Joshua 8:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Joshua {H3091}, Fear {H3372} not, neither be thou dismayed {H2865}: take {H3947} all the people {H5971} of war {H4421} with thee, and arise {H6965}, go up {H5927} to Ai {H5857}: see {H7200}, I have given {H5414} into thy hand {H3027} the king {H4428} of Ai {H5857}, and his people {H5971}, and his city {H5892}, and his land {H776}:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Y'hoshua, "Don't be afraid or fall into despair! Take all the people who can fight with you, set out, and go up to 'Ai; because now I have handed over to you the king of 'Ai, his people, his city and his land.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 8:1 marks a pivotal moment of divine intervention and renewed assurance for Israel, immediately following their humiliating defeat at Ai and the subsequent purging of Achan's sin. Here, the LORD directly addresses Joshua, dispelling his fear and dismay with a powerful declaration of assured victory over Ai. This verse signals God's restoration of His covenant favor and His unwavering commitment to deliver the Promised Land, providing both a fresh command for military action and the foundational promise that the king, people, city, and land of Ai have already been "given" into Israel's hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial turning point in the book of Joshua, directly following the deeply unsettling events of [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Defeat at Ai and Achan's Sin"). After the miraculous and effortless victory at [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"), Israel suffered an unexpected and humiliating defeat at Ai, resulting in the loss of 36 men and a profound crisis of faith for Joshua and the nation. The subsequent revelation of Achan's transgression—his coveting and taking of devoted things from Jericho—and its swift, severe judgment (the stoning of Achan and his family in the Valley of Achor) were necessary to restore Israel's covenant purity and God's favor. Joshua 8:1 immediately follows this purging, signifying that the obstacle to God's presence and blessing has been removed, and the path is now clear for the resumption of the conquest under divine guidance. It sets the stage for a new, divinely orchestrated strategy for the capture of Ai, contrasting sharply with the previous, ill-fated attempt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan was understood by Israel as a divinely mandated "holy war" (herem), where God fought on behalf of His people, and the land was to be utterly devoted to Him. The defeat at Ai was not merely a military setback but a theological crisis, suggesting God had abandoned His people or that His power was insufficient. In the ancient Near East, a military defeat often implied the defeat of a nation's god. Thus, Joshua's despair was rooted in the perceived dishonor to Yahweh's name (cf. [Joshua 7:9](/joshua/7-9 "Joshua 7:9 - Joshua's Lament")). The command to "take all the people of war" for the second attempt at Ai, unlike the initial small force of 3,000 (cf. [Joshua 7:3](/joshua/7-3 "Joshua 7:3 - Initial Scouting Report for Ai")), underscores the importance of full commitment and unity in the renewed divine strategy. The concept of God "giving into thy hand" was a common idiom of assured victory in ancient warfare, emphasizing that the outcome was predetermined by divine decree, not merely human strength.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 8:1 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it highlights **Divine Restoration and Reassurance**: God's immediate response to Israel's repentance and the removal of sin is not condemnation but renewed grace and encouragement. The command "Fear not, neither be thou dismayed" directly counters the despair that gripped Joshua, echoing God's foundational promise in [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Command to Joshua"). Second, it emphasizes **God's Unwavering Sovereignty and Promise-Keeping**: Despite Israel's failure, God's ultimate plan for the conquest of Canaan remains unchanged. His declaration, "I have given into thy hand," asserts His absolute control over history and His commitment to fulfill His covenant promises, regardless of temporary setbacks. This divine initiative is the true source of Israel's victory. Third, the verse underscores **Renewed Call to Obedience and Corporate Action**: God commands Joshua to "take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai." This signifies a fresh mandate for unified, obedient action, demonstrating that while victory is divinely assured, human participation and faithfulness are still required. The previous defeat served as a stark lesson in the consequences of disobedience, and now, with purity restored, the nation is ready to move forward in unity under God's explicit direction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear not (Hebrew, _ʾal-tiraʾ_):** This imperative phrase, derived from the verb יָרֵא (yare), meaning "to fear, be afraid," is a common biblical reassurance from God. Here, it directly addresses Joshua's profound despair and anxiety following the defeat at Ai. It is a command to cast off terror and apprehension, rooted in the understanding that God's presence and power are sufficient to overcome any threat or past failure.
* **Dismayed (Hebrew, _wəʾal-tēḥat_):** From the verb חָתַת (chathath), meaning "to be broken, be shattered, be dismayed," this term describes a state of inner collapse, discouragement, or loss of resolve. Coupled with "fear not," it forms a comprehensive call to spiritual and psychological fortitude. God is addressing not just external fear but the internal sense of being overwhelmed and defeated, assuring Joshua that his spirit should not be broken.
* **I have given (Hebrew, _nāṯattî_):** This is a perfect tense verb from נָתַן (natan), "to give." The perfect tense here is crucial, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. It's not "I will give" but "I have already given." This signifies a divine decree, a settled reality in the heavenly realm that precedes and guarantees the earthly outcome. God's declaration makes the victory a certainty, not a possibility contingent on Israel's strength, but a gift already bestowed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Joshua,"**: This opening clause immediately re-establishes divine initiative and direct communication. After the silence and judgment of [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Defeat at Ai and Achan's Sin"), God speaks directly to Joshua, signaling the restoration of His relationship with His chosen leader and, by extension, with Israel. It underscores that the renewed mission is entirely God-ordained and God-empowered.
* **"Fear not, neither be thou dismayed:"**: This is a direct, emphatic command designed to counteract Joshua's deep despair and the nation's collective discouragement. It is an antidote to the fear that had gripped them after the unexpected defeat. God's reassurance here is foundational, reminding Joshua of God's unwavering presence and power, echoing the initial commissioning in [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Command to Joshua").
* **"take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai:"**: This is a clear, actionable command for renewed military engagement. The instruction to take "all the people of war" is significant, contrasting with the small, overconfident force sent previously (cf. [Joshua 7:3](/joshua/7-3 "Joshua 7:3 - Initial Ai Scouting Report")). It implies a comprehensive and unified national effort, now under divine blessing and detailed strategic guidance (revealed in subsequent verses). "Arise, go up" conveys urgency and a call to immediate action.
* **"see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:"**: This powerful declaration is the bedrock of the renewed command. The perfect tense "I have given" indicates a divinely accomplished fact, a guaranteed outcome. God is not merely promising victory; He is declaring that the victory is already secured in His sovereign plan. The comprehensive list ("king," "people," "city," "land") emphasizes that the conquest will be total and complete, leaving no aspect of Ai untouched by God's decree.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 8:1 employs several impactful literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent, as God speaks personally and intimately to Joshua, signaling a restoration of their direct communication after the breach of covenant in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Defeat at Ai and Achan's Sin"). This personal address underscores the divine initiative in overcoming Israel's despair. The verse is replete with **Divine Command**, expressed through imperative verbs like "Fear not," "take," "arise," and "go up," highlighting God's absolute authority and Joshua's role as an obedient servant. There is also a significant **Repetition** or **Echo** of God's initial commissioning words to Joshua in [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Initial Charge to Joshua"), where God similarly commanded him not to fear or be dismayed. This repetition serves to reinforce God's consistent character and promises, reminding Joshua that despite the recent setback, God's original mandate remains unchanged. Finally, the phrase "I have given into thy hand" functions as a powerful **Idiom** or **Metaphor** for assured victory and complete control, emphasizing that the triumph is a divine gift, not merely a human achievement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 8:1 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereignty, even in the face of human failure. It teaches that while sin breaks covenant fellowship and hinders divine blessing, God's redemptive purposes are not ultimately thwarted. Once sin is dealt with through confession and judgment, God is quick to restore and recommission His people. This passage underscores the principle that true victory in spiritual warfare, or in any endeavor, stems from God's prior declaration and empowerment, not from human strength or strategy alone. It highlights the importance of divine assurance in overcoming fear and discouragement, reminding believers that God's promises are firm, and His presence guarantees success when His people walk in obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 31:8](/deuteronomy/31-8 "Deuteronomy 31:8 - The LORD Goes Before You")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 8:1 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers navigating life's challenges. It reminds us that even after significant failures, setbacks, or periods of spiritual discouragement, God's grace and purposes for us remain. Just as Israel's defeat at Ai was linked to unconfessed sin, this passage prompts us to honestly examine our own lives for areas of disobedience or unfaithfulness that might be hindering our spiritual progress or sense of God's presence. The immediate restoration of God's voice and command to Joshua, coupled with the powerful "Fear not, neither be thou dismayed," serves as a divine antidote to our own anxieties and despair. It calls us to move beyond past mistakes, to trust in God's unfailing presence and power, and to embrace His renewed call to action. Our true strength and success come from His divine assurance and our humble obedience to His commands, knowing that He has already secured the victory for us in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced a "defeat at Ai," leading to fear or dismay?**
* **What unconfessed sins or areas of disobedience might be hindering your progress or sense of God's favor?**
* **How does God's command "Fear not, neither be thou dismayed" speak to your current anxieties or discouragements?**
* **How can the declaration "I have given into thy hand" empower you to move forward in faith, trusting God's pre-ordained victory?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of God telling Joshua "Fear not, neither be thou dismayed" again, given He said it in Joshua 1:9?**

Answer: The repetition of "Fear not, neither be thou dismayed" (cf. [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Initial Charge to Joshua")) is highly significant. In [Joshua 1](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Charge to Joshua"), it was a foundational charge for a new leader embarking on an immense, daunting task. Here, in [Joshua 8:1](/joshua/8-1 "Joshua 8:1 - God's Reassurance to Joshua"), it's a specific antidote to a profound crisis of faith and despair. Joshua and Israel had just experienced a humiliating defeat at Ai (cf. [Joshua 7:4-5](/joshua/7-4 "Joshua 7:4-5 - Defeat at Ai")) and the severe judgment for Achan's sin (cf. [Joshua 7:25](/joshua/7-25 "Joshua 7:25 - Achan's Stoning")). Their confidence was shattered, and they likely felt God had abandoned them. The repetition serves as a powerful reminder that despite their failure, God's presence, promises, and power remain unchanged. It's a re-affirmation of His covenant faithfulness and a direct address to the specific fear and discouragement caused by their recent setback.

**Why did God command Joshua to "take all the people of war" for the second attempt at Ai, when only a smaller force was sent initially?**

Answer: The command to "take all the people of war" (cf. [Joshua 8:1](/joshua/8-1 "Joshua 8:1 - God's Command for Ai")) for the second assault on Ai contrasts sharply with the initial, overconfident deployment of only 3,000 men (cf. [Joshua 7:3-4](/joshua/7-3 "Joshua 7:3-4 - Initial Ai Attack")). This shift serves multiple purposes. First, it emphasizes that the victory is not to be attributed to human strength or strategy alone, but to God's comprehensive plan involving the entire nation's obedience and participation. Second, it underscores the severity of the previous lesson: God's commands must be followed precisely, and sin must be purged for success. Third, it might have been part of God's specific military strategy for Ai, which involved a complex ambush (cf. [Joshua 8:4-8](/joshua/8-4 "Joshua 8:4-8 - The Ambush Strategy for Ai")) requiring a large force for both the feigned retreat and the actual attack. Finally, it could symbolize a renewed corporate commitment and unity after the divisive impact of Achan's sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 8:1 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God reassured Joshua after a devastating defeat and the purging of sin, so too does God, through Christ, offer ultimate reassurance and victory over the greatest defeat—sin and death. Where Achan's sin brought judgment and separation, Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice (cf. [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice")) dealt with sin once and for all, making possible our reconciliation with God. We, like Joshua, are often dismayed by our failures and the spiritual battles we face, but the resurrected Christ declares to us, "Fear not, for I have overcome the world" (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). The "given into thy hand" promise to Joshua foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ, who disarmed the powers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Through faith in Him, we are not merely conquerors but "more than conquerors" (cf. [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")), inheriting a spiritual "promised land" of abundant life and eternal communion with God. Our victory over sin, fear, and spiritual enemies is not based on our strength or past performance, but on Christ's finished work and His ongoing intercession for us as our great High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). He is the true Joshua, leading His people into their eternal inheritance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 1:9

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.

Deuteronomy 1:21

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.

Deuteronomy 7:18

Thou shalt not be afraid of them: [but] shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Joshua 6:2

And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, [and] the mighty men of valour.

Daniel 2:37

Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

Daniel 2:38

And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold.