Meaning
Ai was an ancient city in Canaan, situated east of Bethel.
Biblical Usage
In Scripture, Ai was a city in Canaan situated east of Bethel. The KJV also uses the form “Hai” in Genesis 12:8, where Abraham built an altar between Bethel and Hai.
During the conquest of Canaan, Joshua sent men to view Ai after Israel had conquered Jericho. Israel’s first attack against the city failed after Achan had taken forbidden things from Jericho. After Achan’s transgression was dealt with, Joshua captured Ai through an ambush and burned the city.
Ai is also mentioned in connection with people who returned from captivity.
Key References
- Genesis 12:8
- Joshua 7:2-5
- Joshua 7:20-26
- Joshua 8:1-29
- Joshua 9:3
- Ezra 2:28
- Nehemiah 7:32
Related Terms
- Bethel
- Jericho
- Conquest
- Ambush