Charles Ellicott Commentary Joshua 8:9

"And Joshua sent them forth; and they went to the ambushment, and abode between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people." — Joshua 8:9 (ASV)

They went to lie in ambush. —Or, they went to the lurking-place; and remained between Bethel and Ai. The ambush itself (Joshua 8:2, 7, 19, 21) is described by a slightly different word.

Among the people —that is, at Gilgal.

10) Joshua ... numbered. —Or, rather, mustered the people.

He then went up with the elders of Israel at the head of the main body, and made an imposing demonstration with a large force in front of the town.