²⁵ So the lords of Shechem set ambushes against him on the mountaintops. They robbed all who passed by them along that way, and it was reported to Abimelech.

¹² Taking about five thousand men, he set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. ¹³ So they stationed the forces, the main encampment that was north of the city and its rear guard west of the city, and Joshua went that night into the valley.

⁴ with the command, “You shall lie in ambush against the city, behind it; do not go very far from the city, but all of you stay alert.^(A)