Joshua 8:1-13
Summary for Josh 8:1-13: 8:1-13 a The first attempt to conquer Ai had been done without consulting God; the second attempt would be made at God’s command and direction. Before the second attempt, God spoke to Joshua again and gave him a strategy. More importantly, in light of Israel’s recent disaster, God gave him encouragement and a promise. 8:1 b Do not be afraid or discouraged: God gave Joshua similar encouragement before sending him against Jericho (6:2 c).8:2 d Unlike other ancient nations, who went to war to gain wealth, Israel served as God’s agent of judgment upon the Canaanites; the plunder and the livestock were incidental.
• The strategy for capturing Ai was to plan an ambush. Joshua executed God’s simple instructions well.
• behind the town: On its west side (8:12 e).
8:3 f set out to attack Ai: This first sentence provides a summary; details are filled in over the next several paragraphs.
• The Hebrew words translated 30,000 might mean 30 units (see study note on Exod 12:37) or 30 chieftains. As the battle developed, this group would wait in ambush until Joshua called them out (Josh 8:18-19 g).
Summary for Josh 8:4-9: 8:4-9 h Joshua told the select squad what to expect from Israel’s main army. Because this special unit would be separated from Joshua’s command for nearly forty-eight hours, they needed to understand exactly what to do. Israel’s success in this second attempt on Ai depended on the precise timing of their rush into the town.
Summary for Josh 8:11-13: 8:11-13 i That the main army marched in front of the town indicates that Joshua did not try to hide them from the defenders of Ai. The main army came from the east and ended the day camped on the north side of Ai. The men in ambush were west of Ai, between Ai and Bethel.
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