Hai Ai
Hai Ai [1]
1. Royal city of Canaan. It was known to Abraham, who pitched his tent between Hai and Bethel. Genesis 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.' Joshua 7:2-5; Joshua 8:1-29; Joshua 10:1,2 . It was near Bethel, in Benjamin's lot, and apparently rebuilt, for it is mentioned in Ezra 2:28; Nehemiah 7:32 . It is probable that the Aiath of Isaiah 10:28 and the Aija of Nehemiah 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. Jeremiah 49:3 .
