Meaning - Ruin, heap
Ai was a city located near Bethel, first mentioned in Genesis 13:3. The Bible locates Ai east of Bethel (Gen 12:8), adjacent to Beth-aven (Josh 7:2), and north of Michmash according to Isa 10:28. Abram built an altar and pitched his tent "between Bethel and Ai" (Genesis 13:3).
After the Israelites conquered Jericho, their next objective was Ai. Unfortunately
the Israelites expected Ai to be an easy conquest, but God used it to demonstrate
it was He who was doing the fighting and that they need to listen to Him and
not their own strength or strategy.
It was Achan who's disobedience to God resulted in defeat. After dealing with
Achan's sin, the Israelites went on to conquer Ai. This time after an incredible
victory Ai was completely destroyed.," (Josh 7:1-8:29).
Ai was later allotted to the tribe of Ephraim (1 Chr 7:28). It went to the
Benjamites after the exile (Neh 11:31).
Archaeologist aren't sure on the location of Ai. Some archaeologists believe it is associated with what is known as et-Tell. There are others who believe it may be located near Al Birah. Research is on going in both locations.
Scriptures
Genesis 12: 8
Genesis 13: 3
Joshua 7: 1-5
Joshua 8: 1-29
Joshua 9: 3
Joshua 10: 1,2
Joshua 12: 9
Ezra 2: 28
Nehemiah 7: 32
Isaiah 10:28
Jeremiah 49: 3
Last Updated 01-28-2009
The Genesis Files
