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Joshua 8:24

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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.

And it came to pass, when Israel {H3478} had made an end {H3615} of slaying {H2026} all the inhabitants {H3427} of Ai {H5857} in the field {H7704}, in the wilderness {H4057} wherein they chased {H7291} them, and when they were all fallen {H5307} on the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, until they were consumed {H8552}, that all the Israelites {H3478} returned {H7725} unto Ai {H5857}, and smote {H5221} it with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}.

When Isra'el had finished slaughtering all the inhabitants of 'Ai in the countryside, in the desert where they had pursued them, and they had all fallen, consumed by the sword, then all Isra'el returned to 'Ai and defeated it with the sword.

When Israel had finished killing all the men of Ai who had pursued them into the field and wilderness, and when every last one of them had fallen by the sword, all the Israelites returned to Ai and put it to the sword as well.

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 pursued them, and they were all fallen by the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all Israel returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.

Commentary

Context

Joshua 8:24 describes the decisive completion of Israel's second assault on the city of Ai. This victory came after a significant setback for the Israelites, when they were initially defeated at Ai due to the sin of Achan (Joshua 7:5). After Achan's judgment (Joshua 7:25) and a renewed command from God (Joshua 8:1), Israel employed a strategic ambush, drawing the inhabitants of Ai out into the wilderness. This verse details the final stage of that battle, where the Israelite forces, having lured and surrounded the men of Ai in the open, returned to finish the destruction of the city itself.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Justice: The complete annihilation of Ai's inhabitants was not arbitrary but a fulfillment of God's judgment against the Canaanite nations, whose iniquity had become full (Genesis 15:16). This act underscores God's righteous wrath against persistent wickedness, idolatry, and abhorrent practices prevalent in the land.
  • Total Obedience: Israel's thoroughness in "slaying all the inhabitants" and smiting the city with the "edge of the sword" demonstrates their complete obedience to God's command for cherem (devotion to destruction) concerning the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:2). This meticulous execution of divine orders was crucial for Israel to avoid spiritual contamination.
  • God's Faithfulness and Restoration: Following their initial failure at Ai, God's renewed instructions and the subsequent decisive victory highlight His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite Israel's previous sin, God restored their success when they returned to obedience, proving that He would not fail them when they followed His commands.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "edge of the sword" translates the Hebrew pi cherev (פִי־חֶרֶב), literally "mouth of the sword." This vivid idiom emphasizes the direct, lethal, and total destruction inflicted in battle, signifying that the enemy was utterly devoured by the sword. The word "consumed" (Hebrew: tamam) further reinforces the idea of completeness and finality in the destruction, leaving nothing remaining.

Practical Application

While the severity of this historical account can be challenging for modern readers, Joshua 8:24 offers several timeless lessons. It reminds us of the serious consequences of sin and the ultimate justice of God, who will not allow wickedness to prevail indefinitely. For believers, it highlights the paramount importance of complete obedience to God's commands, even when difficult, as it leads to His blessing and success. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful testament to God's grace and willingness to restore His people after failure, provided there is repentance and renewed commitment to His will. Understanding this narrative in its historical and theological context helps us grasp the gravity of God's holiness and the necessity of separating from evil.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 11:10 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.

  • Joshua 11:14 (3 votes)

    And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.

  • Joshua 10:30 (2 votes)

    And the LORD delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain in it; but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho.

  • Joshua 10:41 (2 votes)

    And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon.

  • Numbers 21:24 (2 votes)

    And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.