The proposed city of Ai ("Aiath"--2 Nephi 20:28) lay east (about 3 kilometers) of Bethel and the altar which Abram built (Genesis 12:8) and north of Michmash (Isaiah 10:28). The Israelite attack upon it, immediately following the sack of Jericho, was at first repulsed, but after Achan's sin had been punished a successful stratagem was employed. The people of Ai were killed, their king executed, and their city burned and made into a heap (Joshua 7:1--8:29).
This city of Ai became an Ephraimite town (1 Chronicles 7:28, "Ayyah"), but was inhabited by the Benjaminites after the Exile (Nehemiah 11:31). Isaiah pictured the Assyrian armies advancing on Jerusalem by way of Ai (Isaiah 10:28, "Aiath"). [Tyndale House, The Illustrated Bible Dictionary , Vol. 1, p. 27]
2 Nephi 20:28 Aiath ([Illustration]): The situation of Ai in relation to Jericho. [Tyndale House, The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Vol. 1, p. 26]
2 Nephi 20:28-32 Aiath, Migron, Michmash, Geba, Ramath, Gibeah, Gallim, Laish, Anathoth, Madmenah, Gebim, Nob, Jerusalem ([Illustration]): The Assyrian forces approach and threaten Jerusalem but are defeated by the Lord of Hosts. Artist: Tom Child. [Thomas R. Valletta ed., The Book of Mormon for Latter-day Saint Families, 1999, p. 120]
2 Nephi 20:28-32 (Assyria Marches to Jerusalem) ([Illustration]) Map: Assyria Marches to Jerusalem. Arrow indicates possible route of Assyrian army. [Donald W. Parry, Visualizing Isaiah, p. 29]