Joshua 8 22

Joshua 8:22 kjv

And the other issued out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side: and they smote them, so that they let none of them remain or escape.

Joshua 8:22 nkjv

Then the others came out of the city against them; so they were caught in the midst of Israel, some on this side and some on that side. And they struck them down, so that they let none of them remain or escape.

Joshua 8:22 niv

Those in the ambush also came out of the city against them, so that they were caught in the middle, with Israelites on both sides. Israel cut them down, leaving them neither survivors nor fugitives.

Joshua 8:22 esv

And the others came out from the city against them, so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side. And Israel struck them down, until there was left none that survived or escaped.

Joshua 8:22 nlt

Meanwhile, the Israelites who were inside the town came out and attacked the enemy from the rear. So the men of Ai were caught in the middle, with Israelite fighters on both sides. Israel attacked them, and not a single person survived or escaped.

Joshua 8 verses

Joshua 8 22 Meaning

This verse vividly describes the successful culmination of the Israelite strategy at Ai, where the entire male population of the city was caught between Joshua’s returning main army and the ambush force. As a result, they were completely encircled and trapped, leading to their inescapable destruction, ensuring that not a single person survived the conflict.

Joshua 8 22 Context

Joshua 8:22 concludes the tactical phase of the second battle against Ai. After their initial defeat in chapter 7 due to Achan's sin and subsequent atonement, God provides Joshua with a precise strategy: an ambush (5,000 men, later clarified as 30,000, 8:3) placed behind the city, while Joshua’s main army (approx. 25,000, 8:3, 10) feigns retreat to draw the Aiites out of their fortified city. Verse 22 describes the pivotal moment when the men of Ai, having eagerly pursued Joshua’s main force, suddenly found themselves caught between that force (which had turned around) and the ambush that had captured their city and now emerged behind them. This historical event fulfills God’s command for cherem (utter destruction) against cities identified for His judgment due to the long-standing wickedness of the Canaanites, providing a graphic illustration of the consequences for defiance against God's appointed purposes and His people.

Joshua 8 22 Word analysis

• "So they were" (וַיִּהְיוּ - vayihiyu): This phrase begins with a waw consecutive, indicating that this is the immediate consequence or outcome of the previous actions (the trap closing). It means "and they came to be" or "and they found themselves." It is a dynamic state, emphasizing the critical position the Aiite forces suddenly found themselves in—no longer pursuing but trapped.

• "in the midst of Israel" (בְתוֹךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל - b'tokh Yisra'el): The preposition בְּ (be) means "in" or "among," and תוֹךְ (tokh) signifies the "middle" or "center." This denotes complete encirclement. The men of Ai were literally surrounded on all sides, boxed in by the Israelite forces, illustrating the overwhelming tactical advantage and inevitability of their demise.

• "some on this side" (אֵלֶּה מִכָּה - elleh mikah): Elleh means "these," and mikah means "from here" or "from this place/direction." This likely refers to Joshua’s main fighting force that had drawn the Aiites out and now turned to engage them.

• "and some on that side" (וְאֵלֶּה מִכֹּה - v'elleh mikoh): The conjunction waw "and," followed by elleh "these," and mikoh "from there" or "from that place/direction." This refers to the ambush party that rose from its hiding place behind Ai and entered the city, then came to engage the Aiite army from their rear. The repetition of "this side... that side" graphically emphasizes the pincer movement.

• "and no one" (וְאֵין - v'ein): The waw "and" introducing the absolute negation particle ein ("there is not" or "no"). This phrase provides a stark, absolute statement. It unequivocally states the complete absence of survivors, highlighting the thoroughness of the victory.

• "of them escaped" (לָהֶם פָּלִיט - lahem palit): Lahem is a preposition meaning "to/for them." Palit (from the root palat, "to escape") means "one who has escaped," "a survivor," or "a fugitive." The use of palit underlines the intention to completely eliminate any and all combatants or inhabitants.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "So they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side": This describes the highly effective military maneuver. The Men of Ai were physically encircled by the two divisions of the Israelite army. This specific encirclement ensured that all routes of retreat were blocked, leading directly to the following statement of their utter demise. It’s a vivid description of a military trap executed perfectly.
  • "and no one of them escaped": This definitive declaration is the climax of the verse and the battle's tactical success. It signifies a complete, total victory with zero enemy survivors from the initial engagement, embodying the fierce thoroughness of divine judgment on a city designated for cherem. This absolute absence of escapees validates the efficacy of God’s given strategy and Israel’s obedience.

Joshua 8 22 Bonus section

The meticulous execution of the ambush at Ai highlights God’s willingness to use strategic human effort to accomplish His purposes, as long as it aligns with His divine will and is empowered by His presence. This incident also served as a profound vindication of Joshua's leadership after the previous setback, solidifying his role as God's chosen successor to Moses in the eyes of all Israel. The "no escape" policy enforced here was a core aspect of the cherem law, which prevented the assimilation of corrupting pagan influences into the nascent Israelite society and underscored the holiness required for the chosen people dwelling in the promised land.

Joshua 8 22 Commentary

Joshua 8:22 offers a potent snapshot of divine judgment and covenant faithfulness in action. It’s the decisive moment where the cunning, God-ordained strategy against Ai comes to full fruition. The imagery of the men of Ai trapped "in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side" is highly effective, illustrating an inescapable military net. This complete annihilation of the city’s inhabitants, confirmed by the concluding "and no one of them escaped," demonstrates the thoroughness of God’s cherem command against wicked Canaanite cities. Unlike the earlier defeat in chapter 7 due to Achan's sin, this resounding victory at Ai signifies God's restored favor on a now obedient Israel, proving that divine blessing follows corporate holiness. This was not mere territorial expansion but an act of righteous judgment against the deeply entrenched idolatry and depravity of the Canaanites. The "no escape" clause powerfully communicates the futility of resisting God's ordained judgment, serving as a solemn warning against rebellion and a testament to God's omnipotent power.