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Joshua 8:4 with these orders: "Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready.
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You are to set an ambush behind the city. Don’t go very far from it. All of you be on the alert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />with these orders: “Hide in ambush close behind the town and be ready for action.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />with these orders: “Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, <i>even</i> behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He commanded them, saying, “See, you are going to ambush the city from behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He commanded them, saying, “See, you are going to ambush the city from behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he commanded them, saying, “See, you are going to ambush the city from behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he commanded them, saying, “See, you are going to ambush the city from behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He commanded them, saying, “Listen closely, you are going to lie in wait <i>and</i> ambush the city from behind it. Do not go very far away from the city, but all of you be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He commanded them, “Pay attention. Lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it, and all of you be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He commanded them: “Pay attention. Lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it, and all of you be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city; go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />with these orders: "Set an ambush behind the city. Don't go very far away from the city. Everyone must be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />with these orders: "Hide on the other side of the city, but not too far away from it; be ready to attack. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />telling them, "Pay attention now! You are to set up an ambush around the city. Don't go very far from the city, and all of you remain on alert. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />with these orders: ?Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He told them, "Look, set an ambush behind the city. Don't go very far from the city; all of you be ready!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He commanded them, saying, "Look, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Don’t go very far from the city, but all of you be ready. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and commands them, saying, “See, you are ones lying in wait against the city, at the rear of the city, you do not go very far off from the city, and all of you have been prepared,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and commandeth them, saying, 'See, ye are liers in wait against the city, at the rear of the city, ye go not very far off from the city, and all of you have been prepared,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will command them, saying. See, ye lie in wait against the city, behind the city: ye shall not be far off from the city greatly, and be ye all of you prepared:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And commanded them, saying: Lay an ambush behind the city: and go not very far from it: and be ye all ready. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he instructed them, saying: “Set an ambush behind the city. You shall withdraw not far away, and let everyone be prepared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />with these orders: “See that you ambush the city from the rear. Do not be very far from the city. All of you must be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />with the command, “You shall lie in ambush against the city, behind it; do not go very far from the city, but all of you stay alert.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he commanded them, saying. Behold, when you shall lie in wait against the city, from behind it, do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he commanded them and he said to them: “See when you lie in ambush against the city from behind the city, you shall not go very far from the city, and be ready, all of you<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he commanded them, saying: 'Behold, ye shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city; go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he charged them, saying, Do ye lie in ambush behind the city: do not go far from the city, and ye shall all be ready.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/8-4.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=1743" 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">3</span>So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai. Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out at night <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: way·ṣaw (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">with these orders:</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rə·’ū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">“Pay attention.</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/693.htm" title="693: ’ō·rə·ḇîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To lie in wait. A primitive root; to lurk.">are to lie in ambush</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: mê·’a·ḥă·rê (Prep-m) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">behind</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.">the city,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense."></a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">too</a> <a href="/hebrew/7368.htm" title="7368: tar·ḥî·qū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">far</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">from it.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kul·lə·ḵem (N-msc:: 2mp) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">All of you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wih·yî·ṯem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">must be</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: nə·ḵō·nîm (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">ready.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Then I and all the troops with me will advance on the city. When they come out against us as they did the first time, we will flee from them.…<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="/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/7-12.htm">2 Kings 7:12</a></span><br />So the king got up in the night and said to his servants, “Let me tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They know we are starving, so they have left the camp to hide in the field, thinking, ‘When they come out of the city, we will take them alive and enter the city.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/14-15.htm">Genesis 14:15</a></span><br />During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-5.htm">1 Samuel 15:5</a></span><br />Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14-16</a></span><br />So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around 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 out to battle, because this will mean that God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as God had commanded him, and they struck down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/13-13.htm">2 Chronicles 13:13</a></span><br />Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to ambush from the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah, the ambush was behind them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Exodus 17:9-10</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/31-3.htm">Numbers 31:3-5</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="/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/21-20.htm">Luke 21:20-22</a></span><br />But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21</a></span><br />Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Romans 16:19</a></span><br />Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">1 Corinthians 10:11</a></span><br />Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he commanded them, saying, Behold, you shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be you all ready:</p><p class="hdg">lie in wait</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/8-16.htm">Joshua 8:16</a></b></br> And all the people that <i>were</i> in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Judges 9:25</a></b></br> And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/20-29.htm">Judges 20:29,33,36</a></b></br> And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah… </p><p class="hdg">go not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:19</a></b></br> Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty <i>men</i> which are in the city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:16</a></b></br> Then said I, Wisdom <i>is</i> better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom <i>is</i> despised, and his words are not heard.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/7-11.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/joshua/4-17.htm">Commandeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-41.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/joshua/2-8.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/joshua/4-17.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-9.htm">Position</a> <a href="/joshua/4-13.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-21.htm">Readiness</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/joshua/6-13.htm">Rear</a> <a href="/joshua/7-22.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/judges/6-29.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/joshua/8-5.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/8-8.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">Commandeth</a> <a href="/joshua/8-18.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/joshua/8-8.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Position</a> <a href="/joshua/9-4.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-15.htm">Readiness</a> <a href="/joshua/9-4.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/joshua/8-13.htm">Rear</a> <a href="/joshua/10-16.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/joshua/10-19.htm">Yourselves</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>with these orders:</b><br>This phrase indicates a direct command from Joshua, who is leading the Israelites after Moses. The context is the military strategy for capturing Ai, a city in Canaan. Joshua's leadership is characterized by obedience to God's instructions, reflecting the importance of divine guidance in achieving victory.<p><b>Pay attention.</b><br>This command emphasizes the need for vigilance and careful listening. In the biblical narrative, attention to God's instructions is crucial for success. This echoes the broader biblical theme of heeding God's word, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-9</a>, where Israel is instructed to listen and obey God's commandments.<p><b>You are to lie in ambush behind the city,</b><br>The strategy of ambush is a tactical maneuver used in ancient warfare. The geographical setting of Ai, identified with the modern site of et-Tell, provides a suitable location for such a tactic. This method reflects the wisdom and cunning required in battle, reminiscent of other biblical instances where God uses unconventional means to achieve His purposes, such as Gideon's victory over the Midianites in <a href="/judges/7.htm">Judges 7</a>.<p><b>not too far from it.</b><br>The proximity to the city is crucial for the success of the ambush. This detail highlights the need for precise execution of God's plan. It also underscores the importance of being close enough to respond quickly, a principle seen in other biblical narratives where timing and positioning are key, such as David's encounter with Goliath in <a href="/1_samuel/17.htm">1 Samuel 17</a>.<p><b>All of you must be ready.</b><br>Readiness is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with spiritual preparedness. In this context, it refers to the physical and mental preparedness for battle. This mirrors the New Testament call for believers to be ready for spiritual warfare, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>, where Paul describes the armor of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses. He is responsible for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and executing God's commands for conquering it.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ai.htm">Ai</a></b><br>A city near Bethel, which the Israelites are commanded to conquer. The previous attempt to capture Ai failed due to disobedience, but this time God provides a strategy for victory.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelite_warriors.htm">Israelite Warriors</a></b><br>The soldiers who are commanded by Joshua to lie in ambush. They play a crucial role in the strategy to capture Ai.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ambush.htm">Ambush</a></b><br>A military tactic used by Joshua as instructed by God. It involves hiding forces to surprise the enemy, demonstrating strategic planning and obedience to divine guidance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_command.htm">God's Command</a></b><br>The divine instruction given to Joshua, emphasizing the importance of following God's guidance for success.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_strategy.htm">Obedience to God's Strategy</a></b><br>Just as Joshua followed God's specific instructions for the ambush, we must seek and adhere to God's guidance in our lives. Success often requires us to trust in His plans, even when they seem unconventional.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_readiness.htm">Preparation and Readiness</a></b><br>The command to "be ready" underscores the importance of preparation in our spiritual lives. We must be vigilant and prepared to act when God calls us to move.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_timing.htm">Trust in Divine Timing</a></b><br>The ambush required patience and precise timing. Similarly, we must trust in God's timing for events in our lives, knowing that His plans are perfect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/learning_from_past_failures.htm">Learning from Past Failures</a></b><br>The initial failure at Ai due to disobedience serves as a reminder to learn from past mistakes and seek God's guidance for future endeavors.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_cooperation.htm">Community and Cooperation</a></b><br>The success of the ambush depended on the cooperation of the Israelite warriors. In our spiritual journey, working together with fellow believers strengthens our ability to fulfill 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/why_is_joshua_and_caleb's_story_important.htm">What is the significance of Joshua and Caleb's story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_joshua_8's_ambush_unique.htm">Why does the ambush strategy described in Joshua 8:2–22 differ from other accounts of Israelite conquests? </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/augustus_caesar's_biblical_role.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</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>(4-8) Joshua's general plan of operations is stated in these verses. The following verses explain how it was worked out.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/8-4.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">with these orders:</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְצַ֨ו</span> <span class="translit">(way·ṣaw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Pay attention.</span><br /><span class="heb">רְ֠אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(rə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתֶּ֞ם</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are to lie in ambush</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹרְבִ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·rə·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_693.htm">Strong's 693: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie in wait</span><br /><br /><span class="word">behind</span><br /><span class="heb">מִן־</span> <span class="translit">(min-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the city,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָעִיר֙</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">not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">too</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">far</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּרְחִ֥יקוּ</span> <span class="translit">(tar·ḥî·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become far or distant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from it.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">All of you</span><br /><span class="heb">כֻּלְּכֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(kul·lə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural<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">must be</span><br /><span class="heb">וִהְיִיתֶ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(wih·yî·ṯem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ready.</span><br /><span class="heb">נְכֹנִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ḵō·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/8-4.htm">OT History: Joshua 8:4 He commanded them saying Behold you shall (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/8-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 8:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/8-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 8:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:5" /></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>