Joshua 8:27

KJV

Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only the cattle {H929} and the spoil {H7998} of that city {H5892} Israel {H3478} took for a prey {H962} unto themselves, according unto the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} which he commanded {H6680} Joshua {H3091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Only the livestock and the spoil of that city did Isra'el take as booty for themselves, in keeping with the order ADONAI had given Y'hoshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua.

American Standard Version

Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for prey unto themselves, according unto the word of Jehovah which he commanded Joshua.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 8:27 succinctly describes the culmination of Israel's second, successful conquest of Ai, highlighting their specific actions regarding the spoils of war. Unlike the previous victory at Jericho, where all plunder was devoted to destruction or consecrated to the Lord, God explicitly permitted Israel to take the cattle and other valuable goods from Ai for themselves. This verse underscores Israel's meticulous obedience to this distinct divine instruction, emphasizing God's sovereign right to determine the terms of engagement and His generous provision for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 8:27 serves as a definitive concluding statement within the narrative of Israel's conquest of Ai. This victory immediately follows their humiliating defeat in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"), which was a direct consequence of Achan's disobedience regarding the devoted things from Jericho. After Achan's judgment and the subsequent purification of the camp, God graciously reinstates His favor and provides Joshua with a new, detailed strategy for taking Ai, involving an intricate ambush ([Joshua 8:1-26](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai")). Crucially, [Joshua 8:2](/joshua/8-2 "Joshua 8:2 - God's Command for Ai's Spoil") explicitly details God's command regarding the spoils: "Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take as plunder for yourselves." This stands in stark contrast to the instructions for Jericho, where everything was "devoted to the LORD" ([Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17-19 - The Devotion of Jericho")). Verse 27, therefore, confirms the successful execution of God's specific command for Ai, affirming Israel's renewed obedience and the distinct nature of the spoils from this particular victory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan was understood by Israel as a divinely mandated holy war, a concept not uncommon in the ancient Near East, where deities were often believed to fight alongside their chosen people. However, Israel's holy war differed significantly due to the unique nature of Yahweh and His covenant with His people. The concept of *cherem* (Hebrew: חֵרֶם), meaning "devotion to destruction" or "dedication to God," was central to these wars, often involving the complete destruction of people and property to prevent the integration of pagan practices and to demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty. The variation in commands for Jericho (total *cherem*) and Ai (permission to take spoil) reflects God's specific, sovereign directives for each engagement, rather than a general, uniform rule of warfare. Ai was a strategically vital city, controlling access to the central highlands of Canaan, and its capture was essential for securing Israel's position in the promised land. The allowance of spoil from Ai likely served as a form of divine provision for the newly settling nation, demonstrating God's care and faithfulness after their period of wandering and the recent setback at Ai.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 8:27 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuchal narrative. First, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Specificity of Command**. God, not human strategy or desire, dictates the terms of war and the distribution of its gains. His commands are precise and context-dependent, requiring Israel's careful discernment and absolute obedience, as seen by the contrast between [Jericho's instructions](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and those for [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai"). Second, it speaks to **God's Provision and Faithfulness**. After the severe consequences of Achan's disobedience, God restores His blessing, allowing Israel to profit materially from the victory, thereby demonstrating His continued covenant faithfulness and care for His people's needs. Third, the verse illustrates the **Importance of Obedience and Trust**. Israel's success at Ai was directly tied to their meticulous adherence to God's instructions, a stark reminder of the principle that obedience brings blessing and victory, while disobedience, as painfully shown in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"), leads to defeat and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shâlâl'_):** (H7998) This noun refers to the plunder, booty, or spoils of war taken from an enemy. In the context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, *shalal* represented a significant material gain for the victors. Here, its use signifies the legitimate acquisition of goods and possessions from Ai, directly sanctioned by God. The allowance of *shalal* from Ai stands in deliberate contrast to the strict prohibition against taking anything from Jericho, underscoring the specific nature of God's command for each city.
* **Prey (Hebrew, _bâzaz'_):** (H962) This verb, used in the phrase "took for a prey," means "to plunder," "to seize," or "to take as spoil." While often used synonymously with *shalal* (the noun), *bazaz* emphasizes the active process of taking or seizing the enemy's possessions. The pairing of *shalal* (the object) and *bazaz* (the action) reinforces the idea that the cattle and goods of Ai were not merely found, but were actively and rightfully taken by Israel, not as an act of arbitrary looting, but as a divinely approved acquisition, distinguishing it from the illicit gains of Achan.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** (H6680) This verb means "to constitute," "to enjoin," or "to give a charge/command." It signifies a formal, authoritative directive. The use of this word is crucial, as it attributes Israel's actions not to their own initiative or desire for plunder, but to a direct, specific, and binding instruction from the LORD to Joshua. This highlights the theological bedrock of the verse: Israel's actions were an act of obedience to divine authority, making their acquisition of spoil righteous and legitimate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only the cattle and the spoil of that city":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the precise parameters of what Israel was permitted to take. The word "only" (רַק, *raq*) is critical, indicating a specific limitation and exclusion of other actions, such as the total destruction of all property as was required at Jericho. "Cattle" (בְּהֵמָה, _bᵉhêmâh_) refers to livestock, a vital economic asset in the ancient world, while "spoil" (שָׁלָל, _shâlâl_) encompasses other valuable goods and possessions. This clause directly reflects God's command given to Joshua in [Joshua 8:2](/joshua/8-2 "Joshua 8:2 - God's Command for Ai's Spoil"), demonstrating Israel's meticulous adherence to the divine directive.
* **"Israel took for a prey unto themselves,":** This clause confirms the action carried out by the Israelites. "Took for a prey" (בָּזַז, _bâzaz_) signifies that they claimed these items as their own, for their personal use and benefit. This was a significant act of divine provision, allowing God's people to be enriched by the victory, standing in stark contrast to the absolute devotion of Jericho's spoils, which were either destroyed or dedicated to the Lord's treasury. It underscores God's care for His people's material needs and His willingness to bless them after their repentance and renewed obedience.
* **"according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.":** This concluding clause serves as the theological anchor of the entire verse, providing the ultimate justification and authority for Israel's actions. It explicitly attributes Israel's taking of the spoil not to their own initiative, greed, or desire for plunder, but to direct, precise obedience to God's specific instruction given to Joshua. The phrase "the word of the LORD" (דְּבַר יְהוָה, _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh_) emphasizes divine revelation and absolute authority. This highlights the paramount importance of discerning and following God's precise commands, even when they differ from previous or expected patterns, reinforcing the themes of divine sovereignty, Israel's covenantal obligation to obey, and the direct link between obedience and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 8:27 is **Contrast**, specifically a **Thematic Contrast**. The verse intentionally draws a clear distinction between the rules governing the conquest of Ai and those previously established for Jericho in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"). While Jericho's spoils were under *cherem* (devoted entirely to destruction or to the Lord), Ai's spoils were explicitly permitted for Israel's personal use. This contrast powerfully highlights God's **Sovereignty** and the **Specificity of His Commands**, demonstrating that His will is not monolithic but is perfectly tailored to each unique situation and divine purpose. The careful repetition of terms like "spoil" and the phrase "took for a prey" also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the legitimacy and divine sanction of Israel's acquisition, differentiating it from the forbidden gains of Achan in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"). The concluding phrase, "according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua," acts as a potent **Theological Marker**, clearly identifying divine authority as the ultimate source and justification for Israel's actions and their subsequent success.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 8:27 serves as a profound theological statement regarding God's sovereign right to dictate the terms of His engagement with humanity and His people's absolute dependence on His specific commands. It teaches that divine guidance is not a one-size-fits-all principle but is often tailored to unique circumstances, requiring careful discernment and unwavering obedience. The striking contrast between the instructions for Jericho and Ai illustrates that even within a broader divine plan (the conquest of Canaan), God's methods and requirements can vary significantly. This demonstrates His faithfulness in providing for His people's needs while simultaneously upholding His holiness and justice. Furthermore, the verse underscores the restorative power of repentance and purification, as God's blessing and provision return to the nation after their purification from Achan's sin, highlighting His unwavering covenant faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 20:10-18](/deuteronomy/20-10-18 "Deuteronomy 20:10-18 - Laws of Warfare and Cherem")
* [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22-23 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 8:27 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding the nature of divine guidance and the critical importance of contextual obedience. It challenges us to move beyond a simplistic or formulaic understanding of God's will, recognizing that what God commands in one season or situation may differ in another. This calls for a continuous, humble seeking of God's specific direction through prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and wise counsel, rather than relying on past experiences, assumptions, or generalized principles. Just as Israel's prosperity and success at Ai were directly tied to their meticulous obedience to the precise word of the Lord, so too are our blessings and spiritual victories often contingent on our willingness to discern and follow God's unique path for our lives. Furthermore, the verse powerfully reminds us of God's restorative grace; even after our failures and setbacks, genuine repentance opens the door for God's renewed provision and blessing, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be operating on assumptions about God's will rather than actively seeking His specific, current guidance?**
* **How does the theological contrast between the commands for Jericho and Ai deepen my understanding of God's character and His diverse ways of working?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sensitivity to God's specific commands and promptings in my daily life and decision-making?**
* **How does God's renewed provision for Israel after Achan's sin and the nation's purification encourage me in times of personal or corporate failure and the need for repentance?**

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

Answer: The differing commands for Jericho and Ai highlight God's sovereign authority and the specific, contextual nature of His instructions for His people. Jericho was designated as *cherem* (devoted to destruction), signifying a unique, firstfruits offering to the Lord and a powerful demonstration of His absolute power and holiness. Everything in Jericho was to be destroyed or consecrated to God's treasury ([Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17-19 "Joshua 6:17-19 - The Devotion of Jericho")). This was a stark lesson in obedience and the severe consequences of disobedience, as tragically seen with Achan's sin in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Israel's Defeat at Ai"). For Ai, however, God explicitly permitted Israel to take the spoil and cattle for themselves ([Joshua 8:2](/joshua/8-2 "Joshua 8:2 - God's Command for Ai's Spoil")). This was an act of divine provision for His people, demonstrating His care and blessing after their repentance and the restoration of their fellowship with Him. It teaches us that God's ways are not always uniform but are perfectly tailored to His specific purposes and the needs of His people in each unique situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 8:27 describes a specific historical event of conquest and provision in the Old Testament, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The ultimate "word of the LORD" is not merely a spoken command but is perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ, who is the Living Word ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as God commanded Joshua with specific instructions for victory and provision for His people, so too does Christ lead His new covenant people in spiritual warfare, providing for them through His ultimate, decisive triumph over sin and death. The "spoil" and "prey" taken by Israel from Ai, though material, foreshadow the far greater spiritual riches and victory believers receive through Christ's perfect obedience and His triumph over all hostile powers. He is the one who "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Furthermore, the principle of absolute obedience to God's specific word is perfectly exemplified in Christ's life, who was obedient "even to the point of death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation")). Through His perfect obedience, we, who are united with Him, receive the ultimate "spoil" and "prey"—salvation, eternal life, reconciliation with God, and the glorious inheritance of the saints, not by our own merit or plunder, but as a boundless gift of grace ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). Thus, Joshua 8:27 points beyond the material gains of an earthly battle to the spiritual victory and abundant provision secured for us by the obedient Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who makes us more than conquerors ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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 8:2

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.

Numbers 31:22

Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,

Psalms 50:10

For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.

Matthew 20:15

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Joshua 11:4

And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that [is] upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.

Numbers 31:26

Take the sum of the prey that was taken, [both] of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation: