Joshua 8:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt do {H6213} to Ai {H5857} and her king {H4428} as thou didst {H6213} unto Jericho {H3405} and her king {H4428}: only the spoil {H7998} thereof, and the cattle {H929} thereof, shall ye take for a prey {H962} unto yourselves: lay {H7760} thee an ambush {H693} for the city {H5892} behind {H310} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do to 'Ai and its king as you did to Yericho and its king; but this time, take its spoil and cattle as booty for yourselves. Ambush the city from behind."

Berean Standard Bible

And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.”

American Standard Version

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: set thee an ambush for the city behind it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 8:2 presents God's precise and adaptive instructions to Joshua for Israel's renewed assault on Ai. Following the nation's humbling defeat due to Achan's sin and subsequent purification, this divine directive outlines a strategic approach that both parallels the complete destruction of Jericho's inhabitants and introduces a significant deviation: the explicit allowance for the Israelites to take the spoil and cattle for themselves. Furthermore, it mandates the tactical deployment of an ambush, showcasing God's sovereign wisdom in employing varied methods—from miraculous intervention to conventional military strategy—to secure victory for His repentant people and provide for their needs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's renewed command and assurance to Joshua in [Joshua 8:1](/joshua/8-1 "God's Renewed Command and Assurance for Ai"), empowering him to attack Ai a second time. The narrative flow is critical, as it directly addresses the aftermath of Israel's humiliating defeat at Ai (cf. [Joshua 7:5](/joshua/7-5 "Israel's Initial Defeat at Ai")), which was not due to military weakness but a direct consequence of Achan's trespass in taking devoted things from Jericho (cf. [Joshua 7:1](/joshua/7-1 "Achan's Sin of Disobedience")). After Achan and his family were judged and the sin purged from the camp (cf. [Joshua 7:24-26](/joshua/7-24-26 "Achan's Judgment and the Purging of Sin")), God's favor was unequivocally restored. The detailed instructions in [Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "The Conquest of Ai") immediately follow this restoration, signaling God's faithfulness, His readiness to lead His people forward after repentance and purification, and the absolute necessity of obedience for divine blessing and success in the conquest. The stark contrast with the initial failure underscores the profound theological truth that sin breaks fellowship and hinders divine blessing, while repentance reopens the path to victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan was a divinely ordained mission, with specific rules of engagement that varied for different cities. The concept of *cherem* (Hebrew: חֵרֶם), often translated as "devotion to destruction" or "holy war," was central to this period, as uniquely applied to Jericho. Ai, though smaller, was strategically important due to its location. Militarily, ambushes were a common and effective ancient Near Eastern tactic, demonstrating that God, while capable of miraculous intervention (as at Jericho), also employed and directed conventional military strategies. The allowance of spoil was typical for conquered cities in the ancient world, providing resources for the victorious army and nation. The shift from Jericho's strict *cherem* (where all spoil was devoted to God or destroyed) to Ai's permitted plunder highlights God's sovereign right to set different terms for His people's provision and the nature of their warfare, adapting to their needs and the specific circumstances of each battle while always maintaining His overarching purposes.
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 8:2](/joshua/8-2 "God's Instructions for the Conquest of Ai") contributes significantly to several major themes in the Book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Strategy and Adaptation**: God does not use a one-size-fits-all approach to warfare or blessing. While Jericho fell through a miraculous, non-conventional siege (cf. [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "The Fall of Jericho")), Ai requires a detailed, tactical ambush. This teaches that God's methods can vary, and His people must remain attentive to His specific, present instructions for each situation, rather than relying on past successes or formulas. Secondly, the verse highlights **Restoration and Provision**: After the purification from sin, God not only grants victory but also allows the Israelites to take the spoil. This contrasts sharply with Jericho, where all spoil was devoted to God or destroyed (cf. [Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17 "Jericho's Devoted Spoil")), signifying God's renewed blessing and practical provision for His people after their repentance. Thirdly, it underscores **Obedience as a Prerequisite for Success**: The previous defeat was a direct consequence of disobedience. The detailed instructions given here emphasize that future success depends on strict adherence to God's precise commands, reinforcing the overarching theme found throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy") and [Joshua](/joshua "The Book of Joshua") that faithfulness to the covenant leads to blessing and victory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _šālāl'_ H7998):** From the root שָׁלַל (shalal), meaning to plunder or take spoil. This term refers to the booty, plunder, or loot taken from a conquered enemy. In this context, the explicit permission to take "the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves" marks a significant departure from the *cherem* (devoted things) applied to Jericho, where all material possessions were either destroyed or consecrated to the Lord's treasury. This allowance for Ai signifies God's renewed favor and provision for Israel, providing tangible resources for the community after the period of judgment and purification following Achan's sin.
* **Ambush (Hebrew, _ʼōrev'_ H693):** From the primitive root אָרַב (arab), meaning to lurk or lie in wait. This term refers to a concealed force lying in wait to make a surprise attack. The instruction to "lay thee an ambush for the city behind it" reveals God's detailed tactical guidance for the battle of Ai. Unlike the miraculous, non-conventional fall of Jericho, God here directs a conventional military maneuver involving deception and strategic positioning. This demonstrates God's willingness to use human strategy and military cunning alongside divine power to achieve His purposes, highlighting His sovereignty over both natural and supernatural means.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king":** This clause establishes a direct parallel between the fate of Ai and Jericho concerning their complete destruction and the defeat of their leadership. It signifies that Ai, like Jericho, would face the total annihilation of its inhabitants and its royal authority. The phrase "as thou didst unto Jericho" refers to the thorough destruction of Jericho's population (cf. [Joshua 6:21](/joshua/6-21 "Destruction of Jericho")), indicating that Ai would also be utterly defeated and its people put to the sword as part of the *cherem* against the Canaanite nations. This emphasizes God's unwavering judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites.
* **"only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves":** This is the crucial point of divergence from the Jericho campaign and a significant act of divine grace. While the human inhabitants of Ai were to be utterly destroyed, God explicitly permits the Israelites to take the material wealth and livestock as plunder for themselves. This allowance serves as a practical blessing, providing resources for the Israelite community, and powerfully signifies God's renewed grace and provision after the sin of Achan had been dealt with. It demonstrates God's sovereign right to set different rules for different campaigns, always with His people's ultimate good and His redemptive purposes in view.
* **"lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.":** This final clause provides the specific tactical instruction for the battle of Ai. Unlike the direct assault and miraculous collapse of Jericho's walls, Ai would be conquered through a strategic military maneuver involving a hidden force positioned at the rear of the city (Hebrew: אָחַר, _ʼachar'_ H310, "behind"). This command reveals God's detailed involvement in the military planning and His willingness to use conventional warfare strategies, demonstrating His wisdom in adapting His methods to the specific circumstances of each battle and the needs of His people, rather than relying solely on overt miraculous intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 8:2 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Contrast** is paramount, as the verse explicitly compares the conquest of Ai to that of Jericho ("as thou didst unto Jericho") but immediately introduces a stark difference regarding the spoil. This highlights God's adaptable sovereignty and His nuanced approach to the *cherem* law, demonstrating that His commands are not rigid formulas but expressions of His dynamic will. The phrase "only the spoil thereof..." functions as a **qualification** or **exception**, drawing the reader's attention to the specific change in divine instruction and emphasizing its importance. Furthermore, the detailed command to "lay thee an ambush for the city behind it" is an example of **divine instruction** or **command**, underscoring God's active involvement in the military strategy and His precise guidance to Joshua. The entire verse serves as a form of **divine revelation**, communicating God's specific will and plan directly to His chosen leader and, by extension, to His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 8:2 powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty, grace, and adaptability in His dealings with His people. While He demands absolute obedience and purges sin from their midst, He also demonstrates profound grace by restoring His favor and providing for Israel's material needs after their repentance. The shift in the spoil rules from Jericho to Ai is a profound theological statement: God is not bound by a single method or rule, but sovereignly determines the terms of engagement and provision, always for His ultimate purposes. He uses both miraculous intervention and human strategy, demonstrating His wisdom and power in diverse ways. This verse underscores that God's plans are perfect, even when they seem to diverge from previous patterns, and His people's success is predicated on listening to and obeying His specific, current instructions. It reminds us that divine victory is not achieved by human might or cleverness alone, but by faithful adherence to God's revealed will.

* [Deuteronomy 20:10-18](/deuteronomy/20-10-18 "Laws for Warfare and Devotion")
* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30-31 "God's Sovereignty in Battle")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 8:2 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God does not abandon us after failure, especially when we humbly address our sin and repent. Just as He restored Israel's favor and provided a new, detailed plan for victory after Achan's sin was dealt with, so too does God offer redemption and a path forward when we confess and turn from our transgressions. Furthermore, the contrast between Jericho and Ai teaches us that God's methods are not static. We must avoid the temptation to rely solely on past successes or formulas, assuming God will always work in the same way. Instead, we are called to remain flexible, attentive, and obedient to His specific guidance for each unique situation we face. Trusting and obeying God's detailed instructions, even when they involve complex, unconventional, or seemingly contradictory tactics, is key to experiencing His victory and provision in our lives and ministries. Our spiritual battles, like Israel's physical ones, require divine strategy, and our success hinges on our willingness to follow His lead, no matter how different it may be from what we expect, always remembering that His ways are higher than our ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's adaptability in strategy (Jericho vs. Ai) challenge my own assumptions about how God "should" work in my life or in the church?**
* **What "spoils" or provisions has God allowed me to receive after a period of repentance or difficulty, signifying His renewed grace and blessing?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on past successes or formulas instead of seeking God's fresh, specific instructions for the present moment?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Israel to take spoil from Ai but not from Jericho?**

Answer: The differing instructions for Jericho and Ai highlight God's sovereign right to set distinct terms for His people's actions and provision, demonstrating His wisdom and adaptability. Jericho was the "firstfruits" of the conquest, and its complete destruction (the *cherem*, or 'devotion to destruction') and the dedication of its valuable metals to the Lord's treasury (cf. [Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17-19 "Jericho's Devoted Spoil")) symbolized Israel's absolute obedience and God's exclusive claim over the initial victory. It was a test of faith and a demonstration that the victory was entirely His, not for Israel's personal gain. For Ai, however, after the profound lesson of Achan's sin and Israel's subsequent repentance and purification, God graciously allowed them to take the spoil and cattle. This served as practical provision for the community, demonstrating God's restored favor and His willingness to bless His people with tangible resources once their relationship with Him was purified. It shows God's wisdom in adapting His commands to both teach crucial spiritual lessons and meet practical needs, always in accordance with His overarching redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 8:2, with its themes of divine strategy, victory after repentance, and the taking of spoil, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The initial defeat at Ai, caused by Achan's sin, mirrors humanity's universal defeat under the power of sin and death (cf. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All Have Sinned and Fall Short")). Just as God provided a new, detailed plan for victory over Ai after the sin was purged, so too has God provided the ultimate plan for victory over sin and death through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the true Joshua, leads His people to victory, not through military ambush, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by His ultimate act of obedience. The "spoil" taken from Ai foreshadows the spiritual riches and abundant blessings that believers receive through Christ's victory—the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (cf. [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Moreover, God's adaptable strategy for Ai reminds us that Christ's kingdom advances through diverse means, not always through expected or conventional methods, but always according to God's perfect wisdom and power, often through what the world considers foolish (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "God's Wisdom and Power")). Ultimately, the victory at Ai, secured by divine instruction and human obedience, points to the greater, eternal victory won by Christ, which enables believers to inherit the true promised land—eternal life and rest with God (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "The Rest of God's People")).

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

Deuteronomy 20:14

But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, [even] all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

Joshua 6:21

And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

Proverbs 13:22

¶ A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

2 Chronicles 20:22

And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Joshua 8:7

Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

Joshua 8:9

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.

Deuteronomy 3:2

And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.