So Joshua instructed the priests, “Come up from the Jordan!”

The people went up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped in Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.

All the troops that were with him marched up and drew near the city. They camped north of Ai on the other side of the valley.

“Come to my aid so we can attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.”

My countrymen who accompanied me frightened the people, but I remained loyal to the Lord my God.

Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai (which is located near Beth Aven, east of Bethel) and instructed them, “Go up and spy on the land.” So the men went up and spied on Ai.