Joshua 8:14

“And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw [it], etc.] Not the ambush on the west side, but the host or army on the north side, or, however, some of his people gave him notice of it: that they hasted and rose up early; or made haste to rise out of their beds, on the alarm given of Israel’s near approach: and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle; being raised out of their beds and accoutred with armour, and put into a military order, they marched out with their king at the head of them, to give Israel battle: he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; which was before the city, the same with the valley mentioned, (<060811>Joshua 8:11,13); the city was…”

“at a time appointed--either an hour concocted between the king and people of Ai and those of Beth-el, who were confederates in this enterprise, or perhaps they had fixed on the same time of day, as they had fought successfully against Israel on the former occasion, deeming it a lucky hour (Jdg 20:38). but he wist not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city--It is evident that this king and his subjects were little experienced in war; otherwise they would have sent out scouts to reconnoitre the neighborhood; at all events, they would not have left their town wholly unprotected and open. Perhaps an ambuscade may have been a war stratagem hitherto unknown in that country,…”

“At a time appointed - Rather, “at the place appointed,” i. e. some spot suitable for the drawing up of his men, which had been assigned beforehand. This was “before the plain,” i. e. it was at the entrance of the depressed tract of land which runs down to the Jordan valley, up which lay the route of the Israelites from Gilgal to Ai. return to 'Top of Page'”

“His people - Namely, all his men of war, for the rest were left in Ai, Jos 8:16. At a time appointed - At a certain hour agreed upon between the king and people of Ai, and of Bethel too, who were their confederates in this enterprize, as it may seem from Jos 8:17. Possibly they might appoint the same hour of the day on which they had fought against Israel with good success, looking upon it as a lucky hour. Before the plain - That is, towards or in sight of that plain or valley in which the Israelites were, that so they might put themselves in battle - array. Against him - The former success having made him secure, as is usual in such cases; God also blinding his mind, and infatuating him, as…”

“8:14 The king of Ai . . . and all his army were recklessly eager to repeat their heroics of the previous battle. As Joshua and Israel had learned, such overconfidence is dangerous.”

“Ai saw it: Jos 8:5, Jos 8:16 he wist not: Jdg 20:34-36; Ecc 9:12; Isa 19:11, Isa 19:13; Dan 4:31; Mat 24:39, Mat 24:50; Th1 5:1-3; Pe2 2:3 Joshua 8:15”