Joshua 8:8

KJV

And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, [that] ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, when ye have taken {H8610} the city {H5892}, that ye shall set {H3341} the city {H5892} on fire {H784}: according to the commandment {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} shall ye do {H6213}. See {H7200}, I have commanded {H6680} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you have captured the city, you are to set it on fire; do according to what ADONAI has said. Those are your orders."

Berean Standard Bible

And when you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do as the LORD has commanded! See, I have given you orders.”

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when ye have seized upon the city, that ye shall set the city on fire; according to the word of Jehovah shall ye do: see, I have commanded you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 8:8 encapsulates a crucial divine command given to Israel through Joshua for the total destruction of Ai by fire, following their successful ambush and capture of the city. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of Israel's obedience to God's precise instructions, serving as a powerful demonstration of divine judgment against the Canaanites and a reaffirmation of God's renewed favor and presence with His covenant people after the cleansing of Achan's sin. It highlights the principle of *cherem*, or complete devotion to the Lord, in the conquest of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 8:8 is nestled within the detailed account of Israel's second, successful campaign against Ai, a direct sequel to their humiliating defeat in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"). After the sin of Achan led to Israel's initial rout and the death of thirty-six men, God's wrath was appeased through Achan's execution and Israel's corporate repentance. Immediately following this cleansing, God re-engages with Joshua, providing an elaborate and specific battle strategy for Ai in [Joshua 8:1-7](/joshua/8-1 "Joshua 8:1-7 - God's Strategy for Ai"). The plan involves a large ambush force, a feigned retreat, and a signal for the ambushing party to seize the city. Verse 8 delivers the explicit command for what is to be done *after* the city is taken: it must be set ablaze. This command is then executed in [Joshua 8:19-21](/joshua/8-19 "Joshua 8:19-21 - The Burning of Ai"), confirming Israel's newfound obedience, which contrasts sharply with the disobedience that led to their previous defeat. The subsequent verses describe the complete destruction of Ai and the hanging of its king, solidifying the narrative of divine justice and covenant faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to burn Ai must be understood within the broader context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan and the divine institution of *cherem* (often translated as "devotion to destruction" or "holy war"). The Canaanite inhabitants were deeply entrenched in idolatry, child sacrifice, and various abominable practices ([Deuteronomy 18:9-14](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-14 - Abominations of the Nations")). God commanded their utter destruction not out of arbitrary cruelty, but as an act of righteous judgment against their pervasive wickedness and to prevent Israel from being corrupted by their pagan customs ([Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")). The burning of a city like Ai, leaving no spoils for Israel, symbolized a complete offering to God, signifying that the victory and its fruits belonged solely to Him, and that Israel was to remain distinct and undefiled. This act also served as a stark warning to other Canaanite cities and a powerful demonstration of Yahweh's power and justice to both Israel and their enemies.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Central is the theme of **Divine Command and Obedience**, emphasizing that Israel's success in the Promised Land is entirely contingent upon their unwavering adherence to God's instructions. The phrase "according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do" underscores this absolute requirement, highlighting the disastrous consequences of disobedience, as seen in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin"). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against the profound sinfulness of the Canaanite nations. The burning of Ai is a tangible manifestation of God's justice. Thirdly, the narrative of Ai's conquest, following the resolution of Achan's sin, speaks to **Restoration and Renewed Favor**. God's willingness to provide a new strategy and grant victory after Israel's repentance illustrates His faithfulness to His covenant people when they return to obedience. Finally, the command to burn the city, precluding any personal gain, embodies the theme of **Total Devotion** (or *cherem*), where the spoils of war are consecrated to God, contrasting sharply with Achan's covetousness and emphasizing Israel's role as God's instrument rather than self-serving conquerors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _mitzvah'_):** This term (מִצְוָה) denotes an authoritative instruction, precept, or divine ordinance. Its use here emphasizes that the burning of Ai was not a strategic decision made by Joshua or the Israelites, but a direct, non-negotiable decree from God. It highlights the divine authority behind the act and the absolute requirement for obedience.
* **Set... on fire (Hebrew, _saraph'_):** The verb (שָׂרַף) means "to burn completely, consume by fire." This is not merely a partial burning or a symbolic gesture, but a command for total incineration. In the Old Testament, burning often signifies purification, judgment, or complete destruction, indicating that Ai was to be utterly removed as a place of habitation and a source of potential corruption for Israel.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tzavah'_):** This verb (צָוָה) means "to command, order, appoint." Joshua's reiteration, "See, I have commanded you," serves to reinforce the divine origin of the order, as Joshua is God's appointed messenger. It adds a layer of emphasis and urgency, ensuring that the people understand the gravity and authority of the instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, when ye have taken the city,":** This opening clause sets the precondition for the command. It indicates that the burning of Ai is not to precede or accompany the initial capture but is to be a deliberate act *after* the city has been secured. This timing suggests a methodical, ordered execution of God's plan, emphasizing the complete control Israel would have over the city before its destruction.
* **"[that] ye shall set the city on fire:":** This is the core command, specifying the exact action to be taken. The instruction to "set the city on fire" signifies the total and irreversible destruction of Ai. It embodies the principle of *cherem*, where the city and its contents are devoted entirely to God through destruction, preventing Israel from profiting from or being defiled by the pagan city.
* **"according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do.":** This phrase explicitly attributes the command to divine authority. It removes any doubt about the origin of the instruction, making it clear that this act of destruction is not a human decision but a direct mandate from Yahweh. It underscores the theological imperative for Israel's absolute obedience to God's revealed will.
* **"See, I have commanded you.":** Joshua's direct, emphatic statement serves as a powerful confirmation and personal endorsement of the divine command. As God's chosen leader, Joshua is relaying God's word with full authority, ensuring that the people understand the gravity and the non-negotiable nature of the instruction. This repetition reinforces the importance of obedience and accountability.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 8:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** of the concept of "command" ("commandment of the LORD," "I have commanded you") serves to underscore the divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of the instruction, driving home the theme of obedience. This repetition also creates **Emphasis**, highlighting the critical importance of this specific directive within the broader battle plan. The command to "set the city on fire" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only complete destruction and judgment but also purification and total devotion (*cherem*). The fire purges the land of its pagan defilement and symbolizes Israel's complete surrender of the spoils to God. Furthermore, the verse, as part of the divine strategy, carries an element of **Foreshadowing**, indicating the complete and unsparing judgment that will be meted out upon the Canaanites throughout the conquest, serving as a warning to all who resist God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 8:8 is a profound theological statement on divine judgment, covenant obedience, and the nature of holiness. It reveals God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice against sin, particularly the pervasive idolatry and wickedness of the Canaanites. The command to burn Ai signifies that God's people are called to a radical separation from the world's corrupting influences, even to the point of destroying potential sources of temptation. This act of *cherem* teaches Israel that their victories are not for personal gain but are acts of worship and obedience, consecrating the land to the Lord. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's commands, though sometimes difficult to comprehend from a human perspective, are always rooted in His perfect righteousness and are designed for the ultimate good and purity of His people.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to Utterly Destroy")
* [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 8:8 calls believers today to a profound reflection on the nature of obedience and God's sovereignty. Just as Israel's success hinged on their complete adherence to God's specific and sometimes challenging commands, so too does our spiritual vitality and effectiveness depend on our willingness to submit entirely to God's revealed will in His Word. This passage reminds us that God's commands are not arbitrary but are designed for our protection, purity, and ultimate blessing, safeguarding us from the spiritual corruption of the world. It challenges us to examine areas in our lives where we might be holding back from complete surrender, perhaps seeking personal gain or comfort over radical obedience. The burning of Ai, a stark act of devotion, compels us to consider what "idols" or "spoils" in our own lives God might be calling us to utterly destroy or consecrate to Him, so that we might walk in unhindered fellowship and experience His full favor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to radical obedience, even when God's commands seem difficult or counter-intuitive?**
* **How does the concept of *cherem* (total devotion to God) challenge my desire for personal gain or comfort?**
* **What "idols" or "corrupting influences" in my life might God be calling me to "set on fire" for the sake of spiritual purity?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous judgment in this passage deepen my appreciation for His grace and mercy?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command such a destructive act as burning the city of Ai?**

Answer: God commanded the burning of Ai as an act of righteous judgment against the pervasive wickedness, idolatry, and moral corruption of the Canaanite inhabitants. This was not arbitrary cruelty but a just consequence for their deep-seated sin, which included practices like child sacrifice and sexual immorality. Furthermore, the complete destruction, known as *cherem* or "devotion to destruction," served to prevent the Israelites from being corrupted by the pagan practices and beliefs of the Canaanites. By burning the city and taking no spoils, Israel was reminded that the victory belonged entirely to God, and they were to remain distinct and holy, set apart for His purposes. This act underscored the severity of sin and God's absolute demand for holiness from His covenant people, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Canaanites").

**What is the significance of Joshua reiterating, "See, I have commanded you"?**

Answer: Joshua's reiteration, "See, I have commanded you," serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the direct, authoritative nature of the command. Joshua is not offering a suggestion but delivering a non-negotiable divine mandate. Secondly, it reinforces his role as God's chosen and legitimate leader, ensuring that the people understand that this instruction comes with the full weight of divine authority, channeled through him. After the previous defeat at Ai due to Achan's disobedience ([Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin")), this emphatic statement would have reminded the people of the critical importance of strict obedience to God's word, as communicated through His appointed leader. It instilled a sense of urgency and accountability, ensuring no one would misunderstand or neglect the command.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 8:8, with its emphasis on absolute obedience, divine judgment, and total devotion, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The perfect obedience commanded of Israel, which they often failed to maintain, is flawlessly embodied in Jesus Christ. Unlike Israel, who struggled with sin and disobedience (as seen in Achan's transgression), Jesus perfectly fulfilled every command of God, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He is the true Israel, the obedient Son, through whom God's purposes are perfectly accomplished. The judgment meted out on Ai, a consequence of sin, foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin borne by Christ on the cross. He became the "curse" for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), taking upon Himself the fiery wrath that our sin deserved, thereby making a way for our redemption. Furthermore, the principle of *cherem*—total devotion to God, leaving no spoils for self—is perfectly exemplified in Christ's life of self-emptying service and His call for His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")). In Christ, believers are called to a new kind of spiritual warfare, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, where our victory is found in His completed work and our obedience is a response to His grace ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")).

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 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:16

¶ And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

2 Samuel 13:28

Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

Judges 4:6

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

Joshua 8:28

And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, [even] a desolation unto this day.

Joshua 6:24

And they burnt the city with fire, and all that [was] therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD.