Joshua 8 2

Joshua 8:2 kjv

And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.

Joshua 8:2 nkjv

And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take as booty for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it."

Joshua 8:2 niv

You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city."

Joshua 8:2 esv

And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its livestock you shall take as plunder for yourselves. Lay an ambush against the city, behind it."

Joshua 8:2 nlt

You will destroy them as you destroyed Jericho and its king. But this time you may keep the plunder and the livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the town."

Joshua 8 verses

Joshua 8 2 Meaning

Joshua 8:2 reveals God's renewed command to Joshua and Israel for the second campaign against the city of Ai. It stipulates that the execution of the conquest, particularly the destruction of the city and its inhabitants, should mirror the decisive defeat of Jericho. However, a crucial distinction is made: unlike Jericho, the Israelites are permitted to appropriate the spoil (plunder) and livestock from Ai for themselves. The verse concludes with a specific tactical instruction from the Lord: an ambush is to be laid behind the city. This directive signifies God's active involvement in providing a winning strategy following Israel's recent defeat and repentance.

Joshua 8 2 Context

Joshua 8:2 is a pivotal command following Israel's humbling defeat at Ai in Joshua chapter 7, which was a direct consequence of Achan's sin in unlawfully taking forbidden items from Jericho. The immediate context of Chapter 7 and the start of Chapter 8 establishes a renewed divine instruction and the second, successful, attempt at capturing Ai after the nation's purification and repentance.

Historically and culturally, ancient Near Eastern warfare often involved varying practices regarding captured cities: some were utterly destroyed (herem), while others were plundered for spoils. God's specific directives to Israel reflected His unique covenant with them and His purposes for the Canaanite inhabitants, often requiring herem for highly idolatrous cities like Jericho. The ambush tactic mentioned was a sophisticated and common military strategy of the time, signifying that God often works through practical means and human ingenuity in warfare.

Joshua 8 2 Word analysis

• And thou shalt do (וְעָשִׂיתָ - ve'asita): A strong command, imperative for Joshua. It signifies a divine directive given with authority and renewed confidence after the prior failure.
• to Ai (לָעַי - la'ai): Refers to the specific city that recently defeated Israel. Its name, "the ruin" or "the heap of ruins," ironically foreshadows its fate, both past and present. This battle is critical for restoring Israel's morale and God's glory.
• as thou didst unto Jericho (כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתָ לִֽירִיחוֹ - ka'asher asita liYeriho): This phrase establishes a direct parallel regarding the total destruction of the inhabitants and the city structure (burning). It signifies consistency in God's judgment against wicked nations.
• only (רַק - raq): This particle introduces a crucial distinction or exception to the general rule established by the "as thou didst unto Jericho" comparison. It signals a significant modification to the spoil policy.
• the spoil thereof (שְׁלָלָהּ - shelalah): Refers to the plunder or booty captured from the enemy. This includes goods, possessions, and valuables.
• and the cattle thereof (וּבְהֶמְתָּהּ - uv’hemtah): Encompasses all domestic animals, particularly livestock. These represented significant economic and logistical assets in ancient societies.
• shall ye take (תָּבֹזּוּ - tavōzu): To seize or plunder. This is a direct permission from God to the Israelites.
• for a prey unto yourselves (לָכֶם לָבַז - lakhem lavaz): Literally, "for you, for plunder." This clearly indicates that the spoil and livestock are specifically for Israel's appropriation and use, distinguishing Ai from the herem of Jericho where all except a few specific items were dedicated to God and destroyed. This shows God's mercy and provision for His people after their repentance.
• lay thee an ambush (שִׂים לְךָ אֹרֵב - sim lekha 'orev): A specific strategic military command. An "ambush" (orev) involves concealed troops springing a surprise attack. This demonstrates God's tactical involvement in the battle, instructing Joshua not only on what to do but also how to do it. It highlights divine wisdom interacting with military practicality.
• for the city behind it (לָעִיר מֵאַחֲרֶיהָ - la'ir me'achareiha): Directs the placement of the ambush—strategically located at the rear of the city to cut off retreat or surprise those who sally forth.

Joshua 8 2 Bonus section

• Theological Nuance of Spoil: The distinction in spoil regulations between Jericho and Ai highlights God's sovereignty over the herem (devoted to destruction) principle. God, as the supreme authority, sets the rules of engagement and distribution of spoils, not Israel. Jericho was the "firstfruits" of the conquest and fully dedicated to the Lord; Ai, a subsequent city, allowed for practical benefit to the army, showing God's provision for His people's needs within the context of His wider plans. This flexibility teaches that God's commands, while specific, are always purposeful and for His glory and His people's welfare.
• Rehabilitation of Joshua's Leadership: The direct, detailed instructions from God to Joshua in this verse demonstrate the restoration of God's confidence in His chosen leader after the Achan incident. It serves to re-legitimize Joshua's authority in the eyes of Israel and solidify his position as Moses' successor.
• Psychological Warfare and Repetition: The command to "do to Ai as thou didst unto Jericho" wasn't just about methods of destruction. It served a powerful psychological purpose, both for Israel and their enemies. For Israel, it was a reminder of past divine power and a call to replicate that success. For the surrounding Canaanites, it broadcasted God's overwhelming might and Israel's renewed determination, building on the fear instilled by Jericho's fall. The specific strategy of the ambush also ensured a definitive, humiliating defeat for Ai, contrasting starkly with Israel's prior, embarrassing retreat.

Joshua 8 2 Commentary

Joshua 8:2 showcases God's remarkable grace and strategic guidance after Israel's initial failure at Ai. Having disciplined His people for Achan's sin and restored their relationship, the Lord grants them a second chance for victory. The instruction to treat Ai "as thou didst unto Jericho" refers to the comprehensive destruction of the city and its inhabitants, reiterating divine judgment upon the Canaanites. However, a significant deviation from Jericho is granted: Israel is explicitly allowed to take the spoil and livestock. This contrasts with Jericho's herem (devotion to God through complete destruction of all valuables and life), serving not only as provision for the growing nation but also as a visible sign of God's renewed favor and the lifting of the curse. This shift reflects God's flexibility and sovereign decision in detailing His commands for each unique context. Crucially, God Himself provides a sophisticated military tactic – an ambush – demonstrating His active leadership. This not only provided a sound strategy to overcome a previously intimidating foe but also taught Joshua and Israel to rely on God's specific direction, combining divine instruction with human strategic execution. It illustrates that victory in God's eyes requires obedience to His detailed commands, encompassing both moral integrity (addressed in chapter 7) and wise application of strategic principles. The battle for Ai, then, becomes a profound lesson in God's mercy, faithfulness, and practical wisdom for His covenant people.