John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Joshua therefore sent them forth , etc.] The thirty thousand chosen men: and they went to lie in ambush ; as they were ordered, ( Joshua 8:2): and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai ; for as Ai was on the east of Bethel, ( 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 3-22 - Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must neve draw them back.
Original Hebrew וישׁלחם7971 יהושׁע3091 וילכו1980 אל413 המארב3993 וישׁבו3427 בין996 בית אל1008 ובין996 העי5857 מים3220 לעי5857 וילן3885 יהושׁע3091 בלילה3915 ההוא1931 בתוך8432 העם׃5971
