Joshua 8:4

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:

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}:

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.

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

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

Joshua 8:4 details a crucial part of Israel's military strategy for their second attempt to conquer the city of Ai. After the humiliating defeat in their first assault on Ai, which was due to Achan's sin (see Joshua 7:5), God renews His instructions to Joshua, providing a specific tactical plan for victory.

Context

Following the purification of the camp after Achan's transgression, the Lord reassures Joshua and gives him precise instructions for attacking Ai again (Joshua 8:1-2). Unlike the previous direct frontal assault, this divine strategy involves an ambush. Verse 4 outlines a key component of this plan: placing a significant portion of the Israelite army in a hidden position behind the city to surprise the inhabitants once they are drawn out.

Key Themes

  • Divine Strategy: This verse highlights that the battle plan is not of human devising but divinely inspired. God provides the specific tactics, demonstrating His active involvement in Israel's military campaigns.
  • Obedience and Preparation: Joshua meticulously follows God's command, positioning the ambush force exactly as instructed. The phrase "be ye all ready" emphasizes the necessity of alertness and preparedness for God's timing.
  • Learning from Failure: The detailed, precise instructions for this battle stand in stark contrast to the overconfident and ill-prepared first attempt. It underscores the importance of learning from past mistakes and fully relying on God's guidance.
  • Deception and Ambush: The tactic of "lying in wait" is a legitimate military maneuver used by God's people under His direction. It involves drawing the enemy out and then striking from an unexpected quarter.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "lie in wait" is 'arab (ืึธืจึทื‘), which specifically means "to ambush," "to lie in wait," or "to set an ambush." This term clearly communicates the strategic deception involved in the plan. The instruction "be ye all ready" comes from the Hebrew root kun (ื›ึผื•ึผืŸ), meaning "to be established," "to be firm," or "to be prepared." It speaks to the disciplined readiness required of the soldiers for the critical moment of attack.

Practical Application

Joshua 8:4 offers valuable lessons beyond military strategy. It teaches us about:

  • Seeking Divine Counsel: Before undertaking significant endeavors, especially after setbacks, it is crucial to seek God's specific guidance and strategy rather than relying solely on human wisdom.
  • Careful Preparation: God's plans often require our diligent preparation and readiness. We are called to be attentive, disciplined, and prepared to act when He gives the signal.
  • Trusting God's Methods: Sometimes, God's methods may seem unconventional or contrary to what we might expect. This verse reminds us to trust His wisdom and obey His commands, even when we don't fully understand the "how."
  • Learning and Adapting: Just as Israel learned from the failure at Ai, we too must be willing to learn from our mistakes, repent when necessary, and adapt our approach according to God's renewed direction.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that with God's specific instructions and our faithful obedience, even past defeats can be turned into future victories.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 20:29 (4 votes)

    And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:16 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Judges 9:25 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.