Joshua 8:13 kjv
And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.
Joshua 8:13 nkjv
And when they had set the people, all the army that was on the north of the city, and its rear guard on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.
Joshua 8:13 niv
So the soldiers took up their positions?with the main camp to the north of the city and the ambush to the west of it. That night Joshua went into the valley.
Joshua 8:13 esv
So they stationed the forces, the main encampment that was north of the city and its rear guard west of the city. But Joshua spent that night in the valley.
Joshua 8:13 nlt
So they stationed the main army north of the town and the ambush west of the town. Joshua himself spent that night in the valley.
Joshua 8 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Josh 8:4-7 | Joshua gives them their orders... 'the ambush... lie in wait... city'. | Divine strategy for Ai, direct instructions. |
| Judg 20:29 | Israel set ambushes around Gibeah. | Similar use of ambush tactic in Israelite history. |
| 2 Sam 5:23 | "Do not go up, but go around... and come upon them... sound of marching." | God directs David's military strategy, involving flanking/ambush. |
| Judg 7:16-22 | Gideon... the three hundred blew the trumpets and broke the jars... | God-given unconventional military strategy leading to confusion. |
| Exod 17:11-12 | When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he lowered it... | Leader's position and involvement critical for success. |
| Num 10:33-34 | The ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them... | God's active leading and presence in Israel's journeys and battles. |
| Deut 20:1-4 | When you go out to war... the LORD your God is with you... | Assurance of God's presence and help in battle. |
| Prov 21:30-31 | No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD. | Human plans are effective only under divine blessing and permission. |
| Ps 37:7 | Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him... | Importance of waiting and trusting in God's timing and plan. |
| Isa 30:15 | "In quietness and in trust shall be your strength." | Strength derived from quiet reliance on God, especially in preparation. |
| Ps 3:5-6 | I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. | Trust in God's sustaining power even during vulnerable hours (night). |
| Josh 1:9 | "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened... for the LORD... is with you." | God's empowering presence with Joshua, vital for his leadership. |
| Josh 7:1-5 | The people of Ai struck down about thirty-six men of them... | Contrast: Previous defeat at Ai due to disobedience, emphasizing need for new strategy and obedience. |
| Josh 7:11-12 | "Israel has sinned... I will be with you no longer unless you destroy..." | God's blessing and presence conditional upon obedience, background to chapter 8. |
| Josh 8:1 | Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not fear... I have given Ai... into your hand." | God re-establishes covenant and gives new plan after sin is dealt with. |
| 1 Sam 11:11 | The next day Saul put the people in three companies and came into the midst of the camp... | Example of night-time preparation leading to dawn attack. |
| Neh 4:22-23 | Neither I nor my brothers... nor the men of the guard... removed our clothes... | Leaders' vigilance and constant preparedness for threat. |
| Matt 26:40-41 | He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said, "So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?" | Importance of spiritual watchfulness, especially in times of waiting or vulnerability. |
| Eph 6:10-18 | Be strong in the Lord... put on the whole armor of God... | Spiritual vigilance, preparation, and readiness for conflict (analogy for physical battle prep). |
| 2 Tim 2:3-4 | Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. | Discipline, readiness, and single-minded focus for those in God's service. |
| John 18:3 | Then Judas... came there with a detachment of soldiers... | Historical context of night ambushes or arrests, highlighting strategic movements. |
| Phil 4:6 | Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication... | Replaces anxiety with prayer, relevant for a leader spending night before battle. |
| 1 Pet 5:8 | Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion... | Call for spiritual vigilance and readiness in life's battles. |
Joshua 8 verses
Joshua 8 13 Meaning
Joshua 8:13 describes the precise deployment of Israelite forces during their second attempt to conquer Ai. It details the strategic positioning of the main Israelite army to the north of Ai, the concealed ambush unit to the west, and crucially, Joshua's own position in the middle of the valley between the forces and the city, indicating a strategic point for leadership, oversight, and as part of the bait to draw Ai's inhabitants out. This careful, divinely guided preparation was key to their impending victory.
Joshua 8 13 Context
Joshua 8:13 details the culmination of the Israelite military deployment for their second, divinely-commanded assault on the city of Ai. Following the disastrous first attempt and the subsequent judgment of Achan for his sin in Jericho (Joshua 7), God restores His presence and guidance to Israel (Josh 8:1-2). This verse specifically describes the final strategic placements based on God's new detailed plan. The army is divided into several units: a main body for a feigned retreat, an ambush party concealed behind the city, and Joshua himself taking a conspicuous but vulnerable position. This meticulous preparation highlights Israel's renewed obedience and dependence on God's battle strategy, in stark contrast to their hasty and self-reliant initial failure. Historically, the control of Ai and Bethel was crucial for securing the central highlands of Canaan.
Joshua 8 13 Word analysis
- So the people encamped (וַיַּחֲנוּ הָעָם, vayyachanū hā‘ām): Chanah (חָנָה) means "to encamp, pitch a tent, settle down." This signifies the establishment of a temporary camp for the night, implying readiness for immediate action. It reflects the structured, disciplined movement of the army under divine instruction.
- north of the city (מִצְּפוֹן לָעִיר, mittsephōn lā‘îr): This was the visible, main force, intended to be seen by the men of Ai. Its position was crucial for drawing the Aiites out of their city in pursuit of a feigned retreat. "City" refers to Ai, an important Canaanite stronghold.
- and the ambush (וְהָאֹרֵב, vehā’ōrēv): Orev (אֹרֵב) means "ambush" or "lying in wait." This refers to the specific force of 5,000 men (or 30,000 depending on interpretation of earlier verses, though 5,000 is clearer for the second unit) whose role was concealment and a surprise attack. It speaks to cunning and divinely inspired strategy.
- was west of the city (מִיָּם לָעִיר, miy-yām lā‘îr): Yam (יָם) literally means "sea," but in ancient Hebrew geography, the Mediterranean Sea was west of Israel, so it commonly designates the west. This position implies a hidden, unoccupied flank of the city, ideal for a surprise attack as the city's defenders would rush out through the main gate towards the north.
- and Joshua spent that night (וַיָּלֶן יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בַּלַּיְלָה הַהוּא, vayyālen Yĕhôshua‘ ballaylâ hahû’): Lîyn (לִין) means "to lodge, to spend the night, remain." This emphasizes Joshua's personal involvement and commitment. His "spending the night" suggests not rest, but a vigil of leadership, strategic oversight, and likely prayer, being alert to divine direction.
- in the midst of the valley (בְּתוֹךְ הָעֵמֶק, bĕtōkh hā‘ēmeq): Tavekh (תָּוֶךְ) means "middle" or "midst." Emeq (עֵמֶק) means "valley" or "low-lying plain." This specific location between Ai and Bethel served a double purpose: a point from which to command, and as part of the strategic lure, where the king of Ai expected to encounter the main Israelite force after their feigned retreat. It places Joshua in a potentially vulnerable yet strategically vital position.
Joshua 8 13 Bonus section
The valley mentioned here is often identified with the "Wadi el-Jâyya" or "Bêtīn valley," the terrain features of which were naturally conducive to the ambush strategy described. Joshua's choice to spend the night there emphasizes a direct, hands-on leadership style. Rather than delegating and retreating, he placed himself at the center of the potential action and oversight. This was not just about tactical positioning; it also likely served to boost the morale of the troops, showing solidarity and readiness from their leader. For the people of Ai, seeing Joshua's prominent position in the valley would have confirmed their expectation of a frontal engagement, playing perfectly into Israel's deceptive strategy.
Joshua 8 13 Commentary
Joshua 8:13 succinctly captures the intricate planning and disciplined execution that characterized Israel's victory at Ai, contrasting sharply with their previous failure. The strategic placement of forces – a visible encamped army, a hidden ambush, and Joshua himself in a seemingly exposed valley – was not arbitrary but followed a divine blueprint. Joshua's personal presence in the valley, especially through the night, signifies active leadership, vigil, and unwavering trust in God's plan. This position was critical both for orchestrating the battle and for acting as bait, drawing the men of Ai out. The night vigil further underscores a period of spiritual preparation and tactical anticipation before the morning assault. It highlights that success comes not from human strength or cleverness alone, but from obedient submission to God's precise instructions and a leader's dedicated presence. Practically, this verse illustrates the importance of prayerful preparation, strategic wisdom, and resolute leadership when facing obstacles, trusting that God orchestrates even the details of our plans when we walk in obedience.