King James Version

What Does Joshua 8:24 Mean?

Joshua 8:24 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wh... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 8:24 · King James Version


Context

22

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.

23

And the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua.

24

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.

25

And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai.

26

For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
When Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai—The phrase 'made an end' (kalah, כָּלָה) means 'brought to completion/finished entirely,' indicating thorough execution of cherem (devoted destruction). Israel pursued fleeing enemies into the wilderness, ensuring none escaped to rally resistance or spread idolatry.

Until they were consumed—This verb echoes God's promise to 'consume' Canaan's inhabitants (Exodus 23:23; Deuteronomy 7:2). Modern readers recoil at such violence, yet these judgments picture God's holy wrath against sin—a wrath ultimately poured on Christ at Calvary. Ai's destruction warned surrounding nations while purging the land for God's dwelling. The sword prefigures final judgment when unrepentant sinners face divine justice (Revelation 19:15, 21).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The battle of Ai (circa 1406 BC) was Israel's second major conquest after Jericho. The complete destruction followed Deuteronomic warfare laws (Deuteronomy 20:16-18) requiring cherem against Canaanite cities to prevent religious syncretism. Archaeological debates about Ai's location continue, though the biblical account's military detail suggests eyewitness testimony.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Canaan's judgment help us understand God's holy hatred of sin and the seriousness of rebellion?
  2. In what ways does Christ's bearing divine wrath at the cross satisfy God's justice while offering mercy to repentant sinners?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּכַלּ֣וֹת2 of 27

had made an end

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙3 of 27

And it came to pass when Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לַֽהֲרֹג֩4 of 27

of slaying

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

אֶת5 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל6 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֨י7 of 27

all the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָעַ֔י8 of 27

of Ai

H5857

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה9 of 27

in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

בַּמִּדְבָּר֙10 of 27

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

רְדָפ֣וּם12 of 27

wherein they chased

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

בּ֔וֹ13 of 27
H0
וַֽיִּפְּל֥וּ14 of 27

them and when they were all fallen

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

כֻלָּ֛ם15 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לְפִי16 of 27

it with the edge

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חָֽרֶב׃17 of 27

of the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

עַד18 of 27
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

תֻּמָּ֑ם19 of 27

until they were consumed

H8552

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

וַיָּשֻׁ֤בוּ20 of 27

returned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

כָל21 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙22 of 27

And it came to pass when Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הָעַ֔י23 of 27

of Ai

H5857

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

וַיַּכּ֥וּ24 of 27

and smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֹתָ֖הּ25 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְפִי26 of 27

it with the edge

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חָֽרֶב׃27 of 27

of the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 8:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 8:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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