Ai, Hai
Ai, Hai
[A’i] [Ha’i]
1. Royal city of Canaan. It was known to Abraham, who pitched his tent between Hai and Bethel. Gen 12:8. It was conquered by Joshua – after a repulse because of the sin of Achan – by a stratagem; it was burnt and made a ‘heap.’ Jos 7:2-5; Jos 8:1-29; Jos 10:1-2. It was near Bethel, in Benjamin’s lot, and apparently rebuilt, for it is mentioned in Ezr 2:28; Neh 7:32. It is probable that the AIATH of Isa 10:28 and the AIJA of Neh 11:31 are the same as Ai, by the places named in association with them. In the district there are ruins scattered along the narrow summit of a ridge, and a depression among the rocky heights well suited for an ambuscade such as Joshua employed. The ruins are called Haiyan, 31 55′ N, 35 16′ E. Travellers say that when on the spot, the Biblical narrative of the capture of Ai can be vividly realised.
2. City of the Ammonites, unknown. Jer 49:3.