Joshua 8 8

Joshua 8:8 kjv

And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.

Joshua 8:8 nkjv

And it will be, when you have taken the city, that you shall set the city on fire. According to the commandment of the LORD you shall do. See, I have commanded you."

Joshua 8:8 niv

When you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do what the LORD has commanded. See to it; you have my orders."

Joshua 8:8 esv

And as soon as you have taken the city, you shall set the city on fire. You shall do according to the word of the LORD. See, I have commanded you."

Joshua 8:8 nlt

Set the town on fire, as the LORD has commanded. You have your orders."

Joshua 8 verses

Joshua 8 8 Meaning

This verse contains a direct, unequivocal command from the LORD to the Israelites regarding the city of Ai. It instructs them to set Ai ablaze as a specific act of judgment and destruction, emphasizing that this action must be carried out precisely according to God's divine word. The closing declaration, "See, I have commanded you," reinforces the ultimate authority and sovereign will behind this mandate, demanding immediate and complete obedience without question or deviation.

Joshua 8 8 Context

Joshua chapter 8 describes Israel's second assault on the city of Ai. The first attempt, detailed in Joshua chapter 7, resulted in a humiliating defeat for Israel due to Achan's sin of taking devoted plunder from Jericho. After Achan's judgment and the purification of the camp, God restores His presence and renews His command, providing a specific military strategy for Ai. This verse (8:8) is part of God's detailed instructions given to Joshua, commanding the final, decisive action for the decoy army and signaling the utter destruction of the city. The context highlights God's sovereignty over military affairs, the necessity of absolute obedience after a period of disobedience, and the application of herem (devotion to destruction) principles, albeit with a modification for Ai that allowed the Israelites to take its spoil (Josh 8:2) unlike Jericho where all spoils were consecrated to the LORD. This change demonstrates God's active guidance in each unique situation.

Joshua 8 8 Word analysis

• And you shall set (וְהִצַּתֶּ֤ם - vəhittṣattem): From the root yatsat (יצת), meaning "to kindle," "to set ablaze," "to burn." This verb implies a direct, intentional, and decisive action of igniting the city. It emphasizes the active participation required of the Israelite army in executing the divine judgment.
• the city (הָעִיר֙ - ha'ir): Refers specifically to Ai, which was previously a source of Israel's defeat. Its destruction signifies not just military conquest but the removal of a pagan stronghold and a visible restoration of God's favor and Israel's obedience.
• on fire (בָּאֵ֗שׁ - ba'esh): "With fire." Fire is a recurring biblical symbol of divine judgment, purification, and destruction. Its use here signifies a complete and irreversible annihilation of the city, leaving nothing behind that could re-emerge as a threat or temptation.
• according to the word (כִּדְבַ֤ר - kiḏvar): This phrase highlights the source and authority of the command. Kidevár emphasizes that the action is not a human strategic decision or impulse, but a direct fulfillment of God's articulated will. This underscores the theological principle that successful obedience means adhering precisely to God's instructions, without adding or subtracting.
• of the LORD (יְהוָה֙ - YHWH): The personal covenant name of God, revealing His active involvement in Israel's history and battles. This affirms that the command originates from the ultimate, sovereign authority of the One who guided them into the land and established their covenant relationship.
• you shall do (תַּעֲשׂוּן֙ - ta‘aśūn): From the root 'asah (עשה), meaning "to do," "to make," "to perform." This imperative underscores the immediate requirement for execution. It's a call to action that brooks no hesitation or debate, linking belief directly to physical performance.
• See, (רְא֗וּ - rə'u): An imperative often translated as "Behold" or "Look." It functions as an attention-grabbing signal, drawing special emphasis to the subsequent statement. It conveys urgency and the absolute certainty of the command, urging them to internalize the instruction.
• I have commanded you (צִוֵּ֣יתִי אֶתְכֶ֔ם - ṣiwwêtî ’etkem): From the root tsawah (צוה), "to command," "to charge." This concluding phrase reinforces God's direct, personal, and absolute authority. It is a reassertion that removes any ambiguity or room for error, placing the full weight of divine imperative upon their actions. This solemn declaration reaffirms the direct chain of command from God to Joshua to the army.

Words-group Analysis

• And you shall set the city on fire: This forms the core instruction—a clear, specific, and active command for destruction. The directness emphasizes that Israel is God's instrument for judgment against pagan entities in the land. This contrasts sharply with their earlier, presumptuous attempt on Ai (Josh 7:4-5), demonstrating that their actions must be by God's explicit instruction.
• according to the word of the LORD you shall do: This phrase establishes the non-negotiable principle of obedience. It mandates perfect adherence to divine instruction as the only pathway to success and right standing before God. It echoes themes throughout Deuteronomy and early Joshua where obedience to God's word is paramount for occupying and blessing the land.
• See, I have commanded you: This functions as a divine seal or emphasis on the entire instruction. It highlights the divine initiative and underscores God's sovereignty. It is not an arbitrary command but a clear directive from the supreme Commander, removing any doubt about the origin or authority of the instruction. This also provides reassurance after their prior defeat, that this time the command comes directly and specifically from the Lord, guaranteeing success if followed.

Joshua 8 8 Bonus section

The concept of "fire" in this context is multifaceted:

• Judgment and Devastation: It is a tool for complete destruction, symbolizing God's judgment against the pagan inhabitants and their practices (as seen in Sodom and Gomorrah).
• Purification: Fire also symbolizes purification. The burning of Ai not only destroys the physical city but metaphorically cleanses the land of its pagan contamination, preparing it for the consecrated presence of Israel.
• A Symbol of God's Presence and Authority: Just as fire marked God's presence at the burning bush or Mount Sinai, here it is the execution of His divine will, demonstrating His active intervention in Israel's conquest.

This instance of herem (devotion to destruction) at Ai is noteworthy compared to Jericho. At Jericho (Josh 6:17-19), all the spoils were "devoted to the LORD," meaning they were either destroyed or consecrated to the tabernacle treasury. For Ai (Josh 8:2), God explicitly allowed Israel to "plunder the city for yourselves." This variation illustrates God's sovereignty and His right to determine the precise application of herem principles in each conquest. It shows that God's commands are specific and situational, always tied to His divine purpose and often reflecting a lesson or consequence for Israel.

Joshua 8 8 Commentary

Joshua 8:8 is a powerful articulation of divine authority and the non-negotiable call for complete obedience in the biblical narrative. Coming on the heels of Israel's defeat at Ai due to disobedience, this verse represents a clear turning point: God, through His renewed specific command, re-establishes the pathway to victory through absolute submission. The command to burn Ai "according to the word of the LORD" highlights that God's people do not act on their own will or strategic acumen alone, but as executors of His precise directives. The act of burning the city signifies utter judgment against ungodliness and the irreversible nature of divine wrath against idolatry. "See, I have commanded you" serves as a definitive reinforcement, ensuring that Joshua and the army fully grasp the divine origin and mandatory nature of the order, solidifying faith as expressed through immediate and complete adherence to God's expressed will.