King James Version
Joshua 8
35 verses with commentary
The Conquest of Ai
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:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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:</strong><br><br>Following the devastating defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin (chapter 7), God graciously renews His promise to Joshua. The divine command "Fear not, neither b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
VIII.
(1) **Fear not, neither be thou dismayed.**—See Joshua 1:9; Joshua 10:25. In Joshua 1:9, “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, *Hâ-ai. *Ai is intended for one syllable, not two as often sounded in English. ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
God encourages Joshua.(1-2)
The taking of Ai.(3-22)
The destruction of Ai and its king.(23-29)
The law read on Ebal and Gerizim.(30-35)
**Verses 1-2**
When we have faithfully put away sin, that accursed thing which separates between us and God, then, and not till then, we may look to hear from God to our comfort; and God's directing us how to go ...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's instruction for Ai differs from Jericho: 'thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves.' Unlike Jericho where all was devoted to God (<em>cherem</em>), at Ai Israel may keep plunder. This merciful adjustment follows Achan's sin—God provides legitimate means for acquiring weal...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take**—*i.e., *the material spoil, not the persons of the inhabitants. (See Joshua 11:14.) Jericho was treated exceptionally, in that the material spoil was made *chêrem, *devoted to destruction, as the thing accursed of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 33 De 33:1-28. The Majesty of God.
**1. Moses the man of God--**This was a common designation of a prophet (1Sa 2:27; 9:6), and it is here applied to Moses, when, like Jacob, he was about to deliver ministerially before his death, a prophetic benediction to Israel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
God encourages Joshua.(1-2)
The taking of Ai.(3-22)
The destruction of Ai and its king.(23-29)
The law read on Ebal and Gerizim.(30-35)
**Verses 1-2**
When we have faithfully put away sin, that accursed thing which separates between us and God, then, and not till then, we may look to hear from God to our comfort; and God's directing us how to go ...
Read full commentary →So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night.</strong><br><br>Joshua's immediate obedience ("Joshua arose") contrasts sharply with the presumptuous approach that led to the first defeat. The Hebrew <em>vayaqom</em> (וַיָּקָם) conveys decisive action following divine instruction. The m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **And Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men.**—Some difficulty arises from the fact that thirty thousand men are mentioned as having been sent away with general instructions to form an ambush in the first instance, while five thousand were ultimately posted between Bethel and Ai. Were there two distinct bodies in ambush, or only one? It does not seem possible to answer this question with...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-4. The Lord came--**Under a beautiful metaphor, borrowed from the dawn and progressive splendor of the sun, the Majesty of God is sublimely described as a divine light which appeared in Sinai and scattered its beams on all the adjoining region in directing Israel's march to Canaan. In these descriptions of a theophania, God is represented as coming from the south, and the allusion is in genera...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
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:
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KJV Study Commentary
Joshua commands the ambush force: 'lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready.' The Hebrew אָרַב (arab—to lie in wait, ambush) describes concealed military positioning. The instruction 'not very far' balances two needs: close enough for quick strike, far enough to avoid detection. This requires judgment—no specific distance given, trustin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4-8) Joshua’s general plan of operations is stated in these verses. The following verses explain how it was worked out.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-4. The Lord came--**Under a beautiful metaphor, borrowed from the dawn and progressive splendor of the sun, the Majesty of God is sublimely described as a divine light which appeared in Sinai and scattered its beams on all the adjoining region in directing Israel's march to Canaan. In these descriptions of a theophania, God is represented as coming from the south, and the allusion is in genera...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them,
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KJV Study Commentary
Joshua outlines his part of the plan: 'I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.' This requires humility and courage—deliberately provoking attack, then feigning retreat. The phrase 'as at the first' references the earlier defeat, using it now as tactical deception. ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-4. The Lord came--**Under a beautiful metaphor, borrowed from the dawn and progressive splendor of the sun, the Majesty of God is sublimely described as a divine light which appeared in Sinai and scattered its beams on all the adjoining region in directing Israel's march to Canaan. In these descriptions of a theophania, God is represented as coming from the south, and the allusion is in genera...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
(For they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them. drawn: Heb. pulled
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The strategy continues: 'they will come out after us till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them.' The plan depends on psychological warfare—exploiting Ai's overconfidence after their previous victory. The phrase 'they will say' shows Joshua anticipating enemy reasoning. Good strategy requires understanding oppo...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The instruction to the ambush force: 'Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.' The imperative 'rise up' signals decisive action after patient waiting. The Hebrew לָכַד (lakad—to capture, seize) indicates taking possession. The timing is critical—they must strike when Ai's defenders have left to pursue Joshua's force. The...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Let Reuben live, and not die--**Although deprived of the honor and privileges of primogeniture, he was still to hold rank as one of the tribes of Israel. He was more numerous than several other tribes (Nu 1:21; 2:11). Yet gradually he sank into a mere nomadic tribe, which had enough to do merely "to live and not die." Many eminent biblical scholars, resting on the most ancient and approved ma...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When ye have taken the city, that ye shall set the city on fire</strong>—God commanded Ai's destruction by fire, implementing <em>cherem</em> (חֵרֶם, 'devoted destruction'). Unlike Jericho, where only precious metals went to God's treasury, Ai would be totally consumed. <strong>According to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do</strong>—This phrase emphasizes divine authorization, distin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. this is the blessing of Judah--**Its general purport points to the great power and independence of Judah, as well as its taking the lead in all military expeditions.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.
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KJV Study Commentary
Joshua sends the ambush force at night, and they position themselves between Bethel and Ai, west of Ai. Meanwhile, Joshua remains with the main force 'among the people'—showing leadership by presence, not distance. The nighttime movement provided concealment from Ai's lookouts. The Hebrew לַיְלָה (lailah—night) emphasizes stealth and strategic timing. The location 'between Bethel and Ai' suggests ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **They went to lie in ambush.**—Or, *they went to the lurking-place; *and remained between Bethel and Ai. The ambush itself (Joshua 8:2; Joshua 8:7; Joshua 8:19; Joshua 8:21) is described by a slightly different word.
**Among the people**—i.e., at Gilgal.
10) **Joshua . . . numbered.**—Or, rather, *mustered *the people.
He then went up with the elders of Israel at the head of the main body, an...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-10. of Levi he said--**The burden of this blessing is the appointment of the Levites to the dignified and sacred office of the priesthood (Le 10:11; De 22:8; 17:8-11), a reward for their zeal in supporting the cause of God, and their unsparing severity in chastising even their nearest and dearest relatives who had participated in the idolatry of the molten calf (Ex 32:25-28; compare Mal 2:4-6)...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.
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KJV Study Commentary
Joshua rose early and marshaled the people, going up with Israel's elders before the people toward Ai. Early rising consistently marks godly, diligent leaders throughout Scripture. The Hebrew שָׁכַם (shakam—to rise early, start early) indicates earnest commitment. Joshua's public leadership—going up 'he and the elders' in view of the people—provided visible courage and direction. The elders' prese...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-10. of Levi he said--**The burden of this blessing is the appointment of the Levites to the dignified and sacred office of the priesthood (Le 10:11; De 22:8; 17:8-11), a reward for their zeal in supporting the cause of God, and their unsparing severity in chastising even their nearest and dearest relatives who had participated in the idolatry of the molten calf (Ex 32:25-28; compare Mal 2:4-6)...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.
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KJV Study Commentary
All the people of war with Joshua went up and approached, coming before the city on its north side with a valley between them and Ai. The phrase 'all the people of war' indicates full military mobilization—every fighting man participated in this operation. Their approach from the north, with a valley (<em>gai</em>, גַּיא) between them and the city, provided tactical advantage: the valley complicat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **On the north side.**—The lurking-place of the thirty thousand was on the west side, between Bethel and Ai. There is a ravine called the Wady Maheesin which runs nearly east and west, on the north of et-Tel, and probably Joshua’s main body took up a position on the rising ground to the north of this ravine, for it is added, “*the *ravine (or Gai) was between them and Ai.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-10. of Levi he said--**The burden of this blessing is the appointment of the Levites to the dignified and sacred office of the priesthood (Le 10:11; De 22:8; 17:8-11), a reward for their zeal in supporting the cause of God, and their unsparing severity in chastising even their nearest and dearest relatives who had participated in the idolatry of the molten calf (Ex 32:25-28; compare Mal 2:4-6)...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
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 . of: or, of Ai
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Joshua took about five thousand men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, west of the city. This is either the same ambush force mentioned earlier or an additional unit—commentators differ. If additional, it suggests layered ambush positions providing backup and preventing Bethel's intervention. The specific number 'five thousand' shows careful force allocation—enough to overwhelm Ai's def...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush . . .**—Is this a fresh body, or only a portion of the thirty thousand mentioned in Joshua 8:3? It is, of course, *possible *that the body of thirty thousand, having closed the communications between Bethel and Ai on the first night, and finding that they were more numerous than was necessary, had rejoined Joshua when he cam...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. liers: Heb. lying in wait
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Strategic positioning complete: 'when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.' The comprehensive deployment—main force north, ambush west—creates tactical encirclement. Joshua's personal movement 'into the midst of the valley' demonstrates leadership courage, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Joshua went that night into the. . . . valley (Emek).**—Not the ravine (or Gai) before mentioned (Joshua 8:11), but a wider and more open part of the valley, probably a little further to the south;· the object being to draw the men of Ai into a pursuit in the direction of the road to Gilgal.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. of Benjamin he said--**A distinguishing favor was conferred on this tribe in having its portion assigned near the temple of God.
**between his shoulders--**that is, on his sides or borders. Mount Zion, on which stood the city of Jerusalem, belonged to Judah; but Mount Moriah, the site of the sacred edifice, lay in the confines of Benjamin.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Ai's response: 'when the king of Ai saw it, they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that there were liers in wait against him behind the city.' The phrase 'they hasted' indicates eager response—confidence from previous victory breeding overconfidence. Rising 'early' shows...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **When the king of Ai saw it. . . . the city went out.**—The stratagem succeeded perfectly. Joshua gave them ample time, by his movements in open daylight, to discover what his apparent intentions were, viz., to renew the direct attack upon the city with a larger force. Accordingly, the Canaanites came out *before the plain*—*i.e., *in the direction of the plain of Jordan (the *Arabah. *On th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-17. of Joseph he said--**The territory of this tribe, diversified by hill and dale, wood and water, would be rich in all the productions--olives, grapes, figs, &c., which are reared in a mountainous region, as well as in the grain and herbs that grow in the level fields. "The firstling of the bullock and the horns of the unicorn" (rhinoceros), indicate glory and strength, and it is suppos...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.
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KJV Study Commentary
Israel's feigned retreat: 'And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.' The phrase 'made as if' indicates deliberate simulation—not actual defeat but convincing performance. This required discipline: maintaining formation while appearing to flee in panic. The verb 'fled' (<em>nus</em>, נוּס) typically indicates rout, but here it's contr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-17. of Joseph he said--**The territory of this tribe, diversified by hill and dale, wood and water, would be rich in all the productions--olives, grapes, figs, &c., which are reared in a mountainous region, as well as in the grain and herbs that grow in the level fields. "The firstling of the bullock and the horns of the unicorn" (rhinoceros), indicate glory and strength, and it is suppos...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Ai's complete commitment: 'all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.' The phrase 'all the people' emphasizes comprehensive participation—total mobilization. The verb 'called together' (<em>za'aq</em>, זָעַק) suggests urgency, rallying all available forces. The pursuit 'after Joshua' shows focus on Isr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-17. of Joseph he said--**The territory of this tribe, diversified by hill and dale, wood and water, would be rich in all the productions--olives, grapes, figs, &c., which are reared in a mountainous region, as well as in the grain and herbs that grow in the level fields. "The firstling of the bullock and the horns of the unicorn" (rhinoceros), indicate glory and strength, and it is suppos...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Total pursuit confirmed: 'there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.' The phrase 'not a man left' emphasizes absolute completeness—universal participation. The inclusion of Bethel suggests nearby city joined the pursuit, thinking this an opportunity to destroy Israel. The statement 'they left the city open' highl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **There was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el.**—Another singular justification of the peculiar strategy of Joshua. The road past Beth-el to Ai had been left open. It passes the north end of the two ravines in which Joshua’s ambush was posted. At the same time, it would have been easy to conceal a chain of sentinels that could observe it and tell the 35,000 men in ambush what was going on, so t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-17. of Joseph he said--**The territory of this tribe, diversified by hill and dale, wood and water, would be rich in all the productions--olives, grapes, figs, &c., which are reared in a mountainous region, as well as in the grain and herbs that grow in the level fields. "The firstling of the bullock and the horns of the unicorn" (rhinoceros), indicate glory and strength, and it is suppos...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city.</strong><br><br>This dramatic moment recalls Moses lifting his hands during the battle against Amalek (Exodus 17:11-13), establishing a typological connection between Israel's two greatest leaders...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **And the Lord said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear.**—In the capture of Ai, as in that of Jericho, each stage of the process must be ordered by the Lord. In the former case the hand of Jehovah alone does the work. The ark is borne round the walls until they fall down before it. Against Ai, the hand of Israel is employed, and first of all in Israel the hand of Joshua. He seems to have stre...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-17. of Joseph he said--**The territory of this tribe, diversified by hill and dale, wood and water, would be rich in all the productions--olives, grapes, figs, &c., which are reared in a mountainous region, as well as in the grain and herbs that grow in the level fields. "The firstling of the bullock and the horns of the unicorn" (rhinoceros), indicate glory and strength, and it is suppos...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The ambush strikes: 'And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire.' The coordinated timing—Joshua's hand signal, immediate ambush response, rapid city capture—shows disciplined execution. The verb 'ran' (<em>ruts</em>, רוּץ) indicates speed and urgency. They don't...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out--**on commercial enterprises and voyages by sea.
**and, Issachar in thy tents--**preferring to reside in their maritime towns.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers. power: Heb. hand
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Ai's despair: 'And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned upon them.' The phrase 'looked behind them' indicates Ai's forces, confidently pursuing Israel, glance back and see catastrophe—their city burning. The smoke ascending 'to ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out--**on commercial enterprises and voyages by sea.
**and, Issachar in thy tents--**preferring to reside in their maritime towns.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
Israel's counter-attack: '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.' The coordinated response—seeing the signal, turning from retreat to attack—shows disciplined execution of the plan's final phase. The verb 'turned again' indicates complete reversal of movement—what was retreat be...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-21. of Gad he said--**Its possessions were larger than they would have been had they lain west of Jordan; and this tribe had the honor of being settled by Moses himself in the first portion of land conquered. In the forest region, south of the Jabbok, "he dwelt as a lion" (compare Ge 30:11; 49:19). Notwithstanding, they faithfully kept their engagement to join the "heads of the people" [De 33...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And the other issued out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side: and they smote them, so that they let none of them remain or escape.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the climactic moment in the battle of Ai, showing the execution of a divinely ordained military strategy. The phrase <strong>"the other issued out"</strong> refers to the ambush force that had been hidden behind the city (Joshua 8:12). The Hebrew <strong>"issued out"</strong> (<em>yatsa</em>) means to go forth or come out, indicating decisive action at the perfect moment.<br><...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-21. of Gad he said--**Its possessions were larger than they would have been had they lain west of Jordan; and this tribe had the honor of being settled by Moses himself in the first portion of land conquered. In the forest region, south of the Jabbok, "he dwelt as a lion" (compare Ge 30:11; 49:19). Notwithstanding, they faithfully kept their engagement to join the "heads of the people" [De 33...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-22**
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.
And the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king of Ai they took alive</strong>—Unlike Ai's population, the king was spared temporarily for public execution (Joshua 8:29), following ancient Near Eastern practice of displaying conquered rulers. Taking him <em>chay</em> (חַי, 'alive') ensured he witnessed his kingdom's total destruction before facing judgment.<br><br>This capture fulfilled the strategic ambush plan (Joshua 8:1...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. Dan is a lion's whelp--**His proper settlement in the south of Canaan being too small, he by a sudden and successful irruption, established a colony in the northern extremity of the land. This might well be described as the leap of a young lion from the hills of Bashan.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-29**
God, the righteous Judge, had sentenced the Canaanites for their wickedness; the Israelites only executed his doom. None of their conduct can be drawn into an example for others. Especial reason no doubt there was for this severity to the king of Ai; it is likely he had been notoriously wicked and vile, and a blasphemer of the God of Israel.
And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai</strong>—The phrase 'made an end' (<em>kalah</em>, כָּלָה) means 'brought to completion/finished entirely,' indicating thorough execution of <em>cherem</em> (devoted destruction). Israel pursued fleeing enemies into <strong>the wilderness</strong>, ensuring none escaped to rally resistance or spread idolatry.<br><br><strong>U...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. of Naphtali he said--**The pleasant and fertile territory of this tribe lay to "the west," on the borders of lakes Merom and Chinnereth, and to "the south" of the northern Danites.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-29**
God, the righteous Judge, had sentenced the Canaanites for their wickedness; the Israelites only executed his doom. None of their conduct can be drawn into an example for others. Especial reason no doubt there was for this severity to the king of Ai; it is likely he had been notoriously wicked and vile, and a blasphemer of the God of Israel.
And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>All that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand</strong>—This total population figure for Ai is remarkably specific, suggesting official records or eyewitness counting. The Hebrew <em>eleph</em> (אֶלֶף) can mean 'thousand' or 'military unit,' though the narrative context favors literal thousands. <strong>Even all the men of Ai</strong> clarifies this was complete destru...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-25. of Asher he said--**The condition of this tribe is described as combining all the elements of earthly felicity.
**dip his foot in oil--**These words allude either to the process of extracting the oil by foot presses, or to his district as particularly fertile and adapted to the culture of the olive.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-29**
God, the righteous Judge, had sentenced the Canaanites for their wickedness; the Israelites only executed his doom. None of their conduct can be drawn into an example for others. Especial reason no doubt there was for this severity to the king of Ai; it is likely he had been notoriously wicked and vile, and a blasphemer of the God of Israel.
For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear</strong>—Joshua's raised spear echoes Moses' raised staff at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16) and during Israel's battle with Amalek (Exodus 17:11-12). The sustained gesture symbolized God's continued empowerment. <strong>Until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants</strong> (עַד־אֲשֶׁר הֶחֱרִים, <em>ad-asherhecherim</...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-25. of Asher he said--**The condition of this tribe is described as combining all the elements of earthly felicity.
**dip his foot in oil--**These words allude either to the process of extracting the oil by foot presses, or to his district as particularly fertile and adapted to the culture of the olive.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-29**
God, the righteous Judge, had sentenced the Canaanites for their wickedness; the Israelites only executed his doom. None of their conduct can be drawn into an example for others. Especial reason no doubt there was for this severity to the king of Ai; it is likely he had been notoriously wicked and vile, and a blasphemer of the God of Israel.
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves</strong>—Unlike Jericho, where all spoil was <em>herem</em> (devoted to God and banned from personal use), God permitted Israel to plunder Ai's livestock and goods. The phrase <strong>according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua</strong> (כִּדְבַר יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה אֶת־יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, <em>kidv...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **The spoil of that city Israel took.**—The spoil of Ai was assigned to Israel, the spoil of Jericho had been claimed for Jehovah alone.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-29. There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun--**The chapter concludes with a congratulatory address to Israel on their peculiar happiness and privilege in having Jehovah for their God and protector.
**who rideth upon the heaven in thy help--**an evident allusion to the pillar of cloud and fire, which was both the guide and shelter of Israel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-29**
God, the righteous Judge, had sentenced the Canaanites for their wickedness; the Israelites only executed his doom. None of their conduct can be drawn into an example for others. Especial reason no doubt there was for this severity to the king of Ai; it is likely he had been notoriously wicked and vile, and a blasphemer of the God of Israel.
And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day</strong>—The verb <strong>burnt</strong> (שָׂרַף, <em>saraf</em>) indicates total conflagration, while <strong>heap</strong> (תֵּל, <em>tel</em>, mound/ruin) became the technical term for destroyed cities. The phrase <strong>unto this day</strong> (עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה, <em>ad hayom hazeh</em>) was a common formul...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **An heap for ever.**—Heb., *Tel-ôlam; *modern name, *Et-tel.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-29. There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun--**The chapter concludes with a congratulatory address to Israel on their peculiar happiness and privilege in having Jehovah for their God and protector.
**who rideth upon the heaven in thy help--**an evident allusion to the pillar of cloud and fire, which was both the guide and shelter of Israel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-29**
God, the righteous Judge, had sentenced the Canaanites for their wickedness; the Israelites only executed his doom. None of their conduct can be drawn into an example for others. Especial reason no doubt there was for this severity to the king of Ai; it is likely he had been notoriously wicked and vile, and a blasphemer of the God of Israel.
And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide : and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide</strong>—Hanging the king (תָּלָה, <em>talah</em>) after execution publicly displayed God's judgment on Canaanite leadership. However, <strong>as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree</strong> directly obeyed Deuteronomy 21:22-23: 'his body shall not remain all night upon the tree......
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree.**—(See Note on Deuteronomy 21:22-23.) Heb., *on the tree. *Why “*the *tree”? It would appear from Joshua 8:2; Joshua 10:1, that the king of Jericho was also hanged; possibly both were hanged on the same tree, and were exhibited, each in turn, as “the curse of God.” But when we read of this treatment of the enemies of Joshua, we cannot but be reminded ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-29. There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun--**The chapter concludes with a congratulatory address to Israel on their peculiar happiness and privilege in having Jehovah for their God and protector.
**who rideth upon the heaven in thy help--**an evident allusion to the pillar of cloud and fire, which was both the guide and shelter of Israel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-29**
God, the righteous Judge, had sentenced the Canaanites for their wickedness; the Israelites only executed his doom. None of their conduct can be drawn into an example for others. Especial reason no doubt there was for this severity to the king of Ai; it is likely he had been notoriously wicked and vile, and a blasphemer of the God of Israel.
The Altar on Mount Ebal
Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.</strong><br><br>This altar construction fulfills M...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE LAW SET UP IN THE HEART OF THE COUNTRY.
(30) **Then Joshua built.**—The word *then *is not “and” in the Hebrew; as is too often the case where “then” occurs in our English Old Testament. It is a note of time. Josephus places this transaction later. The LXX. places Joshua 8:1-2 of Joshua 9 before this passage. But there seems no reason for moving the transaction from the place where we find it ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26-29. There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun--**The chapter concludes with a congratulatory address to Israel on their peculiar happiness and privilege in having Jehovah for their God and protector.
**who rideth upon the heaven in thy help--**an evident allusion to the pillar of cloud and fire, which was both the guide and shelter of Israel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-35**
As soon as Joshua got to the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, without delay, and without caring for the unsettled state of Israel, or their enemies, he confirmed the covenant of the Lord with his people, as appointed, De 11; 27. We must not think to defer covenanting with God till we are settled in the world; nor must any business put us from minding and pursuing the one thing need...
Read full commentary →As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>An altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron</strong> (מִזְבֵּחַ אֲבָנִים שְׁלֵמוֹת, mizbeach avanim shlemot)—the requirement for unhewn stones (Exodus 20:25, Deuteronomy 27:5-6) preserved the altar's purity from human craftsmanship. Iron tools symbolized human warfare and violence, forbidden from touching what mediated peace with God. The altar at Mount Ebal fulfilled...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-35**
As soon as Joshua got to the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, without delay, and without caring for the unsettled state of Israel, or their enemies, he confirmed the covenant of the Lord with his people, as appointed, De 11; 27. We must not think to defer covenanting with God till we are settled in the world; nor must any business put us from minding and pursuing the one thing need...
Read full commentary →And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel.</strong><br><br>Joshua's act of writing the law on stones fulfills the Mosaic command in Deuteronomy 27:3, 8, ensuring that God's word remains publicly visible and accessible. The Hebrew verb <em>katav</em> (כָּתַב, "wrote") indicates careful inscription rather than casu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 34 De 34:1-12. Moses from Mount Nebo Views the Land.
**1. Moses went up from the plains of Moab--**This chapter appears from internal evidence to have been written subsequently to the death of Moses, and it probably formed, at one time, an introduction to the Book of Joshua.
**unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah--**literally, the head or summit of the Pisgah; that is, the he...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-35**
As soon as Joshua got to the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, without delay, and without caring for the unsettled state of Israel, or their enemies, he confirmed the covenant of the Lord with his people, as appointed, De 11; 27. We must not think to defer covenanting with God till we are settled in the world; nor must any business put us from minding and pursuing the one thing need...
Read full commentary →And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-35**
As soon as Joshua got to the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, without delay, and without caring for the unsettled state of Israel, or their enemies, he confirmed the covenant of the Lord with his people, as appointed, De 11; 27. We must not think to defer covenanting with God till we are settled in the world; nor must any business put us from minding and pursuing the one thing need...
Read full commentary →And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings</strong>—Joshua fulfilled Moses' command (Deuteronomy 27:11-26, 31:9-13) to publicly proclaim the entire Torah at Shechem. The Hebrew word for 'blessings' (בְּרָכוֹת, berachot) and 'cursings' (קְלָלוֹת, qelalot) emphasized covenant conditionality: obedience brings life, disobedience brings death (Deuteronomy 28).<br><br>This comp...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-35**
As soon as Joshua got to the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, without delay, and without caring for the unsettled state of Israel, or their enemies, he confirmed the covenant of the Lord with his people, as appointed, De 11; 27. We must not think to defer covenanting with God till we are settled in the world; nor must any business put us from minding and pursuing the one thing need...
Read full commentary →There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. were: Heb. walked
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua did not read before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.</strong><br><br>Joshua's comprehensive reading—"not a word... which Joshua did not read"—demonstrates the complete sufficiency and authority of Scripture. The Hebrew phrase <em>lo-hayah dav...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-35**
As soon as Joshua got to the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, without delay, and without caring for the unsettled state of Israel, or their enemies, he confirmed the covenant of the Lord with his people, as appointed, De 11; 27. We must not think to defer covenanting with God till we are settled in the world; nor must any business put us from minding and pursuing the one thing need...
Read full commentary →