Ai
Overview
- Type: City
- Testament: Old
- Modern Location: Traditionally located near Bethel in the central hill country
Biblical Significance
Ai is the place where Israel first suffers defeat in Canaan because of Achan’s hidden sin.
Key Events
- Sin of Achan — Israel is defeated because devoted things are in the camp
- Battle of Ai — Ai is defeated after judgment and renewed obedience
Key People Associated
- Joshua (Son of Nun) — Leads the battle
- Achan — His sin causes the first defeat
Important Verses
“And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men…” — Joshua 7:5
Cross-References
Notes
Ai is a theological checkpoint: victory in the land cannot be separated from holiness among the people.