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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 8:13 So the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city and the rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/8-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/06_Jos_08_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 8:13 - The Conquest of Ai" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city and the rear guard to the west of the city. 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That night Joshua went into the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city and the rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when they had set the people, <i>even</i> all the host that <i>was</i> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And when they had set the people, all the army that <i>was</i> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So they stationed the people, all the army that was on the north side of the city, and its rear guard on the west side of the city, and Joshua spent that night in the midst of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So they stationed the people, all the army that was on the north side of the city, and its rear guard on the west side of the city, and Joshua spent that night in the midst of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So they stationed the people, all the army that was on the north side of the city, and its rear guard on the west side of the city, and Joshua spent that night in the midst of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So they set the people, all the army that was on the north side of the city, and its rear guard on the west side of the city, and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So they stationed the people, all the army—the main encampment that was north of the city, and their rear guard on the west side of the city—and Joshua spent that night in the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The troops were stationed in this way: the main camp to the north of the city and its rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The military force was stationed in this way: the main camp to the north of the city and its rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So they set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers-in-wait that were on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joshua/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Now all his troops were in place. Part of the army was in the camp to the north of Ai, and the others were hiding to the west, ready to make a surprise attack. That night, Joshua went into the valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So they set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait that were on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the vale.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />All the troops were positioned. The main camp was north of the city, and the other troops were hiding west of the city. That night Joshua went down into the middle of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The soldiers were arranged for battle with the main camp north of the city and the rest of the men to the west. Joshua spent the night in the valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />stationing their forces with its main encampment north of the city and its rear guard to the west. Joshua spent that night in the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city and the rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The army was in position--the main army north of the city and the rear guard west of the city. That night Joshua went into the middle of the valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they set the people, all the camp which [is] on the north of the city, and its rear on the west of the city, and that night Joshua goes on into the midst of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they set the people, all the camp which is on the north of the city, and its rear on the west of the city, and Joshua goeth on that night into the midst of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the people will set all the camp which is from the north to the city, and its lying in wait, from the sea to the city; and Joshua will go in that night into the midst of the valley.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But all the rest of the army went in battle array on the north side, so that the last of that multitude reached to the west side of the city. So Josue went that night, and stood in the midst of the valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Yet truly, all the remainder of the army was arranged in a line to the north, so that the very end of that multitude reached to the western region of the city. Then Joshua went out that night, and he stood in the middle of the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thus the people took up their stations, with the main body north of the city and the ambush west of it, and Joshua waited overnight in the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when he had set his men and all his host on the north side of the city, and the rear guard on the west of the city, Joshua went that night among the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he had situated his people and all his host from the north of the city and the Rear Guards from the west of the city and Yeshua went on that night among the people<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So the people set themselves in array, even all the host that was on the north of the city, their rear lying in wait on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the vale.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/8-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=1835" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm">The Conquest of Ai</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">So the forces</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: way·yā·śî·mū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">were stationed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">with the main</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: ham·ma·ḥă·neh (Art:: N-cs) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">camp</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6828.htm" title="6828: miṣ·ṣə·p̄ō·wn (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- North. Or tsaphon; from tsaphan; properly, hidden, i.e. Dark; used only of the north as a quarter.">to the north</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: lā·‘îr (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6119.htm" title="6119: ‘ă·qê·ḇōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Heel, footprint, hind part. Or hiqqbah; from aqab; a heel; hence, a track; figuratively, the rear.">and the rear guard</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: mî·yām (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">to the west</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: lā·‘îr (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of the city.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">And that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: bal·lay·lāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">night</a> <a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">went</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: bə·ṯō·wḵ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/6010.htm" title="6010: hā·‘ê·meq (Art:: N-ms) -- A vale. From amaq; a vale.">the valley.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>When the king of Ai saw the Israelites, he hurried out early in the morning with the men of the city to engage them in battle at an appointed place overlooking the Arabah. But he did not know that an ambush had been set up against him behind the city.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/6-3.htm">Joshua 6:3-5</a></span><br />March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. / Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. / And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-29.htm">Judges 20:29-34</a></span><br />So Israel set up an ambush around Gibeah. / On the third day the Israelites went up against the Benjamites and arrayed themselves against Gibeah as they had done before. / The Benjamites came out against them and were drawn away from the city. They began to attack the people as before, killing about thirty men of Israel in the fields and on the roads, one of which led up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23-25</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. / As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-16.htm">2 Kings 3:16-20</a></span><br />and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ / This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">2 Chronicles 20:22-24</a></span><br />The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. / When the men of Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the vast army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Exodus 17:9-13</a></span><br />So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” / Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. / As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3-7</a></span><br />So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them. / Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.” / So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">1 Samuel 15:3</a></span><br />Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12-20</a></span><br />Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they stationed themselves against the city. / Meanwhile a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you see this entire great army? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand this very day, and you will know that I am the LORD.’” / “By whom?” Ahab asked. And the prophet replied, “This is what the LORD says: ‘By the young officers of the district governors.’” “Who will start the battle?” asked Ahab. “You will,” answered the prophet. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31-32</a></span><br />Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-37.htm">Romans 8:37</a></span><br />No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-4</a></span><br />For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11-13</a></span><br />Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. / Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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 middle of the valley.</p><p class="hdg">liers in wait.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/8-8.htm">Joshua 8:8,12</a></b></br> And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, <i>that</i> ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">Army</a> <a href="/joshua/4-12.htm">Array</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">City</a> <a href="/revelation/20-9.htm">Encampment</a> <a href="/joshua/5-15.htm">Host</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/judges/20-38.htm">Liers</a> <a href="/numbers/20-19.htm">Main</a> <a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">Night</a> <a href="/joshua/8-11.htm">North</a> <a href="/joshua/5-8.htm">Places</a> <a href="/joshua/8-4.htm">Rear</a> <a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Side</a> <a href="/numbers/31-49.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Stationed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-29.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-7.htm">Vale</a> <a href="/joshua/8-11.htm">Valley</a> <a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">West</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/8-14.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/joshua/10-7.htm">Army</a> <a href="/judges/20-20.htm">Array</a> <a href="/joshua/8-14.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-20.htm">Encampment</a> <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Host</a> <a href="/joshua/8-15.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/8-14.htm">Liers</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-3.htm">Main</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/joshua/10-9.htm">Night</a> <a href="/joshua/11-2.htm">North</a> <a href="/joshua/13-23.htm">Places</a> <a href="/joshua/10-19.htm">Rear</a> <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">Side</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/judges/19-7.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/judges/20-22.htm">Stationed</a> <a href="/joshua/8-15.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/joshua/10-40.htm">Vale</a> <a href="/joshua/10-12.htm">Valley</a> <a href="/joshua/18-3.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/joshua/11-2.htm">West</a> <a href="/joshua/8-31.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/8-1.htm">God encourages Joshua</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">The plan whereby Ai was taken</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/8-29.htm">The king thereof is hanged</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/8-30.htm">Joshua builds an altar</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/8-32.htm">writes the law on stones</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/8-33.htm">and pronounces the blessings and curses</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city</b><br>The strategic positioning of the forces to the north of Ai reflects a common military tactic of the time, aiming to create a diversion and draw the enemy out. This tactic is reminiscent of earlier biblical battles where God’s people relied on strategic planning under divine guidance. The north side of Ai would have been a logical choice, as it provided a vantage point and possibly a less fortified area to approach. This positioning also aligns with the broader narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, where God’s instructions often included specific military strategies (e.g., Jericho in <a href="/joshua/6.htm">Joshua 6</a>).<p><b>and the rear guard to the west of the city</b><br>The placement of the rear guard to the west indicates a pincer movement, a tactic designed to encircle and trap the enemy. This reflects the wisdom and leadership of Joshua, who was following God’s command to ensure victory. The west side of Ai would have been significant as it might have been less expected by the inhabitants of Ai, who were likely focused on the main camp to the north. This strategic encirclement is a precursor to the complete victory God promised Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to give the land to His people.<p><b>And that night Joshua went into the valley</b><br>Joshua’s movement into the valley signifies his role as a leader who is actively involved in the battle, not just directing from a distance. The valley could symbolize a place of vulnerability, yet it is also a place where God’s presence and guidance are evident. This action parallels other biblical leaders who stepped into challenging situations with faith, such as David facing Goliath. The valley may also represent a place of testing and reliance on God, as seen in <a href="/psalms/23-4.htm">Psalm 23:4</a>, where the valley is a place of trust in God’s protection. Joshua’s leadership here is a type of Christ, who leads His people through trials and into victory.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to succeed Moses and lead the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, orchestrating the military strategy against Ai.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ai.htm">Ai</a></b><br>A Canaanite city that the Israelites are attempting to conquer. It represents a significant challenge following their initial defeat due to Achan's sin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelite_forces.htm">Israelite Forces</a></b><br>The army of Israel, divided into different groups for a strategic military maneuver against Ai. They are positioned to the north and west of the city.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_valley.htm">The Valley</a></b><br>The location where Joshua spends the night, likely in prayer and contemplation, seeking God's guidance for the battle.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/rear_guard.htm">Rear Guard</a></b><br>A strategic military position, indicating the tactical planning involved in the conquest of Ai.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_obedience.htm">Strategic Obedience</a></b><br>Joshua's careful planning and obedience to God's instructions demonstrate the importance of aligning our strategies with God's will. We should seek divine guidance in our decisions and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_leadership.htm">Courage in Leadership</a></b><br>Joshua's leadership exemplifies courage and faith. As Christians, we are called to lead with confidence, knowing that God is with us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer.htm">The Role of Prayer</a></b><br>Joshua's time in the valley suggests a period of prayer and reflection. In our own lives, we should prioritize prayer, especially when facing significant challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>The victory at Ai, following the initial defeat, underscores God's faithfulness to His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises, even when we face setbacks.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_unity.htm">Community and Unity</a></b><br>The coordinated effort of the Israelite forces highlights the importance of unity and working together towards a common goal. In the church, unity is essential for achieving God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/augustus_caesar's_biblical_role.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where's_the_evidence_of_ai's_destruction.htm">Where is the archaeological evidence supporting the complete destruction of Ai (Joshua 8:28)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_include_ben_hinnom_in_joshua_15_8.htm">In Joshua 15:8, why does the boundary include the Valley of Ben Hinnom if archaeological evidence suggests a different urban layout for Jerusalem at that time?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_18_12_and_2_sam_8_13_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">Joshua went that night into the. . . . valley (Emek).</span>--Not the ravine (or Gai) before mentioned (<a href="/joshua/8-11.htm" title="And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew near, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.">Joshua 8:11</a>), but a wider and more open part of the valley, probably a little further to the south;� the object being to draw the men of Ai into a pursuit in the direction of the road to Gilgal.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And when they had set.</span> This may mean the leaders of the detachment of 30,000. Joshua does not appear to have been with them, for he is not mentioned till the latter part of the verse (see note on ver. 3). <span class="cmt_word">Joshua went that night.</span> Having made all his dispositions, he descended in the evening from his vantage ground on the hill into the plain, so as to invite attack in the morning, a stratagem which (see next verse) was completely successful. Some MSS., however, have <span class="hebrew">וַיָּלֶן</span> "and he rested," for <span class="hebrew">וַיֵּלֶך</span> "and he went" here. <span class="cmt_word">The valley.</span> The word here is <span class="hebrew">עֶמֶק</span> not <span class="hebrew">גָי</span> as in ver. 11. Therefore the narrow waterless ravine in which the troops in ambush were to lie hid is not meant here, but a wider valley. A consideration of this fact might do something to settle the much disputed question of the situation of Ai. The <span class="hebrew">עֶמֶק</span> though deep, as the name implies, was a valley large enough for cultivation or luxuriant vegetation (<a href="/job/39-10.htm">Job 39:10</a>; Psalm 65:14; <a href="/songs/2-1.htm">Song of Solomon 2:1</a>). Even a battle might be fought there (<a href="/job/39-21.htm">Job 39:21</a>). Such a valley as that of Chamonix or Lauterbrunnen would answer to the description, and so would the passes of Glencoe and Killiecrankie. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/8-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So the forces</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֜ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were stationed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּשִׂ֨ימוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·śî·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with the main</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">camp</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·ḥă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> </span><span class="str2">An encampment, an army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the north</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְּפ֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·ṣə·p̄ō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6828.htm">Strong's 6828: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the city</span><br /><span class="heb">לָעִ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(lā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the rear guard</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲקֵב֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·qê·ḇōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6119.htm">Strong's 6119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heel, footprint, hind part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the west</span><br /><span class="heb">מִיָּ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(mî·yām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the city.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָעִ֑יר</span> <span class="translit">(lā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And that</span><br /><span class="heb">הַה֖וּא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">night</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּלַּ֥יְלָה</span> <span class="translit">(bal·lay·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> </span><span class="str2">A twist, night, adversity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joshua</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּת֥וֹךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯō·wḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bisection, the centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the valley.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵֽמֶק׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ê·meq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6010.htm">Strong's 6010: </a> </span><span class="str2">A vale</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/8-13.htm">Joshua 8:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/8-13.htm">OT History: Joshua 8:13 So they set the people even all (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/8-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 8:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/8-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 8:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>