Joshua 8:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then ye shall rise up {H6965} from the ambush {H693}, and seize {H3423} upon the city {H5892}: for the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} will deliver {H5414} it into your hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will jump up from your ambush position and take possession of the city, for ADONAI your God will hand it over to you.

Berean Standard Bible

you are to rise from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

American Standard Version

and ye shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city: for Jehovah your God will deliver it into your hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 8:7 delivers a critical command and a powerful divine assurance to Israel's forces during their second assault on Ai. Following the humiliating defeat caused by Achan's sin and the subsequent purification of the camp, the LORD graciously provided Joshua with a precise military strategy involving an ambush. This verse specifically instructs the hidden contingent to rise up and seize the city, emphatically declaring that "the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand." It marks a pivotal moment of restored divine favor, renewed obedience, and the certain promise of victory, underscoring God's active involvement in the success of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 8:7 is embedded within the narrative of Israel's second, successful campaign against Ai, immediately following their initial, disastrous defeat in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"). The preceding chapter details Achan's transgression—taking forbidden spoils from Jericho—which resulted in Israel's inability to stand before their enemies and the death of thirty-six men. After Achan's judgment and the purification of the camp, God restores His presence and provides Joshua with a detailed, specific battle plan for Ai in [Joshua 8:1-2](/joshua/8-1 "Joshua 8:1-2 - God's Instructions for Ai"). Verses 3-6 describe the meticulous deployment of the ambushing force and the feigned retreat, setting the stage for the command in verse 7. This verse is the crucial instruction for the ambush to execute its part of the divinely orchestrated plan, signaling the turning point from defeat to decisive victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient warfare often employed stratagems like ambushes, but in this instance, the strategy is divinely revealed, not merely human ingenuity. Ai, a strategic stronghold controlling routes through the central hill country, represented a significant obstacle. The concept of *herem* (devotion to destruction), previously violated at Jericho, was crucial for Israel's purity and God's blessing. The initial defeat at Ai was not due to military weakness but spiritual defilement, highlighting the theological understanding that Israel's success in conquest was contingent upon their covenant faithfulness and God's active intervention, not solely their military prowess. The promise "deliver it into your hand" was a common idiom signifying complete victory and divine empowerment in ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Strategy and Obedience**, emphasizing that Israel's success at Ai was not due to human strength or cleverness, but God's meticulously revealed plan and Joshua's unwavering obedience to it, a stark contrast to the presumption that led to the earlier defeat (compare [Joshua 7:3](/joshua/7-3 "Joshua 7:3 - Israel's Initial Presumption at Ai")). Secondly, the explicit promise, "for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand," underscores **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Assurance of Victory**, reminding Israel that victory is a divine gift, not a human achievement, and that God remains faithful to His covenant promises. Finally, the passage beautifully illustrates **Restoration After Failure**, demonstrating God's boundless grace and faithfulness in granting Israel a second chance after their sin and defeat. It underscores the principle that genuine repentance and purification lead to renewed divine blessing and the ability to fulfill God's purposes, echoing themes found in [Deuteronomy 30:1-3](/deuteronomy/30-1 "Deuteronomy 30:1-3 - Return to the LORD for Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rise up (Hebrew, קוּם, _qum'_):** This verb signifies "to stand," "to arise," or "to get up." In this context, it is a command for immediate, decisive action. It implies a readiness to move from a hidden, static position (the ambush) to an active, aggressive assault. It's not merely a physical movement but a call to execute the next phase of the divine strategy with vigor and purpose, reflecting the renewed divine enablement after the previous failure.
* **Seize (Hebrew, לָכַד, _lakad'_):** Meaning "to capture," "to take," or "to lay hold of," this word denotes the successful acquisition and control of the city. It emphasizes the complete and decisive nature of the victory. The command to "seize" is a direct imperative for the ambushing force to take possession, indicating that the city is already considered theirs by divine decree, awaiting their physical appropriation.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, נָתַן, _nathan'_):** This versatile verb means "to give," "to place," or "to put." In the context of warfare, "to deliver into your hand" is a powerful idiom signifying a divine bestowal of victory. It emphasizes that the triumph is not earned by Israel's might but is a sovereign act of God. He is the active agent, ensuring the enemy's surrender and the city's transfer of ownership to Israel. This highlights God's initiative and power as the ultimate source of their success.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then ye shall rise up from the ambush,"**: This clause serves as the direct command to the specific contingent of Israelite soldiers who have been strategically placed in ambush behind the city of Ai. It indicates the precise moment for their decisive action, triggered by the feigned retreat of Joshua's main force. The instruction is clear, requiring immediate and coordinated movement to execute the next phase of the divinely orchestrated battle plan.
* **"and seize upon the city:"**: This is the objective of the ambushing force: to capture and take possession of Ai. The command implies a swift, overwhelming assault, taking advantage of the city's vulnerability once its defenders have been drawn out. It signifies the culmination of their tactical deployment and the direct act of conquest.
* **"for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand."**: This is the foundational assurance and motivation for the command. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _ki_) introduces the reason and guarantee of success. It is a powerful declaration of divine sovereignty and faithfulness. "The LORD your God" emphasizes the covenant relationship, and "will deliver it into your hand" is a common biblical idiom signifying a complete and decisive victory, where God is the active agent granting control and dominion over the enemy. This promise removes any doubt of success, transforming the human effort into an instrument of divine will.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 8:7 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command and Promise**, where God issues a direct imperative ("rise up... and seize") immediately followed by an absolute guarantee of success ("for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand"). This structure highlights God's authority and His unwavering commitment to His people. The phrase "deliver it into your hand" is a powerful **Idiom**, common in Old Testament conquest narratives, signifying a complete and decisive victory granted by God. It underscores the theological truth that the victory is a divine bestowal, not merely a human achievement. The verse also functions as a moment of **Dramatic Irony**, as the people of Ai are unaware of the hidden ambush and God's certain promise of their defeat, while the reader and Israel are privy to this divine plan. Furthermore, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the previous defeat at Ai in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"), emphasizing the restoration of divine favor and the efficacy of obedience after a period of sin and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 8:7 is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of human failure. It demonstrates that while sin brings consequences and separates us from God's blessing, genuine repentance and obedience pave the way for restoration and renewed divine empowerment. The verse underscores God's sovereignty over all circumstances, showing that He not only orchestrates the grand narrative of history but also meticulously plans the details of His people's victories. The "delivery" of Ai into Israel's hand is a vivid illustration of God fighting for His people, fulfilling His covenant promises to give them the land. This divine initiative transforms a military conquest into a theological declaration of God's active presence and power among His chosen nation.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel")
* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the LORD's")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Sword, but by God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 8:7 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life. Just as God provided a meticulous strategy for Ai after a period of failure, He continues to guide us. Our greatest successes, whether in spiritual growth, overcoming personal struggles, or fulfilling our callings, come not from relying on our own wisdom or strength, but from patiently seeking and obediently following God's divine direction, even when His path seems unconventional or requires humility. The assurance, "the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand," provides immense encouragement. When we are walking in God's will and have sought His guidance, we can face obstacles with confidence, knowing that He is with us and will enable us to overcome. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's boundless grace. Even after our failures or disobedience, if we humble ourselves, confess our sins, and turn back to Him, God is faithful to forgive, restore, and empower us for new victories, demonstrating His redemptive heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life have I experienced "defeat" or failure, and how might God be inviting me to seek His specific strategy for a "second chance"?**
* **How does the assurance "the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand" impact my confidence when facing daunting challenges today?**
* **What does Joshua's meticulous obedience to God's plan teach me about the importance of listening for and following divine guidance, even in seemingly small details?**

### FAQ
**Why was the ambush strategy so important for Ai, and what does it tell us about God's methods?**

Answer: The ambush strategy for Ai was crucial for several reasons. Militarily, it was a clever tactic designed to draw the defenders out of the city, leaving it vulnerable to the hidden force. Theologically, its importance lies in the fact that it was a *divinely revealed* strategy, not merely human ingenuity. After the previous defeat at Ai (documented in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai")), which was a direct result of Israel's disobedience, God could have simply given them a direct, miraculous victory. Instead, He provided a detailed plan that required human effort, coordination, and obedience. This demonstrates that God often works *through* human means and requires our active participation, even when He is the ultimate source of victory. It teaches us that God's methods may not always be what we expect, but they are always perfectly suited to accomplish His purposes and often designed to teach us dependence and obedience.

**Does God still "deliver" victories into the hands of believers today, and if so, how?**

Answer: Yes, the principle of God "delivering" victories into the hands of His people absolutely applies today, though the nature of the "battles" has shifted from physical conquest to spiritual and personal challenges. For believers, our primary warfare is not against "flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). God delivers us from sin, temptation, spiritual oppression, and the schemes of the enemy. He grants us victory over personal struggles, provides wisdom in difficult decisions, and enables us to overcome obstacles that would otherwise defeat us. This "delivery" often comes through His empowering presence (the Holy Spirit), His revealed Word ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")), and the community of faith. Just as with Ai, it requires our obedience, trust, and active participation in His plan, knowing that the ultimate victory is His to give.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 8:7, with its themes of divine strategy, assured victory, and restoration after failure, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided a perfect plan for Israel's victory at Ai, so too did He orchestrate the perfect plan for humanity's victory over sin and death through His Son. Jesus is the ultimate General, not leading armies to conquer earthly cities, but leading His people to triumph over spiritual foes. His obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, is the perfect model of the obedience required of Joshua and Israel. Through His sacrifice, Jesus "delivered" us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). The promise "the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand" foreshadows the certain victory believers have in Christ; we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). The restoration offered to Israel after Achan's sin points to the greater grace found in Christ, who offers forgiveness and a new beginning to all who repent and believe, cleansing us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). In Christ, the spiritual Ai—any obstacle or enemy that stands against God's purposes for our lives—is already conquered, and we are called to rise up and seize the victory already secured by our Lord ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ")).

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

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

Joshua 8:1

¶ 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:

2 Kings 5:1

¶ Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper.