Joshua Chapter 8
Victory Over Ai
A. Plans for Victory
1. (Joshua 8:1–2) God Encourages Joshua and Gives Instructions
“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: 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.” (Joshua 8:1–2, KJV)
The first words from the Lord to Joshua are “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed,” addressing the emotional and spiritual condition of Joshua and the people after their defeat at Ai due to Achan’s sin. God does not rebuke Joshua for mourning over the failure in chapter 7; He now calls him to rise from discouragement and resume faith and obedience. This command demonstrates that restoration begins not with self-pity, but with renewed trust in the Lord’s promises. Failure that has been confessed and judged does not disqualify a believer from future usefulness. God’s grace restores, but it also commands forward motion.
God tells Joshua to “take all the people of war with thee, and arise.” In the first attempt against Ai (Joshua 7), only a small number of men were sent, relying on human estimation rather than divine direction. Now God commands full involvement of the fighting men, emphasizing unity, humility, and dependence on His instruction. God is not defeated by Israel’s sin, and neither must His people remain paralyzed by it. The command “arise” indicates urgency; obedience must be immediate when God speaks.
God then confirms the certainty of victory: “see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land.” The victory is spoken of in the past tense, showing that God’s promise guarantees the outcome, but Israel still must fight the battle in obedience. Divine sovereignty does not eliminate human responsibility; God gives, but His people must take by faith.
He further says, “Thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king.” This ties the coming victory to God’s previous work at Jericho. Though the strategy will differ, the same God is at work. However, a key difference is included: “Only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves.” Unlike Jericho, where all spoil was to be devoted to the LORD, here the people are permitted to keep the plunder. This reveals the foolishness of Achan’s sin; had he waited in obedience, he would have lawfully received more than he stole. Disobedience always seeks prematurely what God is willing to give in His time.
Finally, God gives specific strategy: “Lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.” God not only encourages and promises victory, He also provides a plan. Spiritual recovery after failure is not random or emotional; it is ordered obedience to God’s Word. Ai would not fall by a miracle like Jericho, but by strategy ordained by God. Sometimes God works through miraculous intervention, other times through disciplined execution of His commands. In both cases, it is still His power accomplishing the victory.
2. (Joshua 8:3–8) Plans Made for an Ambush Upon Ai
“So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night. 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 I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them, (For they will come out after us,) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them. Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand. 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.” (Joshua 8:3–8, KJV)
Joshua responds immediately to God’s renewed command by rising and mobilizing “all the people of war,” demonstrating full obedience and confidence. Instead of sending only three thousand men as in the failed attempt (Joshua 7:4), he now selects thirty thousand mighty men of valour. This shows a complete reversal from self-confidence to total dependence and preparedness. When God restores, He expects His people to act with seriousness, diligence, and full commitment rather than half-measures.
Joshua sends these men “by night,” emphasizing secrecy, discipline, and careful planning. The strategy involves an ambush positioned “behind the city,” not far away, requiring patience and readiness. God had given Joshua the broad outline in Joshua 8:2, but here Joshua uses wisdom, experience, and sanctified strategy to work out the details. God’s guidance does not eliminate human responsibility; it directs it.
Joshua explains that he and the main force will approach Ai openly. When the men of Ai come out to fight, confident from their earlier victory, Israel will pretend to flee just as before. The pride of Ai becomes the bait. Overconfidence will draw them away from their walls and defenses. God often allows the wicked to be trapped by their own arrogance.
When Ai’s army is fully drawn out, Joshua commands the ambush force to rise quickly, seize the city, and set it on fire. The signal of smoke would alert Joshua’s main force to turn and attack. Joshua emphasizes that this plan is not merely his own idea, but “according to the commandment of the LORD.” Though the method is strategic, the outcome depends entirely on God’s promise: “for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.” Victory is never by numbers or tactics alone, but by obedience to the word of the Lord combined with effort empowered by faith.
This section displays a crucial truth: after failure and repentance, God restores His people not to passivity but to disciplined obedience. They do not wait for walls to fall like Jericho; this time they must fight wisely, patiently, and courageously under God’s direction. God changes methods to remind His people that the power is His, but the obedience must be theirs.
3. (Joshua 8:9–10) Joshua Stays with the People
“Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people. And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.” (Joshua 8:9–10, KJV)
After giving the strategic orders, Joshua sends out the ambush force, who position themselves carefully “between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai.” Their placement shows careful planning, remaining hidden yet close enough to strike when commanded. But the focus shifts to Joshua himself—“Joshua lodged that night among the people.” Instead of distancing himself from the risk and tension of the coming battle, he remains present in the camp. This reveals true leadership: he does not issue commands from a place of safety, but stands alongside his people in vulnerability, anticipation, and trust in God.
Knowing that Israel had recently faced defeat at Ai, the presence of Joshua among them would have brought comfort, assurance, and unity. His nearness communicated confidence in God’s promise and solidarity with his people. He does not isolate himself for rest or strategy; he chooses to be among the soldiers who will fight. In times of restoration after failure, leadership must be both strong and present.
At dawn, Joshua “rose up early in the morning”—a repeated mark of diligence and obedience in his life (Joshua 3:1; 6:12). He mustered the people, organizing them with readiness and purpose. The presence of “the elders of Israel” walking before the people with him signifies national unity—leaders and people moving together under God’s direction. This public demonstration of united leadership restores confidence among the people, reinforcing that God has not abandoned them and that His appointed leaders stand firm.
Spiritually, this pictures Jesus Christ, our greater Joshua. Just as Joshua stayed among the people before battle, Christ remains near to His church in times of struggle and recovery. He does not stand afar off but lodges with His people, leading them by His presence and Word. He goes before us into every battle, not only commanding but also accompanying. If victory is to be regained after failure, it must be under His nearness, leadership, and authority.
B. Victory at Ai
1. (Joshua 8:11–13) Preparations for Battle: Joshua and the People Obey the Lord’s Command
“And all the people of war that were with him went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai. And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.” (Joshua 8:11–13, KJV)
Israel now carries out the strategy exactly as God commanded. “All the people of war” move with Joshua and draw near to the city of Ai, camping on the north side, with a valley between them and Ai. This deliberate positioning places Israel in full view of the city—meant to provoke Ai to respond. Unlike their first attempt, when only a small force advanced, this time the entire army is committed. They no longer act in self-confidence but in obedience and unity.
Joshua then selects five thousand men and sends them to join the ambush force between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. This second ambush group may be part of the thirty thousand previously mentioned, positioned now to ensure Ai is surrounded: Israel on the north, the ambush on the west, and a valley separating Joshua’s visible force from the city. Joshua arranges every detail with discipline, balancing boldness with caution, human effort with trust in God. True faith is not passive; it plans carefully and moves decisively in obedience.
After placing the troops, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. He moves closer to the enemy, positioning himself where he can lead the attack and signal the ambush at the right moment. This act shows courage and leadership. He does not remain distant but steps into the place of danger with his people, trusting God’s promise. Joshua embodies faith coupled with action.
Spiritually, Israel’s posture teaches that victory over sin and the enemy requires taking the offensive. They do not wait for Ai to attack—they go forward. In the same way, believers must not view spiritual warfare only as resisting evil, but actively pursuing righteousness, obedience, and the will of God. Joshua’s movement into the valley at night pictures the believer stepping into the struggle with faith, not shrinking back but advancing under the Lord’s command.
This section demonstrates obedience, unity, planning, and courage—all under the authority of God’s Word. These are the marks of a people ready for victory.
2. (Joshua 8:14–17) The Ambush Works; the Men of Ai Leave the City
“And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city. And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness. 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. And there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.” (Joshua 8:14–17, KJV)
At dawn, the king of Ai sees Israel’s forces stationed openly and confidently assumes this is another opportunity to defeat them as before. “They hasted and rose up early”—Ai is eager, overconfident, and driven by pride from their earlier success. The enemy thinks Israel is weak again, unaware that this appearance of vulnerability is part of God’s plan. Scripture notes, “he wist not (did not know) that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city.” Human vision cannot see divine strategy.
Joshua and all Israel “made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.” Israel pretends to repeat their earlier mistake, drawing Ai into the same trap that Israel once fell into—overconfidence and presumption. This tactic was not deceit for selfish gain but obedience to God’s command (Joshua 8:2). God sometimes uses the enemy’s expectations against them. Just as the cross looked like defeat for Christ but became victory over sin and death, Israel appears beaten but is walking in obedience to a greater plan.
The plan succeeds perfectly—“all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them.” Not a single fighting man remains in the city. Even the men of Bethel join in, further exposing Ai and leaving their cities defenseless. “They left the city open and pursued after Israel.” Their pride blinds them. What they see as Israel’s weakness is actually the setup for their own destruction. When the wicked rush forward in arrogance, they unknowingly step into the judgment of God.
This reveals a spiritual principle: Satan often repeats the same strategy until believers resist it through obedience and discernment. Once defeated by a particular temptation, he will return to that same weakness—unless the believer grows in faith and closes the door. And just as God used a different strategy at Ai than at Jericho, He reminds us He is not limited to one method. He is a living, personal God, dealing uniquely with each situation and guiding His people with wisdom.
Israel has now reversed the situation: before, they fled in defeat because of sin; now, they flee in obedience to draw the enemy into defeat. This is what restored faith looks like in action.
3. (Joshua 8:18–29) Ai is Totally Defeated and Burned to the Ground
Full Scripture (KJV)
“And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city. And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire. And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers. And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai. And the other issued out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side: and they smote them, so that they let none of them remain or escape. And the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua. And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword. And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai. For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. 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. And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day. And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day.”
(Joshua 8:18–29, KJV)
Commentary
The Lord now directly commands Joshua, “Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand.” This act is not merely a battle signal; it is a symbol of divine authority and faith. Similar to Moses lifting his hands over the Red Sea and during the battle with Amalek, Joshua’s raised spear demonstrates that victory does not come from strategy alone but from dependence on God. Joshua obeys immediately—“he stretched out the spear”—showing that true leadership responds instantly to God's voice.
As soon as Joshua obeys, the ambush force responds. “They arose quickly … entered into the city … and set the city on fire.” Timing is everything. God’s plan required precision, patience, and immediate action when the moment came. When the men of Ai turn and see “the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven,” their confidence collapses. The phrase “unto heaven” emphasizes the totality of destruction and the divine nature of judgment.
Now surrounded—Israel turning back from their feigned retreat and the ambush force coming from behind—the men of Ai are trapped “in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side.” Not one of them escapes. The king of Ai is captured alive, reserved for public judgment.
Israel then finishes the work inside the city—twelve thousand men and women fall that day—an act of total judgment. Joshua “drew not his hand back … until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants.” His arm remained stretched—steadfast, unwavering—until every part of God’s command was accomplished. This is a picture of perseverance in spiritual warfare: victory only comes when obedience is complete and continual.
Only after judgment does God allow spoil to be taken. “Only the cattle and the spoil … Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD.” What Achan stole in disobedience, God now gives in obedience. The difference is timing and submission.
Joshua burns Ai and makes it “a heap forever, even a desolation unto this day.” The king is hung on a tree till evening—a sign of divine curse (Deuteronomy 21:23)—then buried under a great heap of stones, similar to Achan in the Valley of Achor. The stones stand as a lasting testimony of judgment and warning.
Key Spiritual Lessons
Partial obedience is disobedience. Joshua’s arm remained raised until the work was fully done.
God’s timing matters—what is sin when taken outside God’s will becomes blessing when received in God’s will.
Spiritual victory requires perseverance, obedience, and no compromise with the enemy.
God avenges past defeat when sin is judged and faith is restored.
Pride leads to destruction; Ai fell because of overconfidence and ignorance of God’s plan.
C. Blessing and Cursing on Ebal and Gerizim
1. (Joshua 8:30–31) An Altar Built at Mount Ebal
Full Scripture (KJV):
“Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.”
(Joshua 8:30–31, KJV)
Commentary
Immediately after the destruction of Ai, Joshua leads Israel not into another battle, but into worship and obedience. “Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal.” This act was not spontaneous, but deliberate obedience to Moses’ command found in the Law (Deuteronomy 27). Before entering Canaan, Israel was instructed that once they had secured a foothold in the land, they must gather at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal—two opposing mountains in the heart of the land—and there renew covenant with God. The building of the altar, therefore, is a declaration that victory comes from God, and Israel acknowledges His covenant before seeking further conquest.
The altar was built “of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron.” God did not want an altar shaped or beautified by human craftsmanship. No tool was to touch the stones. This preserved the altar as a monument to the work of God alone, not the skill or glory of man. In worship, God is to be exalted, and human pride is to be silenced. True worship is simple, obedient, and centered on God’s holiness—not human creativity or religious display.
Joshua and the people then “offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.” Burnt offerings symbolized total consecration to God—everything consumed on the altar, wholly given to Him. Peace offerings symbolized restored fellowship, communion, and gratitude. Together, these offerings express devotion, thanksgiving, and submission to God after victory. Israel does not attribute success to their military strategy or strength but pauses to give God the glory.
This is significant: Israel has just achieved military victory, yet before advancing further, they stop in the very center of the land to worship and to renew the covenant. This shows that spiritual obedience is more important than military progress. Worship must follow victory. Without worship, success becomes pride; with worship, success becomes thanksgiving.
Mount Ebal—the mountain of cursing—is specifically chosen as the place for the altar, while Mount Gerizim was the mountain of blessing. This is important. The altar, built on the mountain associated with curse, reminds Israel that forgiveness and fellowship with God are only possible through sacrifice and atonement. Israel deserved cursing because of sin, but sacrifice makes reconciliation possible. In the same way, Christ bore the curse so that we might receive blessing.
Israel has now learned the lessons of Ai: sin must be judged, pride must be humbled, victory belongs to God, and worship must follow warfare.
2. (Joshua 8:32–35) Blessings Read from Mount Gerizim, Curses from Mount Ebal
Full Scripture (KJV):
“And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.”
(Joshua 8:32–35, KJV)
Joshua now leads Israel in one of the most significant covenant ceremonies in their early history. In obedience to Deuteronomy 27, Joshua “wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses … in the presence of the children of Israel.” This act fulfills the command of Joshua 1:8 to meditate on and obey the Law. It also demonstrates that Joshua is not only a military commander but a man submitted to the authority of Scripture. The Law is central—not strategy, not weapons, not national pride, but the Word of God.
The entire nation gathers—elders, officers, judges, priests, Levites, women, children, and strangers—no one is excluded from the hearing of the Word. This shows the Law of God is for all people regardless of age, gender, status, or nationality. Even the non-Israelites living among them stood in the covenant assembly because God’s truth is universal.
Israel divides exactly as Moses commanded: half stand before Mount Gerizim (the mountain of blessing), and half before Mount Ebal (the mountain of cursing). The Ark of the Covenant rests between them, carried by the Levites, signifying God’s presence as the center of the covenant. Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal stand as visual symbols of the two possible outcomes of their relationship with God—obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings curse.
Joshua then “read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings.” The people hear every word—there is no summary, no skipped section. Scripture emphasizes: “There was not a word … which Joshua read not.” This is total submission to divine authority. The nation pauses from warfare to listen to the voice of God. Victory in battle must be followed by submission to the Book. Without the Word, conquest becomes pride; with the Word, conquest remains worship.
This event required great effort. The journey from Ai to Mount Ebal and Gerizim was approximately twenty to twenty-five miles, and moving an entire nation that distance was not convenient. Yet obedience is more important than convenience. Israel understood that winning territory without obeying God would lead to disaster.
Mount Ebal—where the altar was built—is the mountain of cursing. God deliberately required the altar and sacrifice to be placed on the mountain representing judgment because the only way sinners can stand before a holy God is through atoning sacrifice. The curse of the Law reveals sin, but the altar points to forgiveness. This foreshadows the cross of Christ, where the curse of sin was met with the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb.
Finally, this ceremony demonstrates that Israel now controls the central highlands of Canaan. Geographically, they stand in the heart of the land. Spiritually, they stand under the authority of God’s covenant.
