Joshua 8:4

KJV

And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, [even] behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he commanded {H6680} them, saying {H559}, Behold {H7200}, ye shall lie in wait {H693} against the city {H5892}, even behind {H310} the city {H5892}: go {H7368} not very {H3966} far {H7368} from the city {H5892}, but be ye all ready {H3559}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He instructed them, "You are to lie in wait to ambush the city from behind. Stay close to the city; and all of you, be ready.

Berean Standard Bible

with these orders: “Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready.

American Standard Version

And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city; go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 8:4 outlines a critical component of God's renewed strategy for Israel's second assault on Ai: the meticulous instruction for an ambush. Following their humiliating defeat due to Achan's sin, this verse details Joshua's command to a specific contingent of Israelite soldiers to position themselves in a hidden location behind the city, poised to surprise the inhabitants once they were lured out. It underscores the divine precision and strategic foresight guiding Israel's military operations, emphasizing the necessity of obedience and preparedness for victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 8:4 is embedded within the narrative of Israel's second attempt to conquer Ai, immediately following their disastrous initial defeat detailed in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"). The Lord had revealed Achan's sin as the cause of their prior failure and, after the purification of the camp, He graciously renewed His covenant with Joshua and provided a detailed, divinely orchestrated battle plan for Ai in [Joshua 8:1-2](/joshua/8-1 "Joshua 8:1-2 - God's Renewed Command and Strategy for Ai"). Unlike the previous direct frontal assault, this new strategy involves a tactical deception—an ambush. Verse 4 specifically elaborates on the positioning of the ambush force, setting the stage for the subsequent execution of the plan where the main army would feign retreat, drawing the men of Ai out of their city, as described in [Joshua 8:5-7](/joshua/8-5 "Joshua 8:5-7 - The Feigned Retreat and Ambush Plan").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan was a divinely mandated military campaign, distinct from typical ancient Near Eastern warfare due to God's direct involvement. Ai, situated strategically in the central hill country, was a key city that needed to be subdued to secure Israel's position and divide the land. Ancient warfare frequently employed ambushes and feigned retreats, making this a recognized, albeit often risky, military tactic. However, here it is not merely human ingenuity but a divine command, reflecting God's sovereignty over the outcomes of battles. The meticulous instructions given to Joshua and the emphasis on precise execution reflect the disciplined nature of Israel's army under God's leadership, contrasting sharply with the overconfidence that led to their previous defeat at Ai, as highlighted in [Joshua 7:3-5](/joshua/7-3 "Joshua 7:3-5 - Israel's Initial Overconfidence and Defeat at Ai").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Strategy and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that true victory comes not from human strength or conventional tactics alone, but from God's specific, often unconventional, instructions and His active involvement in the battle. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience and Trust**, as Joshua meticulously follows every detail of God's command, a stark contrast to the disobedience that plagued the first attempt at Ai. The phrase "be ye all ready" further emphasizes **Preparedness and Vigilance**, reminding Israel that divine blessings often require human diligence. Finally, the entire episode, culminating in this verse's strategic detail, serves as a profound lesson in **Learning from Failure and Repentance**. Israel's prior defeat due to sin and subsequent repentance led to God's renewed favor and a victorious new plan, illustrating that God's grace provides a path forward even after significant setbacks, as seen in the broader narrative of [Joshua 7-8](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7-8 - Achan's Sin, Defeat, and Renewed Victory at Ai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lie in wait (Hebrew, _'ārab'_):** This verb (אָרַב) specifically means "to ambush," "to lie in wait," or "to set an ambush." It conveys the deliberate, hidden, and strategic nature of the military maneuver. It implies a deceptive tactic designed to surprise the enemy, not through direct confrontation but through a concealed attack from an unexpected quarter. In the context of divine command, it signifies God's endorsement of such a tactic for His purposes, highlighting His mastery over all aspects of warfare, including strategic deception.
* **Ready (Hebrew, _kûn'_):** The Hebrew root (כּוּן) means "to be established," "to be firm," "to be prepared," or "to be fixed." When used in the Niphal stem (as here, נָכוֹן _nāḵôn_), it means "to be prepared" or "to be made ready." The command "be ye all ready" (הֱיוּ נְכֹנִים _hĕyū nĕḵōnîm_) emphasizes the absolute necessity of alertness, discipline, and immediate preparedness on the part of the soldiers. It's not just about being in position, but being mentally and physically poised for action at the precise moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he commanded them, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes Joshua's authority as Israel's leader, acting as God's instrument. It highlights that the following instructions are not merely suggestions but direct, authoritative commands, reflecting the chain of command from God to Joshua to the army. This emphasis on command underscores the importance of obedience in the execution of God's plan.
* **"Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, [even] behind the city:"**: This is the core instruction of the verse, detailing the primary tactic. "Behold" (הִנֵּה _hinnēh_) draws immediate attention to the crucial nature of the command. The specific location "behind the city" indicates a strategic positioning where the ambush force would be concealed from Ai's inhabitants, yet close enough to execute their surprise attack effectively once the main force had lured the enemy out. This precision in location is vital for the success of the ambush.
* **"go not very far from the city,"**: This negative command provides a crucial boundary for the ambush force. While hidden, they must remain within striking distance. Being too far would negate the element of surprise and delay their response, allowing the men of Ai to potentially return to the city or escape. This detail emphasizes the fine balance between concealment and proximity required for an effective ambush.
* **"but be ye all ready:"**: This concluding imperative reinforces the need for constant vigilance and preparedness. It's not enough to be in the right place; the soldiers must be mentally and physically poised for immediate action. This command speaks to the discipline and alertness required of God's people when executing His plans, ensuring that when the moment of truth arrives, they are fully equipped to act decisively.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Command** is central, as the detailed instructions originate from God and are relayed through Joshua, emphasizing God's active role as the ultimate strategist for Israel. The use of specific spatial directives ("behind the city," "not very far from the city") illustrates **Precision and Detail**, highlighting the meticulous nature of God's plan and the exactitude required in its execution. Furthermore, the entire strategy described, particularly the "lying in wait," is a form of **Strategic Deception**, a legitimate military tactic employed under divine sanction to achieve victory. This contrasts sharply with the straightforward, overconfident approach that led to the previous defeat, creating a powerful **Contrast** that underscores the lesson of reliance on God's wisdom over human presumption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 8:4 profoundly illustrates God's active and detailed involvement in the affairs of His people, even in military strategy. It teaches that divine victory often requires human obedience to specific, sometimes counter-intuitive, instructions. The meticulous planning, divinely revealed, underscores that God is not a God of chaos but of order and strategy, turning past failures into future triumphs through repentance and renewed trust. This passage reinforces the theological truth that God's power is perfected in human weakness and obedience, providing the means for success when human strength alone has failed. It also speaks to the broader theme of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to be "ready" and to employ God-given strategies against spiritual adversaries.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30-31 - The Lord Gives the Victory")
* [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 8:4, while detailing a military strategy, offers profound spiritual and practical lessons for believers today. It reminds us that after moments of failure or defeat, God often provides a new, specific strategy for moving forward, one that requires our diligent obedience and preparedness. We are called to seek God's counsel not just for the "what" but also for the "how," trusting His methods even when they seem unconventional or demand a humble posture. The command to "be ye all ready" challenges us to cultivate a posture of spiritual alertness and readiness, prepared to act decisively when God reveals His timing and direction. This means being rooted in His Word, praying consistently, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, ensuring we are not caught off guard by life's challenges or spiritual attacks. Just as Israel learned to rely on God's wisdom rather than their own, we too are called to relinquish self-reliance and embrace divine guidance for true victory in every sphere of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life have I experienced "defeat" or setbacks, and how might God be calling me to seek His specific, new strategy rather than relying on old methods?**
* **What does it mean for me to "lie in wait" or "be ready" in a spiritual sense, and how can I cultivate greater vigilance and preparedness for God's purposes?**
* **How does my willingness to obey God's "unconventional" or challenging commands reflect my trust in His ultimate wisdom and sovereignty?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Israel's journey from defeat to victory at Ai regarding repentance, humility, and renewed reliance on God?**

### FAQ
**Why would God command a deceptive military tactic like an ambush?**

Answer: The Bible often portrays God using and even commanding military tactics common in the ancient world, including ambushes and feigned retreats, within the context of holy war. In the Old Testament, God's commands for Israel's conquest of Canaan were unique and served His sovereign purposes for judgment against the wicked Canaanite nations and the establishment of His covenant people in the Promised Land. The "deception" here is a military maneuver, not a moral lie against a neighbor. It is a strategy of war, designed to achieve victory against an enemy, and it is explicitly sanctioned by God for His purposes in [Joshua 8:1-2](/joshua/8-1 "Joshua 8:1-2 - God Commands the Ambush"). This highlights God's sovereignty over all aspects of warfare and His ability to use various means to accomplish His will.

**What is the significance of the command "go not very far from the city"?**

Answer: This specific instruction emphasizes the critical balance between concealment and proximity required for a successful ambush. If the ambush force were too far, they might not be able to respond quickly enough when the main army feigned retreat and drew the men of Ai out. This could allow the enemy to escape back into the city or reorganize. By staying "not very far," they ensured they were close enough to spring the trap effectively and decisively, maximizing the element of surprise and guaranteeing the success of the overall strategy. It speaks to the precision and careful planning that God instilled in His military operations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 8:4, with its emphasis on divine strategy, perfect obedience, and ultimate victory after a prior defeat, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua received a specific, divinely ordained plan to conquer Ai, so too did Jesus come to execute the Father's ultimate plan for humanity's salvation, a plan that involved a strategic "ambush" of sin and death. Christ's life was one of perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). This act, seemingly a defeat, was in fact the ultimate strategic maneuver, drawing out the powers of darkness only to decisively conquer them through His resurrection, triumphing over them publicly in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"). The "readiness" commanded in Joshua 8:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's constant preparedness to fulfill His redemptive mission, and it calls His followers to a similar spiritual vigilance and readiness for His return and for their ongoing spiritual warfare, as exhorted in passages like [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Alert and Sober-Minded"). Thus, the victory at Ai, orchestrated by God through Joshua's obedience, points to the far greater, eternal victory secured by the obedient Lamb of God, who strategically defeated the ultimate enemy, sin, and death, for all who believe.

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

Judges 20:29

And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.

Ecclesiastes 9:16

Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard.

1 Samuel 15:5

And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.

Judges 9:25

And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.

Joshua 8:16

And all the people that [were] in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

1 Samuel 15:2

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember [that] which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid [wait] for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.

Judges 20:33

And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves in array at Baaltamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of their places, [even] out of the meadows of Gibeah.