So they stationed the forces, the main encampment that was north of the city and its rear guard west of the city. But Joshua spent that night in the valley.
13. Joshua went that night, etc It is not probable that all were called out from the camp, but the army was composed of those who were more accustomed to war. That it was sufficiently numerous appears from the fact, that five thousand were withdrawn from it for ambuscade.
We have here an account of the taking of Ai by stratagem. The stratagem here used, we are sure, was lawful and good; God himself appointed it, and we have no reason to think but that the like is lawful and good in other wars.
Commenting on Joshua 8:3-22
And when they had set the people,.... In battle array, as in Kg1 20:12; that is, Joshua and the officers of the army: even all the host that was on the north of the city; where Joshua and the main army were: and the liers in wait on the west of the city: both the first and second ambush; when all, were prepared and got...