The army was in position – the main army north of the city and the rear guard west of the city. That night Joshua went into the middle of the valley.
He took five thousand men and set an ambush west of the city between Bethel and Ai.
When the king of Ai saw Israel, he and his whole army quickly got up the next day and went out to fight Israel at the meeting place near the Arabah. But he did not realize men were hiding behind the city.
When you capture the city, set it on fire. Do as the Lord says! See, I have given you orders.”