For they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them.

⁷ Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.

¹² And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

¹⁴ And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And he charged them, saying, Do you° lie in ambush behind the city: do not go far from the city, and you° shall all be ready.

⁵ Land I and all with me will draw near to the city: and it shall come to pass when the inhabitants of Gai shall come forth to meet us, as before, that we will flee from before them.

⁶ And when they shall come out after us, we will draw them away from the city; and they will say, These men flee from before us, as also before.

⁷ And you° shall rise up out of the ambuscade, and go into the city.

⁸ You° shall do according to this word, behold! I have commanded you.

⁹ And Joshua sent them, and they went to lie in ambush; and they lay between Baethel and Gai, westward of Gai.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people; and he went up, he and the elders before the people to Gai.

¹¹ And all the men of war went up with him, and they went forward and came over against the city eastward.

¹² And the ambuscade was on the west side of the city.

¹⁴ And it came to pass when the king of Gai saw it, he hasted and went out to meet them direct to the battle, he and all the people that were with him: and he knew not that there was an ambuscade formed against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and Israel saw, and retreated from before them.

¹⁶ And they pursued after the children of Israel, and they themselves went to a distance from the city.

¹⁷ There was no one left in Gai who did not pursue after Israel; and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

⁵ and I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them;

⁶ and they will come out after us, till we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first; so we will flee before them:

⁷ and ye shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ And it shall be, when ye have seized upon the city, that ye shall set the city on fire; according to the word of the LORD shall ye do: see, I have commanded you.

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the people, even the men of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² And he took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ So they set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait that were on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the vale.

¹⁴ And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he wist not that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ And all the people that were in the city were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ He said to them, “Listen carefully. Some of you must hide on the other side of the city. Do not go far from the city. Just be ready to attack.

⁵ I and the men who are with me will march toward the city in the morning. The men in the city will come out to fight us, like they did before. Then we will turn around and start to run away from them.

⁶ They will think that we are running away from them like we did before. So they will chase us away from the city. While we are running away,

⁷ those of you who are hiding come out and rush into the city and capture it. Yahweh your God will enable you to conquer it.

⁸ After you capture the city, burn it. Do what Yahweh has commanded us to do. Those are the orders I am giving to you.”

⁹ Then Joshua prepared to send some of them to hide and wait between Ai and Bethel, which was west of Ai. But Joshua stayed with his other soldiers that night.

¹⁰ Early the next morning, Joshua gathered his soldiers together. Then he and the other Israeli leaders led them up to Ai.

¹¹ They all set up their tents close to Ai, just to the north of the city, where all the people of the city could see them. There was a valley between them and the city.

¹² Then Joshua chose about 5,000 men and told them to go and hide just west of the city, between Ai and Bethel.

¹³ So those men did that. The main group of soldiers was north of the city, and the others were hiding west of the city. That night Joshua went down into the valley.

¹⁴ When the king of Ai saw the Israeli army, he and his soldiers got up early the next morning and quickly went out of the city to fight them. They went to a place east of the city, but they did not know that some Israeli soldiers were hiding behind the city.

¹⁵ Joshua and the Israeli soldiers who were with him allowed the army of Ai to push them back. They ran toward the desert.

¹⁶ The men in Ai were ordered to chase after Joshua and his men. So they left the city and started to pursue the Israelis.

¹⁷ All the men of Ai and the men of Bethel pursued the Israeli army. They did not leave even one man in Ai to defend it. The gates of the city were left wide open.

⁴ And he charged them, saying, Do you° lie in ambush behind the city: do not go far from the city, and you° shall all be ready.

⁵ Land I and all with me will draw near to the city: and it shall come to pass when the inhabitants of Gai shall come forth to meet us, as before, that we will flee from before them.

⁶ And when they shall come out after us, we will draw them away from the city; and they will say, These men flee from before us, as also before.

⁷ And you° shall rise up out of the ambuscade, and go into the city.

⁸ You° shall do according to this word, behold! I have commanded you.

⁹ And Joshua sent them, and they went to lie in ambush; and they lay between Baethel and Gai, westward of Gai.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people; and he went up, he and the elders before the people to Gai.

¹¹ And all the men of war went up with him, and they went forward and came over against the city eastward.

¹² And the ambuscade was on the west side of the city.

¹⁴ And it came to pass when the king of Gai saw it, he hasted and went out to meet them direct to the battle, he and all the people that were with him: and he knew not that there was an ambuscade formed against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and Israel saw, and retreated from before them.

¹⁶ And they pursued after the children of Israel, and they themselves went to a distance from the city.

¹⁷ There was no one left in Gai who did not pursue after Israel; and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.

⁵ I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.

⁶ They will come out after us until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, ‘They flee before us, like the first time.’ So we will flee before them,

⁷ and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; for Yahweh your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ It shall be, when you have seized the city, that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do this according to Yahweh’s word. Behold, I have commanded you.”

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ Joshua rose up early in the morning, mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up and came near, and came before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley.

¹⁴ When the king of Ai saw it, they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn’t know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.

⁴ He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.

⁵ I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.

⁶ They will come out after us until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, ‘They flee before us, like the first time.’ So we will flee before them,

⁷ and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; for Yahweh your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ It shall be, when you have seized the city, that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do this according to Yahweh’s word. Behold, I have commanded you.”

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ Joshua rose up early in the morning, mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up and came near, and came before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley.

¹⁴ When the king of Ai saw it, they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn’t know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.

⁴ He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.

⁵ I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.

⁶ They will come out after us until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, ‘They flee before us, like the first time.’ So we will flee before them,

⁷ and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ It shall be, when you have seized the city, that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do this according to the LORD’s word. Behold, I have commanded you.”

⁹ 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 amongst the people that night.

¹⁰ Joshua rose up early in the morning, mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up and came near, and came before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley.

¹⁴ When the king of Ai saw it, they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn’t know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.

⁴ And he gave them their orders, saying, Go and take up your position secretly at the back of the town: do not go very far away, and let all of you be ready:

⁵ And I and all the people with me will come near the town, and when they come out against us as they did before, we will go in flight from them;

⁶ And they will come out after us, till we have got them away from the town; for they will say, They have gone in flight from us as before; so we will go in flight before them;

⁷ Then you will get up from your secret position and take the town, for the Lord your God will give it up into your hands.

⁸ And when you have taken the town, put fire to it, as the Lord has said: see, I have given you your orders.

⁹ So Joshua sent them out: and they took up a secret position between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua kept with the people that night.

¹⁰ And early in the morning Joshua got up, and put the people in order, and he and the chiefs of Israel went up before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the fighting-men who were with him went up and came near the town, and took up a position on the north side of Ai facing the town, with a valley between him and the town.

¹² And taking about five thousand men, he put them in position for a surprise attack on the west side of Ai, between Beth-el and Ai.

¹³ So all the people were in their places, the army on the north side of the town and the secret force on the west; and that night Joshua went down into the valley.

¹⁴ Now when the king of Ai saw it, he got up quickly and went out to war against Israel, he and all his people, to the slope going down to the valley; but he had no idea that a secret force was waiting at the back of the town.

¹⁵ Then Joshua and all Israel, acting as if they were overcome before them, went in flight by way of the waste land.

¹⁶ And all the people in Ai came together to go after them; and they went after Joshua, moving away from the town.

¹⁷ There was not a man in Ai and Beth-el who did not go out after Israel; and the town was open and unwatched while they went after Israel.

⁴ And he commanded them, saying, See, ye shall be in ambush against the city, behind the city: go not very far from the city, and be all of you ready.

⁵ And I and all the people that are with me will approach to the city; and it shall come to pass when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.

⁶ And they will come out after us till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first; and we will flee before them.

⁷ And ye shall rise up from the ambush and take possession of the city; and Jehovah your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ And it shall be when ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire; according to the word of Jehovah shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.

⁹ And Joshua sent them forth; and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west of Ai. And Joshua lodged that night among the people.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose early in the morning, and inspected the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the people of war that were with him went up, and drew near, and came before the city; and they encamped on the north of Ai; and the valley was between them and Ai.

¹² Now he had taken about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west of the city.

¹³ And when they had set the people, the whole camp on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

¹⁴ And it came to pass when the king of Ai saw it, that the men of the city hasted and rose early, and went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the appointed place before the plain. But he knew not that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten before them; and they fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ And all the people that were in the city were called together to pursue after them; and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ And not a man remained in Ai and Bethel that went not out after Israel; and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And commanded them, saying: Lay an ambush behind the city: and go not very far from it: and be ye all ready.

⁵ But I and the rest of the multitude which is with me; will approach on the contrary side against the city. And when they shall come out against us, we will flee, and turn our backs, as we did before:

⁶ Till they pursuing us be drawn farther from the city: for they will think that we flee as before.

⁷ And whilst we are fleeing, and they pursuing, you shall arise out of the ambush, and shall destroy the city: and the Lord your God will deliver it into our hands.

⁸ And when you shall have taken it, set it on fire, and you shall do all things so as I have commanded.

⁹ 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,

¹⁰ And rising early in the morning, he mustered his soldiers, and went up with the ancients in the front of the army environed with the aid of the fighting men.

¹¹ And when they were come, and were gone up over against the city, they stood on the north side of the city, between which and them there was a valley in the midst.

¹² And he had chosen five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Hai, on the west side of the same city:

¹³ But all the rest of the army went in battle array on the north side, so that the last of that multitude reached to the west side of the city. So Josue went that night, and stood in the midst of the valley.

¹⁴ And when the king of Hai saw this, he made haste in the morning, and went out with all the army of the city, and set it in battle array toward the desert, not knowing that there lay an ambush behind his back.

¹⁵ But Josue, and all Israel gave back, making as if they were afraid, and fleeing by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ But they shouting together, and encouraging one another, pursued them. And when they were come from the city,

¹⁷ And not one remained in the city of Hai and of Bethel, that did not pursue after Israel, leaving the towns open as they had rushed out,

⁴ He ordered them, “You lie in ambush behind the town, not far away. All of you need to be ready.

⁵ When I and the rest of the men with me approach the town, the defenders will run out to attack us just like before, and we'll run away from them.

⁶ They'll chase after us as we draw them away from the town, because they'll say to each other, ‘They're running away from us just like before.’

⁷ While we're running away from them, you will get up from your ambush positions and take the town for the Lord God will hand it over to you.

⁸ Once you've captured the town, set it on fire, as the Lord has instructed. Now follow your orders.”

⁹ Joshua sent them out, and they went to lie in ambush between Bethel and the west side of Ai. But that night Joshua stayed with the people in the camp.

¹⁰ Early the next morning Joshua got up early and gathered the people and went up to attack Ai, accompanied by the elders of Israel.

¹¹ All the fighting men who were with him approached the front of the town, and camped there on the north side, with a valley between them and Ai.

¹² He took about five thousand men and had them lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the town.

¹³ So the army took up their positions—the main army to the north of the town, and the ambush to the west. Joshua went that night to the valley.

¹⁴ As soon as the king of Ai saw the situation, he and all his men rushed out early in the morning to attack the Israelites where they had before, at a place overlooking the Jordan valley. He didn't know about the ambush waiting on the other side of the town.

¹⁵ Joshua and the Israelites allowed themselves to be driven back, and ran away in the direction of the wilderness.

¹⁶ All the men of the town were called out to chase after them, and as they pursued Joshua they were drawn father from the town.

¹⁷ There wasn't a man left in Ai and Bethel who didn't go out to chase the Israelites. They left the town wide open as they pursued the Israelites.

⁴ And he commanded them, saying, Behold, yee shall lye in waite against the citie on the backeside of the citie: goe not very farre from the citie, but be ye all in a readinesse.

⁵ And I and all the people that are with me, will approche vnto the citie: and when they shall come out against vs, as they did at the first time, then will we flee before them.

⁶ For they wil come out after vs, till we haue brought them out of the citie: for they will say, They flee before vs as at the first time: so we will flee before them.

⁷ Then you shall rise vp from lying in waite and destroy the citie: for the Lord your God wil deliuer it into your hand.

⁸ And when ye haue taken the citie, ye shall set it on fire: according to the commandement of the Lord shall ye do: behold, I haue charged you.

⁹ Ioshua then sent them foorth, and they went to lye in waite, and abode betweene Beth-el and Ai, on the Westside of Ai: but Ioshua lodged that night among the people.

¹⁰ And Ioshua rose vp early in the morning, and nombred the people: and he and the Elders of Israel went vp before the people against Ai.

¹¹ Also all the men of warre that were with him went vp and drewe neere, and came against the citie, and pitched on the Northside of Ai: and there was a valley betweene them and Ai.

¹² And hee tooke about fiue thousande men, and set them to lye in waite betweene Beth-el and Ai, on the Westside of the citie.

¹³ And the people set all the hoste that was on the Northside against the citie, and the liers in waite on the West, against the citie: and Ioshua went the same night into the mids of the valley.

¹⁴ And when the King of Ai sawe it, then the men of the citie hasted and rose vp earely, and went out against Israel to battell, hee and all his people at the time appointed, before the plaine: for he knew not that any lay in waite against him on the backeside of the citie.

¹⁵ Then Ioshua and all Israel as beaten before them, fled by the way of the wildernes.

¹⁶ And all the people of the citie were called together, to pursue after them: and they pursued after Ioshua, and were drawen away out of the city,

¹⁷ So that there was not a man left in Ai, nor in Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the citie open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And he commanded them, saying: 'Behold, ye shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city; go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready.

⁵ And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city; and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.

⁶ And they will come out after us, till we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say: They flee before us, as at the first; so we will flee before them.

⁷ And ye shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ And it shall be, when ye have seized upon the city, that ye shall set the city on fire; according to the word of the LORD shall ye do; see, I have commanded you.'

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the people, even the men of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai — now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² And he took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai.

¹³ So the people set themselves in array, even all the host that was on the north of the city, their rear lying in wait on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the vale.

¹⁴ And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that the men of the city hastened and rose up early and went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, in front of the Arabah; but he knew not that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them; and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel; and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

⁵ and I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them,

⁶ (for they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them.

⁷ Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the Lord your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the Lord shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.

¹² And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

¹⁴ And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, in the rear of the city; go not very far from the city; and be ye all ready;

⁵ And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city; and it shall come to pass that, when they come out against us, as at the first time, we will flee before them;

⁶ And they will come out after us, till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee from us as at the first time: and we will flee before them.

⁷ And then shall ye rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; and the Lord your God will deliver it in into your hand.

⁸ And it shall be, that as soon as ye have seized the city, ye shall set the city on fire; according to the word of the Lord shall ye do: see, I have commanded you.

⁹ And Joshua sent them off: and they went to lie in ambush, and remained between Beth-el and 'Ai, on the west side of 'Ai; but Joshua lodged that night among the people.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people, toward 'Ai.

¹¹ And all the people of war that were with him went up, and drew nigh, and came opposite the city, and encamped on the north side of 'Ai; and the valley was between them and 'Ai.

¹² And he took about five thousand men, and set them as an ambush between Beth-el and 'Ai, on the west side of 'Ai.

¹³ And the people, all the camp that was on the north of the city, and its ambush on the west of the city got ready; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

¹⁴ And it came to pass, when the king of 'Ai saw this, the men of the city hastened and rose up early, and went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the plain; but he knew not that there was an ambush against him in the rear of the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and Israel feigned themselves beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ And all the people that were in 'Ai were called together to pursue after them; and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ And there was not a man left in 'Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel; and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ And he charged them, saying, Do ye lie in ambush behind the city: do not go far from the city, and ye shall all be ready.

⁵ And I and all with me will draw near to the city: and it shall come to pass when the inhabitants of Ai shall come forth to meet us, as before, that we will flee from before them.

⁶ And when they shall come out after us, we will draw them away from the city; and they will say, These men flee from before us, as also before.

⁷ And ye shall rise up out of the ambuscade, and go into the city.

⁸ Ye shall do according to this word, lo! I have commanded you.

⁹ And Joshua sent them, and they went to lie in ambush; and they lay between Bethel and Ai, westward of Ai.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people; and he went up, he and the elders before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the men of war went up with him, and they went forward and came over against the city eastward.

¹² And the ambuscade was on the west side of the city.

¹⁴ And it came to pass when the king of Ai saw it, he hastened and went out to meet them direct to the battle, he and all the people that were with him: and he knew not that there was an ambuscade formed against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and Israel saw, and retreated from before them.

¹⁶ And they pursued after the children of Israel, and they themselves went to a distance from the city.

¹⁷ There was no one left in Ai who did not pursue after Israel; and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

⁴ He commanded them, “Look, you will lie in ambush against the city, behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.

⁵ I and all the men with me will approach the city, and when they come out to attack us, we will run away from them just as before.

⁶ They will come out after us until we have drawn them away from the city. They will say, 'They are running away from us as they did the last time.' So we will run away from them.

⁷ Then you come up out of your place of hiding, and you will capture the city. Yahweh your God will give it into your hand.

⁸ When you capture the city, you will set it on fire. You will do this when you obey the command given in the word of Yahweh. See, I have commanded you.”

⁹ Joshua sent them out, and they went to the place of ambush, and they hid between Bethel and Ai to the west of Ai. But Joshua slept that night among the people.

¹⁰ Joshua got up early in the morning and got his soldiers ready, Joshua and the elders of Israel, and they attacked the people of Ai.

¹¹ All the fighting men who were with him went up and approached the city. They came near the city and camped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between them and Ai.

¹² He took about five thousand men and set them in ambush on the west side of the city between Bethel and Ai.

¹³ They positioned all the soldiers, the main army on the north side of the city, and the rear guard on the west side of the city. Joshua spent that night in the valley.

¹⁴ It came about when the king of Ai saw it, he and his army got up early and rushed out to attack Israel at a certain place that was overlooking the Jordan River valley. He did not know that an ambush was waiting to attack from behind the city.

¹⁵ Joshua and all Israel let themselves be defeated before them, and they fled toward the wilderness.

¹⁶ All the people who were in the city were called together to go after them, and they went after Joshua and they were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ There was not a man left in Ai and Bethel who had not gone out to pursue Israel. They abandoned the city and left it open as they pursued Israel.

⁴ He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.

⁵ I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.

⁶ They will come out after us until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, ‘They flee before us, like the first time.’ So we will flee before them,

⁷ and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; for Yahweh your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ It shall be, when you have seized the city, that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do this according to Yahweh’s word. Behold, I have commanded you.”

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ Joshua rose up early in the morning, mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up and came near, and came before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley.

¹⁴ When the king of Ai saw it, they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn’t know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.

⁴ He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.

⁵ I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.

⁶ They will come out after us until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, ‘They flee before us, like the first time.’ So we will flee before them,

⁷ and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ It shall be, when you have seized the city, that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do this according to the LORD’s word. Behold, I have commanded you.”

⁹ 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 amongst the people that night.

¹⁰ Joshua rose up early in the morning, mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up and came near, and came before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley.

¹⁴ When the king of Ai saw it, they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn’t know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.

⁴ And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

⁵ And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach to the city: and it shall come to pass when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them,

⁶ (For they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them.

⁷ Then ye shall rise from the ambush and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand,

⁸ And it shall be when ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ And Joshua rose early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.

¹² And he took about five thousand men; and set them to lie in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

¹⁴ And it came to pass when the king of Ai saw it , that they hasted and rose early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain: but he knew not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue them: and they pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ And there was not a man left in Ai, or Beth-el that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued Israel.

⁴ He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.

⁵ I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.

⁶ They will come out after us until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, ‘They flee before us, like the first time.’ So we will flee before them,

⁷ and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ It shall be, when you have seized the city, that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do this according to the LORD’s word. Behold, I have commanded you.”

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ Joshua rose up early in the morning, mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up and came near, and came before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley.

¹⁴ When the king of Ai saw it, they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn’t know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.

⁴ He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.

⁵ I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.

⁶ They will come out after us until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, ‘They flee before us, like the first time.’ So we will flee before them,

⁷ and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city; for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

⁸ It shall be, when you have seized the city, that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do this according to the LORD’s word. Behold, I have commanded you.”

⁹ 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 amongst the people that night.

¹⁰ Joshua rose up early in the morning, mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

¹¹ All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up and came near, and came before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between him and Ai.

¹² He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.

¹³ So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley.

¹⁴ When the king of Ai saw it, they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn’t know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

¹⁵ Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

¹⁶ All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

¹⁷ There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.

⁴ and he commanded to them, and said, Set or Put ye ambushments behind the city, and go ye not further; and all ye shall be ready;

⁵ forsooth I, and the tother multitude which is with me, shall come on the contrary side against the city; and when they shall go out against us, as we did before, we shall flee, and turn the backs,

⁶ till they pursue us, and be drawn away further from the city; for they shall guess, that we shall flee them as we did before. Then while we shall flee, and while they pursue,

⁷ ye shall rise from the ambushments, and shall waste the city; and your Lord God shall betake it into your hands.

⁸ And when ye have taken it, burn ye it; do ye all things, as I have commanded to you.

⁹ And Joshua let them go, and they went to the place of the ambushments, and sat betwixt Bethel and Ai, at the west coast of the city of Ai. Forsooth Joshua dwelled in that night in the midst of the people.

¹⁰ And he rose early, and numbered his fellows, and he went up with the elder men in the front of the host, and was compassed with the help of fighters.

¹¹ And when they had come, and had gone up against the city, they stood at the north coast of the city, betwixt the which city and them a valley was in the midst.

¹² And Joshua had chosen five thousand men, and he had set them in the ambushments betwixt Bethel and Ai, in the west part of the same city.

¹³ And all the tother host dressed the battle array to the north, so that the last men of the multitude reached to the west coast of the city. Then Joshua went in that night, and stood in the midst of the valley;

¹⁴ and when the king of Ai had seen this, he hasted early, and went out with all the host of the city, and he dressed battle array against the desert; and he wist not that ambushments were hid behind his back.

¹⁵ Forsooth Joshua and all the multitude of Israel gave place, feigning dread, and fleeing by the way of wilderness;

¹⁶ and the men cried together, and with gladness stirred themselves together, and they pursued the men of Israel. And when they had gone away from the city,

¹⁷ and soothly not one had or was left in the city of Ai and Bethel, that pursued not Israel, and they left the cities open, as they had broken out,

⁴ and he commanded to them, and said, Set ye ambushments behind the city, and go ye not further; and all ye shall be ready (or and all of ye be ready to fight);

⁵ forsooth I, and the tother multitude which is with me, shall come on the contrary side against the city; and when they shall go out against us, as we did before, we shall flee, and turn the backs, (and I, and the other multitude who be with me, shall come on the opposite side toward the city; and when they shall go out against us, we shall turn our backs, and flee, as we did before,)

⁶ till they pursue us, and be drawn away further from the city; for they shall guess, that we shall flee them as we did before. Then while we shall flee, and while they pursue,

⁷ ye shall rise from the ambushments, and shall waste the city; and your Lord God shall betake it into your hands. (ye shall rise up from ambush, or from lying in wait, and shall destroy the city; and the Lord your God shall deliver it into your hands.)

⁸ And when ye have taken it, burn ye it; (yea), do ye all things, as I have commanded to you.

⁹ And Joshua let go them, and they went to the place of the ambushments, and sat betwixt Bethel and Ai, at the west coast of the city of Ai. Forsooth Joshua dwelled in that night in the midst of the people. (And Joshua let them go, and they went to the place of ambush, and sat between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city of Ai. But Joshua stayed that night in the midst of his people.)

¹⁰ And he rose (up) early, and numbered his fellows, and he went up with the elder men in the front of the host (or and he went up with the elders at the front of the army), and was compassed with the help of (his) fighters.

¹¹ And when they had come, and had gone up against the city, they stood at the north coast of the city, betwixt the which city and them a valley was in the midst. (And they came toward the city, and arrived at the north side of it, and there was a valley between them and the city.)

¹² And Joshua had chosen five thousand men, and he had set them in the ambushments betwixt Bethel and Ai, in the west part of the same city. (And Joshua chose five thousand men, and he put them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.)

¹³ And all the tother host dressed the battle array to the north, so that the last men of the multitude reached to the west coast of the city. Then Joshua went in that night, and stood in the midst of the valley;

¹⁴ and when the king of Ai had seen this, he hasted (and rose up) early, and went out with all the host of the city, and he dressed (the) battle array against the desert; and he wist not that ambushments were hid behind his back. (and when the king of Ai had seen this, he hastened, and rose up early, and went out of the city with all of his army, and he directed the battle array toward the wilderness; but he did not know that men were hidden in ambush behind his back.)

¹⁵ Forsooth Joshua and all the multitude of Israel gave place, feigning dread, and fleeing (away) by the way of (the) wilderness;

¹⁶ and the men cried together, and with gladness stirred themselves together (or and with gladness stirred themselves up), and they pursued the men of Israel. And when they had gone away from the city,

¹⁷ and soothly not one had (been) left in the city of Ai and Bethel, that pursued not Israel, and they left the cities open, as they had broken out, (and truly there was no one left in the city of Ai, who did not pursue Israel, and they left the city wide open, when they had broken out,)

⁴ and commandeth them, saying, 'See, ye are liers in wait against the city, at the rear of the city, ye go not very far off from the city, and all of you have been prepared,

⁵ and I and all the people who are with me draw near unto the city, and it hath come to pass when they come out to meet us as at the first, and we have fled before them,

⁶ and they have come out after us till we have drawn them out of the city, for they say, They are fleeing before us as at the first, and we have fled before them,

⁷ and ye rise from the ambush, and have occupied the city, and Jehovah your God hath given it into your hand;

⁸ and it hath been, when ye capture the city, ye burn the city with fire, according to the word of Jehovah ye do, see, I have commanded you.'

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ And Joshua riseth early in the morning, and inspecteth the people, and goeth up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai;

¹¹ and all the people of war who are with him have gone up, and draw nigh and come in over-against the city, and encamp on the north of Ai; and the valley is between him and Ai.

¹² And he taketh about five thousand men, and setteth them an ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west of the city;

¹³ and they set the people, all the camp which is on the north of the city, and its rear on the west of the city, and Joshua goeth on that night into the midst of the valley.

¹⁴ And it cometh to pass, when the king of Ai seeth it, that hasten, and rise early, and go out do the men of the city to meet Israel for battle, he and all his people, at the appointed season, at the front of the plain, and he hath not known that an ambush is against him, on the rear of the city.

¹⁵ And Joshua and all Israel seem stricken before them, and flee the way of the wilderness,

¹⁶ and all the people who are in the city are called to pursue after them, and they pursue after Joshua, and are drawn away out of the city,

¹⁷ and there hath not been left a man in Ai and Bethel who hath not gone out after Israel, and they leave the city open, and pursue after Israel.