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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Joshua 8:3–22. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an account of the taking of Ai by stratagem. The stratagem here used, we are sure, was lawful and good; God himself appointed it, and we have no reason to think but that the like is lawful and good in other wars. Here was no league broken, no treaty of peace, that the advantage was gained; no, these are sacred things, and not to be jested with, nor used to serve a turn; truth, when once it is plighted, becomes a debt even to the enemy. But in this stratagem here was no untruth told; nothing was concealed but their own counsels, which no enemy ever pretended a right to be entrusted with; nothing was dissembled, nothing counterfeited but a retreat, which was no natural or necessary indication at all of their inability to maintain their onset, or of any design not to renew it. The enemy ought to have been upon their guard, and to have kept within the defence of their own walls. Common prudence, had they been governed by it, would have directed them not to venture on the pursuit of an army which they saw was so far superior to them in numbers, and leave their city unguarded; but (si populus vult decipi, decipiatur - if the people will be deceived, let them) if the Canaanites will be so easily imposed upon, and in pursuit of God's Israel will break through all the laws of policy and good management, the Israelites are not at all to be blamed for taking advantage of their fury and thoughtlessness; nor is it any way inconsistent with the character God is pleased to give of them, that they are children that will not lie. Now in the account here given of this matter,
I.There is some difficulty in adjusting the numbers that were employed to effect it.
Mention is made (Jos 8:3) of 30,000 that were chosen and sent away by night, to whom the charge was given to surprise the city as soon as ever they perceived it was evacuated, Jos 8:4, Jos 8:7, Jos 8:8. And yet afterwards (Jos 8:12) it is said, Joshua took 5000 men and set them to lie in ambush behind the city, and that ambush entered the city, and set it on fire, Jos 8:19. Now,
1.Some think there were two parties sent out to lie in ambush, 30,000 first, and afterwards 5000 to guard the roads, and to intercept those that were first sent out; and that Joshua made his open attack upon the city with all the thousands of Israel. So the learned bishop Patrick, insisting upon God's command (Jos 8:1) to take all the people of war with him. But,
2.Others think that all the people were taken only to encamp before the city, and that out of them Joshua chose out 30,000 men to be employed in the action, out of which he sent out 5000 to lie in ambush, which were as many as could be supposed to march incognito - without being discovered (more would have been seen, and thus the design would have been broken) and that then with the other 25,000 he made the open attack, as Masius thinks, or with the 30,000, which, as Calvin thinks, he kept entire for that purpose, having, besides them, sent out 5000 for an ambuscade. And those 5000 (they think) must be meant by those (Jos 8:3) whom he sent away by night, with orders to lie in wait behind the city, though the particular number is not specified till Jos 8:12. If we admit such a seeming disturbance in the order of the narrative (of which, perhaps, similar instances might be cited from the other scripture histories), it seems most probable that there was but one ambushment, which consisted only of 5000, enough for such a purpose.
II.Yet the principal parts of the story are plain enough, that a detachment being secretly marched behind the city, on the other side to that on which the main body of the army lay (the situation of the country, it is probable, favouring their concealment), Joshua, and the forces with him, faced the city; the garrison made a vigorous sally out upon them, whereupon they withdrew, gave ground, and retreated in some seeming disorder towards the wilderness, which being perceived by the men of Ai, they drew out all the force they had to pursue them. This gave a fair opportunity for those that lay in ambush to make themselves masters of the city, whereof when they had given notice by a smoke to Joshua, he, with all his force, returned upon the pursuers, who now, when it was too late, were aware of the snare they were drawn into, and, their retreat being intercepted, they were every man of them cut off. The like artifice we find used, Jdg 20:30, etc. Now in this story we may observe,
1.What a brave commander Joshua was. See,
(1.)His conduct and prudence. God gave him the hint (v. 2) that he should lay an ambush behind the city, but left him to himself to order the particulars, which he did admirably well. Doubtless wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men, Ecc 7:19.
(2.)His care and industry (Jos 8:10): He rose up early in the morning, that he might lose no time, and to show how intent his mind was upon his business. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease.
(3.)His courage and resolution; though an army of Israelites had been repulsed before Ai, yet he resolves to lead them on in person the second time, Jos 8:5. Being himself also an elder, he took the elders of Israel with him to make this attack upon the city (Jos 8:10), as if he were going rather to sit in judgment upon them as criminals than to fight them as enemies.
(4.)His caution and consideration (Jos 8:13): He went that night into the midst of the valley, to make the necessary dispositions for an attack, and to see that every thing was in good order. It is the pious conjecture of the learned bishop Patrick that he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing upon his enterprise, and he did not seek in vain.
(5.)His constancy and perseverance; when he had stretched out his spear towards the city (Jos 8:18, a spear almost as fatal and formidable to the enemies of Israel as the rod of Moses was) he never drew back his hand till the work was done. His hands in fighting, like Moses's in interceding, were steady till the going down of the sun. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies must never draw them back. Lastly, What Joshua did in the stratagem is applicable to our Lord Jesus, of whom he was a type. Joshua conquered by yielding, as if he had himself been conquered; so our Lord Jesus, when he bowed his head and gave up the ghost, seemed as if death and triumphed over him, and as if he and all his interests had been routed and ruined; but in his resurrection he rallied again and gave the powers of darkness a total defeat; he broke the serpent's head, by suffering him to bruise his heel. A glorious stratagem!
2.What an obedient people Israel was. What Joshua commanded them to do, according to the commandment of the Lord (Jos 8:8), they did it without murmuring or disputing. Those that were sent to lie in ambush between Beth-el and Ai (two cities confederate against them) were in a post of danger, and had they been discovered might all have been cut off, and yet they ventured; and, when the body of the army retreated and fled, it was both disgraceful and perilous, and yet, in obedience to Joshua, they did it.
3.What an infatuated enemy the king of Ai was,
(1.)That he did not by his scouts discover those that lay in ambush behind the city, Jos 8:14. Some observe it as a remarkable instance of the power of God in making men blind to their own interest, and the things that belong to their peace, that he wist not that there were liers in wait against him. Those are most in danger who are least aware that they are so.
(2.)That when Israel seemed to fly he drew out all his forces to pursue them, and left none to guard his city and to secure his retreat, Jos 8:17. Thus the church's enemies often run themselves into destruction by their own fury and the violence of their rage against the Israel of God. Pharaoh plunged himself into the Red Sea by the eagerness with which he pursued Israel.
(3.)That from the killing of thirty-six men out of 3000, when Israel made the former attack upon his city, he should infer the total routing of so great an army as now he had to deal with (Jos 8:6): They flee before us as at the first. See how the prosperity of fools destroys them and hardens them to their ruin. God had made use of the men of Ai as a scourge to chastise his people for meddling with the accursed thing, and this had puffed them up with a conceit that they must have the honour of delivering their country from these formidable invaders; but they were soon made to see their mistake, and that when the Israelites had reconciled themselves to their God they could have no power against them. God had made use of them only for the rebuking of Israel, with a purpose, when the correction was over, to throw the rod itself into the fire; howbeit, they meant not so, but it was in their heart to destroy and cut off, Isa 10:5-7.
4.What a complete victory Israel obtained over them by the favour and blessing of God. Each did his part: the divided forces of Israel, by signals agreed on, understood one another, and every thing succeeded according to the project; so that the men of Ai, even when they were most confident of victory, found themselves surrounded, so that they had neither spirit to resist nor room to fly, but were under a fatal necessity of yielding their lives to the destroyers. And now it is hard to say whether the shouts of the men of Israel, or the shrieks of the men of Ai, were the louder, but easy to imagine what terror and confusion they were filled with, when their highest assurances sunk so suddenly into the heaviest despair. Note, The triumphing of the wicked is short, Job 20:5. They are exalted for a little while, that their fall and ruin may be the sorer, Job 24:24. See how easily, how quickly, the scale turns against those that have not God on their side.
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Summary
Joshua 8:20 dramatically captures the pivotal moment of the battle for Ai, marking the devastating success of Israel's divinely orchestrated ambush. As the men of Ai, having been lured away from their city by a feigned retreat, turned to behold their home engulfed in flames, they were immediately struck with paralyzing fear and despair. This verse vividly portrays their utter helplessness, caught between the burning city and the now-reversing Israelite forces, signifying a complete and irreversible turning of the tide in Israel's favor—a direct and powerful consequence of their renewed obedience to God.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is the climactic turning point in the second account of Israel's engagement with Ai. It follows Israel's humiliating initial defeat at Ai, detailed in Joshua 7:5, which was a direct result of Achan's sin and Israel's subsequent purification. With the camp cleansed, God re-establishes His covenant with Joshua, providing a precise and elaborate strategy for conquering Ai (Joshua 8:1-2). The preceding narrative, specifically Joshua 8:3-17, meticulously describes the execution of this plan: a large ambush force is positioned behind the city, while Joshua leads a smaller contingent to draw the men of Ai out with a feigned retreat. Joshua 8:18-19 then detail Joshua's crucial signal—stretching out his spear towards the city—which triggers the ambush. Joshua 8:20 is the immediate, devastating consequence of that signal, revealing the trap sprung and the enemy's sudden, horrifying realization of their doom, setting the stage for their complete annihilation in the subsequent verses (Joshua 8:21-28).
Historical & Cultural Context
The conquest of Ai was strategically vital for Israel, providing a crucial foothold in the central highlands of Canaan, near the significant religious site of Bethel. Its capture demonstrated God's power over the entrenched Canaanite city-states. The military tactic of a feigned retreat to draw out an enemy and spring an ambush was known in the ancient Near East, but here it is divinely inspired and executed with perfect timing and precision. The burning of a city, with its smoke "ascending up to heaven," was a powerful visual and symbolic act in the ancient world, signifying total conquest, destruction, and often a herem (devotion to destruction) offering to a deity. For the Canaanites, the sight of their city ablaze would have been profoundly demoralizing, signifying not just military defeat but the complete overthrow of their gods and their way of life. This act was part of God's righteous judgment on the deeply immoral and idolatrous Canaanite cultures, as outlined in passages like Deuteronomy 9:4-5.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several central themes within the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is Divine Sovereignty and Strategy, demonstrating that God is the true architect of victory. The men of Ai, in their overconfidence and eagerness to pursue, unwittingly played directly into God's meticulously planned trap, highlighting His absolute control over the battle's outcome and human actions. This contrasts sharply with Israel's initial defeat, underscoring the theme of Consequences of Disobedience vs. Rewards of Obedience; Israel's renewed faithfulness to God's precise instructions directly leads to this decisive victory. The verse also showcases a dramatic Reversal of Fortune, where the seemingly fleeing Israelites turn back upon their pursuers, transforming apparent weakness into overwhelming strength. This victory at Ai, following the initial setback, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Israel, assuring them that He would indeed fight for them and grant them possession of the land, as promised in Deuteronomy 3:22.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The word "smoke" here is not merely descriptive but carries significant symbolic weight. In biblical contexts, smoke often represents divine judgment, destruction, and the complete consumption of something, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:28). Its ascent "to heaven" emphasizes the totality and undeniable visibility of Ai's destruction, a clear sign to the men of Ai that their home, their sanctuary, and their very existence as a city were utterly consumed. It was a visible manifestation of God's wrath and the fulfillment of His decree.
The phrase "they had no power to flee" literally translates to "there was no hand in them to flee." The Hebrew word yad (hand) is used idiomatically here to denote strength, ability, or capacity. Thus, "no hand" signifies a profound sense of utter helplessness, paralysis, and loss of strength or ability to maneuver. The men of Ai were not merely strategically outmaneuvered; they were psychologically broken and physically incapacitated by fear and the shock of seeing their city ablaze. This complete incapacitation highlights God's sovereign control over their will and their fate, rendering them utterly vulnerable and without any viable escape route.
This verb signifies a complete reversal, to turn about or over, to change direction. Here, it describes the decisive action of the Israelite forces who had been feigning flight. The immediate and dramatic "turning back" upon their pursuers signifies the springing of the trap and the complete shift in momentum and control of the battle. It underscores the success of the ambush and the transformation of a perceived retreat into a powerful, overwhelming counter-attack, sealing the fate of the men of Ai.
Verse Breakdown
"And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold"
This opening phrase sets a dramatic and abrupt scene, capturing the precise moment of sudden, horrifying realization. The repetition of "saw, and, behold" emphasizes the immediate, undeniable, and shocking nature of what they witnessed, highlighting the abruptness of their discovery and the dawning of their dire predicament.
"the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven"
This is the visual trigger for their despair and the undeniable sign of their doom. The "smoke... ascended up to heaven" vividly portrays the immense scale and undeniable visibility of the destruction. It signifies the total and irreversible consumption of their city, their home base, their refuge, and their very identity. This sight would have been profoundly demoralizing, confirming their worst fears and shattering their will to fight.
"and they had no power to flee this way or that way"
This clause describes the immediate, paralyzing effect of the realization. The men of Ai were utterly incapacitated, caught in a strategic vise. Their strength, courage, and ability to make any decision or execute any escape plan vanished. They were frozen in terror, unable to move forward (towards the feigning Israelites) or backward (towards their burning city and the ambushers). This highlights their complete helplessness and the success of God's meticulously planned trap.
"and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers"
This final clause describes the springing of the trap and the complete reversal of fortune. The "fleeing" Israelites, who had successfully drawn the men of Ai away from their city, now turn from their feigned retreat into a decisive counter-attack. This act seals the fate of the men of Ai, as they are now caught between two overwhelming forces: the ambushers who took their city and the main Israelite contingent now attacking from the front.
Literary Devices
Joshua 8:20 is rich in literary devices that enhance its dramatic impact and theological significance. Dramatic Irony is central, as the men of Ai confidently pursue what they believe to be a fleeing enemy, unaware that they are running directly into a divinely orchestrated trap. The reader, however, is privy to God's detailed plan, creating a palpable sense of impending doom for the unsuspecting Canaanites. The verse also employs powerful Reversal, transforming the pursued into the pursuers, and the apparent defeat into an overwhelming victory. This mirrors the larger narrative arc of Israel's journey from initial defeat at Ai to triumphant conquest. Symbolism is evident in the "smoke of the city ascended up to heaven," which serves as a potent symbol of complete destruction, divine judgment, and the irreversible end of Ai. The vivid Visual Imagery of the ascending smoke creates a powerful mental picture for the reader, emphasizing the undeniable reality of the city's demise. Finally, the description of the men of Ai having "no power to flee this way or that way" utilizes Hyperbole to underscore their utter paralysis and helplessness, emphasizing the totality of their strategic defeat and psychological breakdown.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joshua 8:20 powerfully articulates the theological truth that God's wisdom and power far surpass human understanding and might. The battle of Ai, particularly this pivotal moment, serves as a profound object lesson in divine sovereignty and the consequences of both obedience and defiance. God's strategic brilliance is fully displayed, turning the enemy's overconfidence into their downfall. This verse demonstrates that God can orchestrate events, even using human pride and folly, to achieve His purposes and fulfill His promises. It is a testament to the fact that when God's people walk in obedience, He fights their battles, turning impossible situations into decisive victories and reversing what appears to be defeat into triumph. The smoke ascending to heaven is a visible sign of God's judgment against wickedness and His faithfulness to establish His people in the promised land.
Reflection and Application
Joshua 8:20 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's strategies often unfold in ways that defy human logic or expectations. What might appear as a setback, a retreat, or even a defeat in our lives can, in God's sovereign plan, be part of a larger, unseen strategy for ultimate victory. Like the men of Ai, we can become so fixated on our own perceived strengths or immediate circumstances that we fail to discern God's hand at work, leading to spiritual blindness and paralysis. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of deep trust in God's wisdom, even when our circumstances seem dire or confusing, or when we are called to "retreat" in ways that seem counterintuitive. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we, like the men of Ai, rushing headlong into situations based on overconfidence or shortsightedness, failing to see the "smoke" of God's warnings or the "turning back" of His providential hand? Conversely, like Israel, when we align ourselves with God's will, confess our sins, and obey His specific instructions, He can transform our past defeats into future triumphs, securing victory in seemingly impossible situations and revealing His glory through our obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God command such a destructive act against Ai?
The command for the complete destruction of Ai, including its inhabitants and property (known as herem or "devotion to destruction"), was part of God's holy war against the Canaanites. This was not arbitrary cruelty but divine judgment on cultures that had reached a peak of moral depravity, including widespread idolatry, child sacrifice, and sexual perversion (Leviticus 18:24-25). God, as the righteous Judge of all the earth, was executing justice. Furthermore, the herem served a crucial purpose for Israel: it prevented moral and spiritual contamination from the pagan practices of the Canaanites, ensuring the purity of God's covenant people and their worship. It also served as a stark demonstration of God's power and a deterrent to future opposition, clearing the land for Israel's inheritance as promised by God (Deuteronomy 9:4-5).
How does this battle illustrate God's sovereignty?
The battle of Ai is a profound illustration of God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His control over all circumstances, human actions, and outcomes. From the initial defeat in Joshua 7, which exposed Achan's sin and Israel's need for purity, to the precise, detailed strategy for the second attack, every element was orchestrated by God. The men of Ai's overconfidence, their eagerness to pursue, and their subsequent paralysis and inability to flee were all part of God's plan to deliver them into Israel's hands. Their human will and military prowess were utterly subject to God's overarching purpose. This battle shows that no human wisdom or strength can stand against the Lord's will, and He can use seemingly insignificant details or even the enemy's own actions to bring about His desired end, as Proverbs 21:30 affirms: "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joshua 8:20, with its dramatic reversal of fortune and the comprehensive destruction of the enemy, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Israel's feigned retreat lured Ai into a trap leading to their utter destruction, so too did Christ's apparent weakness and death on the cross serve as the ultimate trap for the powers of sin, death, and the devil. What seemed like a defeat—the crucifixion of the Son of God—was, in fact, God's master strategy to disarm and triumph over all spiritual principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15). The "smoke ascending up to heaven" from Ai's destruction can be seen as a type of the complete and final judgment of sin and evil accomplished at the cross, where the penalty for humanity's rebellion was fully consumed. Furthermore, the "people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's glorious resurrection. Death, the ultimate pursuer, was defeated as Jesus rose from the grave, turning back upon and conquering the very power that sought to hold humanity captive (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Christ is the true Joshua, leading His people not into a physical promised land through military conquest, but into spiritual freedom and eternal inheritance through His decisive victory over sin and death. His future return will bring the final, undeniable judgment upon all who oppose Him, rendering them powerless and establishing His eternal kingdom, much like the men of Ai were left with "no power to flee this way or that way" before the might of God's chosen people (Revelation 19:11-21).