Joshua 8:4 kjv
And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:
Joshua 8:4 nkjv
And he commanded them, saying: "Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.
Joshua 8:4 niv
with these orders: "Listen carefully. You are to set an ambush behind the city. Don't go very far from it. All of you be on the alert.
Joshua 8:4 esv
And he commanded them, "Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you remain ready.
Joshua 8:4 nlt
with these orders: "Hide in ambush close behind the town and be ready for action.
Joshua 8 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Josh 7:12 | Therefore the children of Israel could not stand... for they were accursed. | Previous defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin. |
| Josh 8:1 | And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear not... I have given into thy hand Ai. | God initiates the renewed attack with assurance. |
| Josh 8:2 | Thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho... | God provides the general command and permits plunder. |
| Josh 8:9 | Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush... | Immediate obedience to the ambush command. |
| Josh 8:12 | And he took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush... | Specific number for the ambush party. |
| Judges 20:29 | And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah. | Similar ambush strategy by Israel in Judges. |
| 2 Sam 5:22-24 | David enquired of the Lord... when thou hearest the sound... go out to battle. | God gives strategic battle instructions. |
| Prov 24:6 | For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war... | Emphasizes the importance of strategy in conflict. |
| Luke 14:31 | Or what king, going to make war against another king... doth not first sit down | Parable illustrating the need for strategic planning. |
| Eph 6:11 | Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against... | Spiritual readiness and strategic defense against evil. |
| Eph 6:18 | Praying always with all prayer and supplication... and watching thereunto. | Emphasis on watchfulness and spiritual readiness. |
| 1 Pet 5:8 | Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion | Alertness and readiness against spiritual threats. |
| 2 Tim 2:3-4 | Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth | Soldier-like discipline, readiness, focus. |
| Deut 20:19-20 | When thou shalt besiege a city... thou shalt not destroy the trees... | Principles of ethical conduct within warfare. |
| Josh 1:9 | Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid... for the Lord thy God... | Foundation for Joshua's leadership and Israel's obedience. |
| Num 10:9 | And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you... | Divine guidance for military engagement. |
| Isa 28:29 | This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel. | God as the ultimate source of wise strategy. |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | Let all things be done decently and in order. | Principle of divine order and execution. |
| Psa 33:10-11 | The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought... His counsel stands. | Divine plans surpass human schemes. |
| Jer 5:26 | For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth | Negative application of 'lying in wait' by wicked. |
| Neh 4:18 | Every one of the builders had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. | Example of readiness and preparedness. |
| John 18:3 | Then Judas... cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. | Human ambush/preparedness, though in a negative context. |
| 2 Chr 13:13 | But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them... | Another historical instance of a military ambush. |
Joshua 8 verses
Joshua 8 4 Meaning
Joshua 8:4 outlines a specific and critical part of the military strategy for the second assault on Ai, following Israel's earlier defeat. It is a precise divine instruction, conveyed through Joshua, commanding a segment of the Israelite army to lie in a hidden ambush behind the city of Ai. The command emphasizes staying close to the city and maintaining a state of absolute readiness for action, ensuring the success of the meticulously planned surprise attack. This verse underscores God's meticulous involvement in Israel's warfare, providing strategic details necessary for victory after previous failure.
Joshua 8 4 Context
Joshua chapter 8 opens with the Lord directly addressing Joshua, restoring confidence and providing a detailed strategy for attacking Ai after the disastrous first attempt. The earlier defeat in Joshua 7 was due to Achan's sin of taking devoted things from Jericho, which caused a breach in God's covenant with Israel. Once the sin was dealt with, God recommissions Joshua, giving him a renewed assurance of victory. Unlike the supernatural fall of Jericho, the strategy for Ai involves a precise human military maneuver, divinely orchestrated. Joshua 8:4 fits into the detailed tactical instructions given by God to Joshua, outlining the crucial role of a hidden ambush unit. The success of this second attempt hinges on exact obedience to these divinely-inspired military directives, contrasting the chaos and failure of the first battle.
Joshua 8 4 Word analysis
- And he commanded them, saying: The Hebrew verb for "commanded" is tsavah (צוה), which denotes a strong, authoritative directive. This highlights that Joshua is not merely suggesting, but issuing a definitive order derived from divine instruction. The phrase "saying" (לֵאמֹר - le'mor) introduces the direct speech of the command, emphasizing its exactness.
- Ye shall lie in ambush: The verb "lie in ambush" is te'erevu (תֵּעֶרְבוּ) from the root 'arav (ארב). This term specifically describes a hidden force waiting to surprise an enemy. In warfare, an ambush is a legitimate tactical maneuver, and here it is explicitly directed by God through Joshua, signifying a divinely sanctioned military deception. It contrasts with a frontal assault, implying shrewdness and strategic thinking.
- against the city, even behind the city: The Hebrew phrase is 'el ha'ir, mi'acharei ha'ir (אֶל־הָעִיר מֵאַחֲרֵי הָעִיר). "Against the city" indicates the general target, but "behind the city" specifies the crucial location for the ambush. This exactitude underscores the strategic importance of positioning for maximum surprise and effectiveness, ensuring the ambush force remains unseen until the critical moment.
- go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready: The phrase "go not very far" (לֹא תַרְחִיקוּ מִן־הָעִיר - lo tarkhiku min ha'ir) emphasizes maintaining close proximity. This is vital for two reasons: to avoid being discovered and to ensure the ambush party can quickly engage when the main force draws the Aiite defenders away. The second part, "but be ye all ready" (כִּי־כֻלְּכֶם תִּהְיוּ נְכוֹנִים - ki kullekhim tihyu nekhoonim), uses the word nakhoon (נכון) meaning "prepared, firm, established." This highlights the necessity for immediate and coordinated action. Readiness implies being fully equipped, mentally alert, and strategically positioned for instantaneous response to the prearranged signal, crucial for the success of any ambush.
Joshua 8 4 Bonus section
This verse highlights a key aspect of divine guidance: sometimes God's intervention is miraculous and direct (like Jericho's walls falling), while other times it involves giving precise, practical instructions that leverage human capabilities and standard military tactics. The meticulous detail in this verse suggests a deep understanding of ancient warfare strategy, indicative of God's perfect wisdom. The "ambush" strategy demonstrates a divine allowance for cunning and strategic maneuvering in warfare within the context of fulfilling God's righteous judgment against the Canaanites. It shows that God does not necessarily operate solely through direct supernatural phenomena, but also empowers His people through specific, actionable wisdom, reinforcing the value of diligence and preparedness in God's service.
Joshua 8 4 Commentary
Joshua 8:4 serves as a pivotal detail in the recounting of the conquest of Ai, showcasing God's strategic genius in military matters. After Israel's humbling defeat at Ai, God grants a second chance, providing a precise tactical blueprint that incorporates human military maneuvers. This verse illustrates that God's plans can involve careful planning and 'deception' (as in an ambush) when employed for a just and divinely appointed purpose. It underscores the importance of obedience to divine instructions, no matter how detailed or seemingly mundane. The specific placement and demand for readiness speak to the need for discipline, unity, and preparedness in accomplishing God's will. For the believer, this points to the reality that spiritual battles often require not just prayer and faith, but also strategic thinking, watchful readiness, and diligent execution in accordance with divine wisdom.