John Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:9

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

Joshua therefore sent them forth, etc.] The thirty thousand chosen men: and they went to lie in ambush; as they were ordered, (<060802>Joshua 8:2): and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; for as Ai was on the east of Bethel, (<060702>Joshua 7:2). Bethel must be on the west of Ai, as Jarchi notes: but Joshua lodged that night among the people; the main body of the army, to direct them in the affair of war, how they should behave the next day, when they came to fight; and to inspire them with courage and confidence, that they might not be afraid, because of their having been smitten before by this people, so Ben Gersom; or rather that he and they might be ready in the morning to march towards Ai, as Jarchi and Kimchi.

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This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.