And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.

JOSHUA 7:2KJV
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Joshua 7:2 (KJV)

What does Joshua 7:2 mean?

Joshua 7:2 describes how Joshua, after the victory at Jericho, sent men from Jericho to scout out the nearby city of Ai, which was close to Bethaven and east of Bethel. Joshua instructed these men to go up and examine the land around Ai, and they followed his command by going to observe the area.

In this verse, Joshua is acting as the leader of Israel, giving orders to a group of men to gather information about Ai before any military action is taken. The verse sets the stage for the events that follow by showing Joshua’s careful approach—he wants to know what they are facing before proceeding. The mention of specific locations like Jericho, Ai, Bethaven, and Bethel helps anchor the story in real geography and shows the methodical way Joshua leads the people.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 7:2

  • The word "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) means to send out or dispatch. Here, it emphasizes Joshua’s role as a commander making strategic decisions.
  • The word "view" (רָגַל, ragal) means to spy out or scout. This is not just a casual look—it refers to a careful, deliberate investigation, suggesting the importance of preparation before action.
  • The word "country" (אֶרֶץ, erets) means land or territory. Joshua is not just interested in the city of Ai itself, but the whole surrounding area, which shows thorough planning.

Why Joshua 7:2 matters

  • Joshua 7:2 shows that Joshua was not acting impulsively; he wanted reliable information before making a move against Ai, highlighting the importance of preparation and intelligence in leadership.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by setting up the events that follow, including the unexpected defeat at Ai, which makes the need for careful planning and obedience even more significant.
  • By naming specific places, the verse grounds the story in real locations, helping readers understand the movement and strategy of the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“Bethaven” Hebrew H1007 · used in 7 verses

  • Joshua 18:12 And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.
  • 1 Samuel 14:23 So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.
  • Hosea 5:8 Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Bethaven, after thee, O Benjamin.

“view” Hebrew H7270 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 42:9 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
  • Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
  • Judges 18:14 Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.

“beside” Hebrew H5973 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Genesis 48:12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
  • 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

“Ai” Hebrew H5857 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Joshua 8:12 And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.
  • Joshua 8:28 And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day.