Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 8:14. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about God’s judgment on the wicked city of Ai. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Ai was a city that had been corrupt. They were filled with sin, greed, and wickedness. King Hezekiah of Judah saw something terrible happening. He noticed a secret group of people – liars – preparing to attack Israel before the battle even started. They rushed to attack. This group of liars deliberately tried to ambush Israel’s army. Now, let's unpack the verse: “And it came to pass…” - This is just a way of saying “This is what happened.” It’s setting the stage for something significant. “…when the king of Ai saw [it]” – King Hezekiah was observing this secret attack. The word "saw" implies he noticed something unusual and concerning. “that they hasted and rose up early…” - The people of Ai were rushing to fight, before the battle even began. It was a hurried, frantic effort. “and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle…” - They launched an attack on Israel. “he and all his people, at a time appointed…” – Hezekiah’s army was mobilized for this specific battle. It wasn't just a random attack; they were specifically chosen to fight. “before the plain…” - They were attacking in a designated area – a field or open space. The Key Point: God is deliberately setting things up to be a test of Israel’s faith and obedience. It's not just about physical battle; it’s about a deliberate, strategic attack designed to try and overcome them. What does this verse tell us? God’s Justice: It shows that God is watching over his people and will punish those who are wicked and dishonest. Faith and Obedience: It highlights the importance of being faithful to God's commands, even when it seems difficult or dangerous. God’s Sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in control of events, using His plan to bring about a righteous outcome. In short, this verse describes a carefully orchestrated event – a deliberate attack by a group of liars – designed to test Israel’s faith and ultimately lead to their defeat. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the significance of this story in more detail?