8:13 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 {f} midst of the valley.
(f) To the intent that they in the city more easily discover his army.
8:13 Joshua went - Namely, accompanied with a small part of the host now mentioned, that is, very early in the morning, when it was yet dark, as is said in a like case, John 20:1, whence it is here called night, though it was early in the morning, as is said, Jos 8:10, for it seems most probable, that all was done in one night's space, and in this manner; Joshua sends away the ambush by night, ver.3, and lodgeth that night with twenty - five thousand men, ver.9, not far from the city. But not able or willing to sleep all night, he rises very early, ver.10, and numbers his men, which by the help of the several officers was quietly done, and so immediately leads them towards Ai; and while it was yet duskish or night, he goes into the midst of the valley, ver.13, and when the day dawns he is discovered by the king and people of Ai, who thereupon rose up early to fight with them, ver.14. The valley - Which was near the city, thereby to allure them forth.
8:3-22 Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
