Matthew Poole and continuators on Joshua 8:13

13 And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north-side of the city, and † their liers in wait on the west of the city: Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley .

To wit, accompanied with a small part of the host now mentioned, i. e. Very early in the morning, when it was yet dark, as is said in a like case, Ioh. 20. 1. whence it is here called Night, though it was early in the morning, as is said, v. 10. for it seems most probable, that all was done in one Nights space, and in this manner; Ioshua sends away the Ambush by night, v. 3. and lodgeth that night with 25000 men, v. 9. not far from the city. But not able nor willing to sleep all night, he rises very early, v. 20. and numbers his men, which by the help of the several Officers was quickly done, and so immediately leads them towards Ai; and while it was yet duskish or night, he goes into the midst of the valley, v. 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, v. 14. Though others conceive this was the second night, and so the Ambush had lain hid a night and a day together. But then there might be danger of their being discovered, although that danger may seem to be the less, because Ai might be shut up, that none might go out nor come in, but by Order, and upon Necessity, because of the nearness of their Enemies, as Iericho formerly was for the same reason, Iosh. 6. 1.

Which was near the City, thereby to allure them forth.

Marginal references: ‡ Heb. their lying in wait.