Matthew Poole and continuators on Joshua 8:4

4 And he commanded them , saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

The same party last spoken of v. 3. even the 5000. mentioned v. 12. This historical Narration seems obscure and intricate, and at first view to make three parties, one of 30000. v. 3. one of 5000. v. 12. which may seem to be two several Ambushes; and a third of all the people, v. 5, 11. But if it be more narrowly and considerately observed, it will appear, that there are only two parties ingaged in the taking of Ai, and but one Ambush, as plainly appears by comparing v. 9. (which manifestly speaks of that party which is mentioned v. 3.) with v. 12. which speaks only of 5000. which is justly supposed to be a part of those 30000. named v. 3. and that part which was to lie in ambush; unless we will suppose that there were two Ambushes, one of 30000. and the other of 5000. both lying in wait in the same quarter, even between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai, the only place where the Ambush lay, as is said both v. 9. and 12, 13. which seems absurd and incredible. And besides, in the execution of this Command, there is mention but of one Ambush v. 12, 13, 14, 19. and they are said to consist only of 5000. v 12. and they only take and burn the City, v. 19. so that the other supposed Ambush of 30000. is perfectly vanished and lost, and did nothing in this work; which also is very improbable. And therefore, that 30000. v. 3. are the same who are called the people, and the people of war that were with Ioshua, v. 5, 11, which pitched on the North-side of Ai, v. 11, 13. as the Ambush did on the west-side; but for any other side of the City, or a third party placed elsewhere about Ai, we read not one word; and therefore it may well be presumed there were no more imployed to take it.