Joshua 8:12 kjv — And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth–el and Ai, on the west side of the city.

King James Version

"And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth–el and Ai, on the west side of the city."

— Joshua 8:12, King James Version

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Joshua 8:12 in Other Translations

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Joshua 8 — Context

9

Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Beth–el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.

10

And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

11

And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.

12

And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth–el and Ai, on the west side of the city.

13

And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

14

And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city.

15

And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

Joshua 8:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Joshua 8:12 say?
Joshua 8:12 in the King James Version reads: “And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth–el and Ai, on the west side of the city.”
Where is Joshua 8:12 in the Bible?
Joshua 8:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Joshua, chapter 8, verse 12.
Who wrote Joshua?
Joshua is traditionally attributed to Joshua (traditional). Traditionally written by Joshua with later additions noting his death and burial. It was written c. 1405–1380 BC.
What is the book of Joshua about?
Joshua is the account of Israel's entry into Canaan under Moses' successor — the crossing of the Jordan, the fall of Jericho, the conquest of the land, and its division among the twelve tribes. It is a record of God's faithfulness to his covenant promise to Abraham.
What are the major themes of Joshua?
Joshua explores themes including Conquest, Faithfulness, Inheritance, Courage, Holy War. These themes shape the meaning and context of Joshua 8:12.
What translation should I read Joshua 8:12 in?
Joshua 8:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Joshua 8:12?
Joshua 8:12 reads (KJV): “And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth–el and Ai, on the west side of the city.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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