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Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. <a href="/nlt/joshua/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take all your fighting men and attack Ai, for I have given you the king of Ai, his people, his town, and his land. <a href="/esv/joshua/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. See, I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/kjv/joshua/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: <a href="/nkjv/joshua/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the LORD said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/nasb_/joshua/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you. Arise, go up to Ai; see, I have handed over to you the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/nasb/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now the LORD said to Joshua, &#8220Do not fear or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/nasb77/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/lsb/joshua/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Yahweh said to Joshua, “Do not fear or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/amp/joshua/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear or be dismayed (intimidated). Take all the men of war with you and set out, go up to Ai; see, I have given the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land into your hand. <a href="/csb/joshua/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take all the troops with you and go attack Ai. Look, I have handed over to you the king of Ai, his people, city, and land. <a href="/hcsb/joshua/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD said to Joshua, &#8220Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole military force with you and go attack Ai. Look, I have handed over to you the king of Ai, his people, city, and land. <a href="/asv/joshua/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land; <a href="/erv/joshua/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city and his land: <a href="/gwt/joshua/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The LORD said to Joshua, "Don't be terrified or afraid. Take all the troops with you, and march against Ai. I am about to hand the king of Ai, his people, city, and land over to you. <a href="/gnt/joshua/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> The LORD said to Joshua, "Take all the soldiers with you and go on up to Ai. Don't be afraid or discouraged. I will give you victory over the king of Ai; his people, city, and land will be yours. <a href="/isv/joshua/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> The LORD then told Joshua, "Don't be afraid or lose heart! Take all the fighting men with you, and go up right now to Ai. Take note that I have handed over the king of Ai into your control, along with his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/msb/joshua/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, ?Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. See, I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/net/joshua/8.htm">NET Bible</a> The LORD told Joshua, "Don't be afraid and don't panic! Take the whole army with you and march against Ai! See, I am handing over to you the king of Ai, along with his people, city, and land. <a href="/nheb/joshua/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. Look, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, with his people, his city, and his land. <a href="/wbt/joshua/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD said to Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: <a href="/web/joshua/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed. Take all the warriors with you, and arise, go up to Ai. Behold, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, with his people, his city, and his land. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And YHWH says to Joshua, “Do not fear, nor be frightened, take with you all the people of war, and rise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land, <a href="/ylt/joshua/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah saith unto Joshua, 'Fear not, nor be affrighted, take with thee all the people of war, and rise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land, <a href="/slt/joshua/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah will say to Joshua, Thou shalt not fear, and thou shalt not be terrified: take with thee all the people of war, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I gave into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people and his city and his land:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Lord said to Josue: Fear not, nor be thou dismayed: take with thee all the multitude of fighting men, arise and go up to the town of Hai. Behold I have delivered into thy hand the king thereof, and the people, and the city, and the land. <a href="/cpdv/joshua/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the Lord said to Joshua: “You should not fear, and you should not dread. Take with you the entire multitude of fighters, and rising up, ascend to the town of Ai. Behold, I have delivered into your hand its king and people, and the city and the land. <a href="/nabre/joshua/8.htm">New American Bible</a> The LORD then said to Joshua: Do not be afraid or dismayed. Take all the army with you and prepare to attack Ai. I have delivered the king of Ai into your power, with his people, city, and land. <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear or be dismayed; take all the fighting men with you, and go up now to Ai. See, I have handed over to you the king of Ai with his people, his city, and his land.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND the LORD said to Joshua, Fear not, neither be dismayed; take all the men of war with you, and arise and go up to Ai; because I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai and his people, his city and his land; <a href="/hpbt/joshua/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And LORD JEHOVAH said to Yeshua: “You shall not fear and you shall not be moved. Take with you all the people and make war and arise, come up to Ai, because I have delivered into your hands the King of Ai and his people and his cities and his land<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the LORD said unto Joshua: 'Fear not, neither be thou dismayed; take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land. <a href="/sep/joshua/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Lord said to Joshua, Fear not, nor be timorous: take with thee all the men of war, and arise, go up to Gai; behold, I have given into thy hands the king of Gai, and his land. <a href="/parallel/joshua/8-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=1702" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm">The Conquest of Ai</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</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/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: tî·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be afraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2865.htm" title="2865: tê·ḥāṯ (V-Nifal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either by violence, or by confusion and fear.">or discouraged.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: qaḥ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">Take</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.">the whole</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">army</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am (N-msc) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: wə·qūm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">and go up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ă·lêh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">and attack</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.">Ai.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rə·’êh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">See,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯat·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">I have delivered</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: ḇə·yā·ḏə·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">into your hand</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/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/5857.htm" title="5857: hā·‘ay (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> <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/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">his people,</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/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘î·rōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">his 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.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">his land.</a> 2And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-8.htm">Deuteronomy 31:8</a> The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a> Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a> What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1</a> When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. <a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4</a> Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” <a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">2 Chronicles 20:15</a> And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. <a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a> and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/judges/6-14.htm">Judges 6:14</a> The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?” <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a> Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? <a href="/2_kings/6-16.htm">2 Kings 6:16</a> “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a> I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. <a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a> But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5-6</a> Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” <a href="/isaiah/43-1.htm">Isaiah 43:1-2</a> But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the LORD said to Joshua, Fear not, neither be you dismayed: take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:Fear not<a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a> Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.<a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6,7,9</a> And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads… <a href="/deuteronomy/1-21.htm">Deuteronomy 1:21</a> Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.<a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Joshua 8:12</a> And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.<a href="/joshua/8-25.htm">Joshua 8:25</a> And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai.See, I have<a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Joshua 6:2</a> And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.<a href="/psalms/44-3.htm">Psalm 44:3</a> For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.<a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21,27,38</a> And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/joshua/7-5.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/joshua/7-10.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/joshua/5-15.htm">Army</a> <a href="/joshua/7-3.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/joshua/7-5.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Discouraged</a> <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/joshua/7-7.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/6-6.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/joshua/7-25.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/6-3.htm">War</a> <a href="/joshua/7-3.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/9-24.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/joshua/18-4.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">Army</a> <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/9-26.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/joshua/10-25.htm">Discouraged</a> <a href="/joshua/10-25.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/8-18.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">War</a> <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 8</div>1. <a href="/joshua/8-1.htm">God encourages Joshua</a> 3. <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">The plan whereby Ai was taken</a> 29. <a href="/joshua/8-29.htm">The king thereof is hanged</a> 30. <a href="/joshua/8-30.htm">Joshua builds an altar</a> 32. <a href="/joshua/8-32.htm">writes the law on stones</a> 33. <a href="/joshua/8-33.htm">and pronounces the blessings and curses</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Then the LORD said to Joshua This phrase indicates direct divine communication, emphasizing God's active role in guiding Israel. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God provides leadership and direction. This is consistent with God's previous communications with Moses and now with Joshua, affirming Joshua's leadership.Do not be afraid or discouraged. This reassurance echoes God's earlier encouragement to Joshua in <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a>. It is a common biblical exhortation, found in various contexts, such as God's words to Moses and later to the prophets. It underscores the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, especially after the initial defeat at Ai in <a href="/joshua/7.htm">Joshua 7</a>.Take the whole army with you, This instruction contrasts with the previous attack on Ai, where only a portion of the army was sent (<a href="/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua 7:3-4</a>). It highlights the need for complete obedience and reliance on God's strategy rather than human judgment. It also signifies a united effort of the Israelites under God's command.and go up and attack Ai. The command to "go up" reflects the geographical elevation of Ai, which was located in the hill country. The term "attack" indicates a direct military engagement, which was a common method of conquest in the ancient Near East. This reflects the continuation of the conquest of Canaan, as promised to Abraham.See, I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, This phrase is a prophetic assurance of victory, emphasizing God's sovereignty and control over the outcome. It parallels God's promise to deliver the Canaanite kings into Israel's hands, as seen in <a href="/joshua/2-24.htm">Joshua 2:24</a> and later in <a href="/joshua/10-8.htm">Joshua 10:8</a>. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory over sin and death through Christ.his people, his city, and his land. This comprehensive victory includes the king, the inhabitants, the city, and the territory, signifying total conquest and fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. It reflects the ancient practice of herem, or devotion to destruction, which was part of God's judgment on the Canaanites. This also prefigures the complete victory of Christ over all spiritual enemies.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who provides guidance and assurance to His people. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The leader of Israel, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/a/ai.htm">Ai</a> A Canaanite city that Israel is commanded to attack and conquer, representing a strategic victory in the conquest of Canaan. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_king_of_ai.htm">The King of Ai</a> The ruler of Ai, symbolizing the opposition to God's people and His plans. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> God's chosen people, who are being led into the Promised Land and are learning to trust in God's promises and commands.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_obedience.htm">Courage in Obedience</a> God commands Joshua not to fear, highlighting the importance of courage when following God's directives. Believers today are called to trust and obey God, even when facing daunting challenges. <a href="/topical/d/divine_assurance.htm">Divine Assurance</a> The assurance of victory given to Joshua is a reminder that God is sovereign and faithful to His promises. Christians can find peace in knowing that God is in control and works for their good. <a href="/topical/s/strategic_action.htm">Strategic Action</a> God instructs Joshua to take the whole army, emphasizing the need for preparation and action in fulfilling God's plans. Believers are encouraged to be diligent and proactive in their spiritual battles. <a href="/topical/g/god's_deliverance.htm">God's Deliverance</a> The promise of delivering Ai into Joshua's hands illustrates God's power to deliver His people from their enemies. This serves as a reminder of God's ability to overcome obstacles in our lives. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a> Joshua's role as leader required him to listen to God and lead the people with confidence. Christian leaders are called to seek God's guidance and lead others with faith and integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 8</a> <a href="/q/augustus_caesar's_biblical_role.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_joshua_face_defeats_despite_god's_promise.htm">Joshua 1:5 – How could God promise that “no one will be able to stand against” Joshua, when later battles and defeats are recorded elsewhere in Scripture? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_ai's_significance_in_the_bible.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_achan's_sin_cause_israel's_loss.htm">Why did Achan's disobedience lead to Israel's defeat?</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>VIII.(1) Fear not, neither be thou dismayed.--See <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm" title="Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.">Joshua 1:9</a>; <a href="/joshua/10-25.htm" title="And Joshua said to them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom you fight.">Joshua 10:25</a>. In <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm" title="Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.">Joshua 1:9</a>, "For the Lord thy God is with thee." These words indicate the return of Jehovah to the host of Israel, for the prosecution of the war.Take all the people.--Not merely "two or three thousand," as before.Ai.--In Hebrew, Ha-ai. Ai is intended for one syllable, not two as often sounded in English. It means "the heap" (of ruins apparently). In <a href="/joshua/8-28.htm" title="And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation to this day.">Joshua 8:28</a> we read that Joshua made it "an heap for ever" (Tel-olam in Hebrew). Thus its first and last names agree. It is remarked that whereas Palestine is full of "Tels" with other names appended to them (as Tell-es Sultan, and some ten others near Jericho alone), the place called et-Tel by Bethel has no other appendage. It is not the heap of anything, but simply the heap, to this day; and this fact, which is apparently without parallel, seems to fix the site of Ai at et-Tel. (See Note on <a href="/joshua/7-2.htm" title="And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.">Joshua 7:2</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Fear not. Joshua was down cast at his former failure, and well he might. "Treacherous Israelites are to be dreaded more than malicious Canaanites" (Matthew Henry). Take all the people of wax with thee. Not, as has been before stated, because 3,000 men were too few to take the city, for the capture of Jericho was a far greater marvel than that of Ai with this number of men. The true reason is indicated by Calvin, and is indeed suggested by the words "Fear not, neither be thou dismayed." It was to reassure the people, whose hearts had "melted and become as water." Sometimes God calls upon His people for a display of faith, as when He led them through the Jordan, or commanded them to compass Jericho seven days. But in days of despondency He compassionates their weakness and permits them to rely upon visible means of support (see also below, ver. 3). Matthew Henry thinks that a tacit rebuke is here administered to Joshua for sending so few men to Ai on the frowner occasion. He ought to have permitted all to have shared the toil and glory. I have given into thy hand. The work, let man do his best, is God's after all. The king. For the political condition of Palestine before the Israelitish invasion see Introduction. And his land. As in the case of the early Germanic peoples, there was a certain portion of their land in the neigbourhood attached to each city which was used for agricultural purposes (see Introduction; also <a href="/joshua/13-28.htm">Joshua 13:28</a>; <a href="/joshua/14-4.htm">Joshua 14:4</a>). <a href="/commentaries/joshua/8-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then the LORD יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Joshua, יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites “Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not be afraid תִּירָ֣א (tî·rā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten or discouraged. תֵּחָ֔ת (tê·ḥāṯ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2865.htm">Strong's 2865: </a> To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear Take קַ֣ח (qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take the whole כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every army הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war with you, עִמְּךָ֗ (‘im·mə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with and go up וְק֖וּם (wə·qūm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand and attack עֲלֵ֣ה (‘ă·lêh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively Ai. הָעָ֑י (hā·‘āy) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5857.htm">Strong's 5857: </a> Ai -- a Canaanite city See, רְאֵ֣ה ׀ (rə·’êh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see I have handed over to you נָתַ֣תִּי (nā·ṯat·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set the king מֶ֤לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Ai, הָעַי֙ (hā·‘ay) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5857.htm">Strong's 5857: </a> Ai -- a Canaanite city his people, עַמּ֔וֹ (‘am·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock his city, עִיר֖וֹ (‘î·rōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement and וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case his land. אַרְצֽוֹ׃ (’ar·ṣōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/8-1.htm">Joshua 8:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/8-1.htm">OT History: Joshua 8:1 Yahweh said to Joshua Don't be afraid (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/7-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 7:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 7:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/8-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 8:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:2" /></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>