8. When you have taken it, set it on fire. Do what the Lord has commanded. Make sure you obey my orders."
9. Then Joshua sent them away. They went to the place where they had planned to hide. They hid in a place west of Ai. It was between Bethel and Ai. But Joshua spent that night with his men.
10. Early the next morning Joshua brought his men together. He and the leaders of Israel marched in front of them to Ai.
11. The whole army that was with him marched up to the city. They stopped in front of it. They set up camp north of Ai. There was a valley between them and the city.
12. Joshua had chosen about 5,000 soldiers. He had ordered them to hide in a place west of Ai. It was between Bethel and Ai.