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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/joshua/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city and that smoke was going up from it, they turned around and attacked the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When Joshua and all the other Israelites saw that the ambush had succeeded and that smoke was rising from the town, they turned and attacked the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had captured the city, and that the smoke of the city went up, then they turned back and struck down the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that smoke was rising from it, they turned around and struck down the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city and that the smoke of the city ascended, they turned back and struck down the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the <i>men in</i> ambush had captured the city and that the smoke of the city ascended, they turned back and killed the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that the smoke of the city ascended, they turned back and slew the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the <i>men in</i> ambush had captured the city and that the smoke of the city ascended, they turned back and slew the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Joshua and all Israel saw that the <i>men in</i> ambush had captured the city and that the smoke of the city ascended. So they turned back and struck down the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the [men in] ambush had taken the city and that the smoke of the city was ascending, they turned back and struck down the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that smoke was rising from it, they turned back and struck down the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that smoke was rising from it, they turned back and struck down the men of Ai. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men who had been hiding had captured the city and that it was going up in smoke, they turned and attacked the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Joshua and his men saw that the others had taken the city and that it was on fire, they turned around and began killing the men of Ai. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Joshua and the entire fighting force of Israel observed that the men who had been in ambush had seized the city and that the smoke from the city was rising, they turned around and attacked the men of Ai. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that smoke was rising from it, they turned around and struck down the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that the city was going up in smoke, they turned around and struck down the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and killed the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again and slew the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned back and killed the men of Ai. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Joshua and all Israel have seen that the ambush has captured the city, and that the smoke of the city has gone up, and they turn back and strike the men of Ai;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Joshua and all Israel have seen that the ambush hath captured the city, and that the smoke of the city hath gone up, and they turn back and smite the men of Ai;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush took the city, and that the smoke of the city went up, and they will turn back and smite the men of Ai.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So Josue and all Israel seeing that the city was taken, and that the smoke of the city rose up, returned and slew the men of Hai. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Joshua, and all of Israel, seeing that the city had been captured, and that the smoke of the city was ascending, returned and struck down the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />for when Joshua and the main body of Israelites saw that the city had been taken by ambush and was going up in smoke, they struck back at the forces of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city and that the smoke of the city was rising, then they turned back and struck down the men of Ai.<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 Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the city was going up in smoke, then they turned back and slew the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yeshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had seized the city and the smoke of the city went up, and they returned, they killed the men of Ai<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned back, and slew the men of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambuscade had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city went up to heaven; and they turned and smote the men of Gai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/8-21.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=1928" 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">20</span>When the men of Ai turned and looked back, the smoke of the city was rising into the sky. They could not escape in any direction, and the troops who had fled to the wilderness now became the pursuers. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: wî·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">When Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/693.htm" title="693: hā·’ō·rêḇ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lie in wait. A primitive root; to lurk.">the men in ambush</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/3920.htm" title="3920: lā·ḵaḏ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To capture, seize, take. A primitive root; to catch; generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose; figuratively, to cohere.">had captured</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.">the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: wə·ḵî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">and that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6227.htm" title="6227: ‘ă·šan (N-msc) -- Smoke. From ashan; smoke, literally or figuratively.">smoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ā·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">was rising from</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.">it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šu·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">they turned around</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: way·yak·kū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and struck down</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/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/5857.htm" title="5857: hā·‘āy (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- A Canaanite city. Or uaya((Neh. 11:31); or eayath (Isaiah 10:28); for iy; Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in Palestine.">of Ai.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Meanwhile, those in the ambush came out of the city against them, and the men of Ai were trapped between the Israelite forces on both sides. So Israel struck them down until no survivor or fugitive remained.…<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/6-20.htm">Joshua 6:20</a></span><br />So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Judges 20:36-38</a></span><br />Then the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they were relying on the ambush they had set against Gibeah. / The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword. / The men of Israel had arranged a signal with the men in ambush: When they sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24-25</a></span><br />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/3-24.htm">2 Kings 3:24</a></span><br />But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">2 Chronicles 20:22-23</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-27.htm">Exodus 14:27-28</a></span><br />So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were retreating, the LORD swept them into the sea. / The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/31-7.htm">Numbers 31:7-8</a></span><br />Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male. / Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.<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/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20</a></span><br />Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-29.htm">1 Kings 20:29-30</a></span><br />For seven days the armies camped opposite each other, and on the seventh day the battle ensued, and the Israelites struck down the Arameans—a hundred thousand foot soldiers in one day. / The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Isaiah 37:36</a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-2.htm">Matthew 24:2</a></span><br />“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”<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/13-19.htm">Acts 13:19</a></span><br />And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/8-20.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/joshua/8-20.htm">Ascended</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-18.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/joshua/8-20.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/8-17.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-1.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/joshua/7-5.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/joshua/7-3.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/joshua/8-20.htm">Smoke</a> <a href="/joshua/7-5.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Surprise</a> <a href="/joshua/7-12.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/joshua/8-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/joshua/2-16.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/8-23.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/joshua/10-7.htm">Ascended</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/joshua/8-23.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/8-23.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/10-10.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/judges/20-38.htm">Smoke</a> <a href="/joshua/8-22.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/joshua/10-9.htm">Surprise</a> <a href="/joshua/10-21.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/joshua/10-38.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/joshua/15-3.htm">Turning</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>When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city</b><br>This phrase highlights the strategic military tactics employed by Joshua, which were divinely inspired. The ambush was a fulfillment of God's command in <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Joshua 8:2</a>, demonstrating obedience to divine instruction. The capture of Ai was significant as it represented a turning point in the conquest of Canaan, showcasing the importance of faith and strategy working together. The unity of "all Israel" underscores the collective effort and shared purpose among the Israelites, reflecting the communal nature of their covenant relationship with God.<p><b>and that smoke was rising from it</b><br>The rising smoke served as a signal to Joshua and the Israelites that the ambush was successful. In ancient warfare, smoke was often used as a communication tool to indicate victory or a call to action. This visual cue was crucial in coordinating the attack, as it confirmed the fulfillment of the plan. The imagery of smoke also symbolizes judgment and destruction, reminiscent of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (<a href="/genesis/19-28.htm">Genesis 19:28</a>), indicating divine retribution against the city of Ai.<p><b>they turned around and struck down the men of Ai</b><br>This decisive action by Joshua and the Israelites demonstrates their commitment to God's command to conquer the land. The phrase "turned around" signifies a change in direction and focus, emphasizing the element of surprise and the effectiveness of the ambush. The destruction of Ai's men is a continuation of the divine mandate given to Israel to possess the land promised to their ancestors (<a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7</a>). This act of warfare is seen as a form of divine justice, as the Canaanite cities were judged for their iniquity (<a href="/genesis/15-16.htm">Genesis 15:16</a>). The victory at Ai foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's people over evil, pointing to the eschatological hope found in the New Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of Israel, successor to Moses, who is leading the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of God's chosen people, who are engaged in the conquest of the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/men_in_ambush.htm">Men in Ambush</a></b><br>A group of Israelite soldiers who were strategically positioned to capture the city of Ai.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ai.htm">Ai</a></b><br>A Canaanite city that Israel is attempting to conquer after a previous failed attempt.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/smoke_rising.htm">Smoke Rising</a></b><br>A signal indicating the successful capture of Ai by the ambush party, prompting the main forces to attack.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_strategy_and_human_obedience.htm">Divine Strategy and Human Obedience</a></b><br>The victory at Ai underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Just as Joshua obeyed God's strategy, we must seek and adhere to God's guidance in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_unity.htm">The Power of Unity</a></b><br>The Israelites acted as one under Joshua's leadership. Unity in the body of Christ is essential for overcoming spiritual battles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/redemption_and_second_chances.htm">Redemption and Second Chances</a></b><br>After the initial defeat at Ai due to disobedience, God gives Israel a second chance. This highlights God's grace and the opportunity for redemption after failure.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_action.htm">The Role of Faith in Action</a></b><br>Joshua and the Israelites had faith in God's plan, which required them to act courageously. Our faith should lead us to take bold steps in obedience to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_signals.htm">Recognizing God's Signals</a></b><br>The rising smoke was a signal for action. We must be attentive to the signs and promptings God gives us in our spiritual journey.<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/what_is_ai's_significance_in_the_bible.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_ai's_destruction_just_and_loving.htm">How can the total extermination of Ai's inhabitants (Joshua 8:24-25) be reconciled with a just and loving God?</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_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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/8-21.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">When Joshua</span><br /><span class="heb">וִיהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ</span> <span class="translit">(wî·hō·wō·šu·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">and all</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">רָא֗וּ</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common 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">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the men in ambush</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽאֹרֵב֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ō·rêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<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">had captured</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכַ֤ד</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3920.htm">Strong's 3920: </a> </span><span class="str2">To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the city</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">and that</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">smoke</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשַׁ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·šan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6227.htm">Strong's 6227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Smoke</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was rising from</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it],</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִ֑יר</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">they turned around</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּשֻׁ֕בוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·šu·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and struck down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּכּ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yak·kū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the men</span><br /><span class="heb">אַנְשֵׁ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’an·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> </span><span class="str2">Man, mankind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ai.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘āy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5857.htm">Strong's 5857: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ai -- a Canaanite city</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua 8:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/8-21.htm">OT History: Joshua 8:21 When Joshua and all Israel saw that (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/8-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 8:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/8-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 8:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:22" /></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>