Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So the soldiers took up their positions—with the main camp to the north of the city and the ambush to the west of it. That night Joshua went into the valley. New Living Translation So they stationed the main army north of the town and the ambush west of the town. Joshua himself spent that night in the valley. English Standard Version So they stationed the forces, the main encampment that was north of the city and its rear guard west of the city. But Joshua spent that night in the valley. Berean Standard Bible So the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city and the rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And when they had set the people, all the army that was on the north of the city, and its rear guard on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. New American Standard Bible So they stationed the people, all the army that was on the north side of the city, and its rear guard on the west side of the city, and Joshua spent that night in the midst of the valley. NASB 1995 So they stationed the people, all the army that was on the north side of the city, and its rear guard on the west side of the city, and Joshua spent that night in the midst of the valley. NASB 1977 So they stationed the people, all the army that was on the north side of the city, and its rear guard on the west side of the city, and Joshua spent that night in the midst of the valley. Legacy Standard Bible So they set the people, all the army that was on the north side of the city, and its rear guard on the west side of the city, and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. Amplified Bible So they stationed the people, all the army—the main encampment that was north of the city, and their rear guard on the west side of the city—and Joshua spent that night in the valley. Christian Standard Bible The troops were stationed in this way: the main camp to the north of the city and its rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley. Holman Christian Standard Bible The military force was stationed in this way: the main camp to the north of the city and its rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley. American Standard Version So they set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers-in-wait that were on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. Contemporary English Version Now all his troops were in place. Part of the army was in the camp to the north of Ai, and the others were hiding to the west, ready to make a surprise attack. That night, Joshua went into the valley. English Revised Version So they set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait that were on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the vale. GOD'S WORD® Translation All the troops were positioned. The main camp was north of the city, and the other troops were hiding west of the city. That night Joshua went down into the middle of the valley. Good News Translation The soldiers were arranged for battle with the main camp north of the city and the rest of the men to the west. Joshua spent the night in the valley. International Standard Version stationing their forces with its main encampment north of the city and its rear guard to the west. Joshua spent that night in the valley. NET Bible The army was in position--the main army north of the city and the rear guard west of the city. That night Joshua went into the middle of the valley. New Heart English Bible So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city and the rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley. World English Bible So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the middle of the valley. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they set the people, all the camp which [is] on the north of the city, and its rear on the west of the city, and that night Joshua goes on into the midst of the valley. Young's Literal Translation and they set the people, all the camp which is on the north of the city, and its rear on the west of the city, and Joshua goeth on that night into the midst of the valley. Smith's Literal Translation And the people will set all the camp which is from the north to the city, and its lying in wait, from the sea to the city; and Joshua will go in that night into the midst of the valley. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut all the rest of the army went in battle array on the north side, so that the last of that multitude reached to the west side of the city. So Josue went that night, and stood in the midst of the valley. Catholic Public Domain Version Yet truly, all the remainder of the army was arranged in a line to the north, so that the very end of that multitude reached to the western region of the city. Then Joshua went out that night, and he stood in the middle of the valley. New American Bible Thus the people took up their stations, with the main body north of the city and the ambush west of it, and Joshua waited overnight in the valley. New Revised Standard Version So they stationed the forces, the main encampment that was north of the city and its rear guard west of the city. But Joshua spent that night in the valley. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when he had set his men and all his host on the north side of the city, and the rear guard on the west of the city, Joshua went that night among the people. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he had situated his people and all his host from the north of the city and the Rear Guards from the west of the city and Yeshua went on that night among the people OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So the people set themselves in array, even all the host that was on the north of the city, their rear lying in wait on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the vale. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Conquest of Ai…12Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. 13So the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city and the rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley. 14When the king of Ai saw the Israelites, he hurried out early in the morning with the men of the city to engage them in battle at an appointed place overlooking the Arabah. But he did not know that an ambush had been set up against him behind the city.… Cross References Joshua 6:3-5 March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. / Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. / And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city.” Judges 20:29-34 So Israel set up an ambush around Gibeah. / On the third day the Israelites went up against the Benjamites and arrayed themselves against Gibeah as they had done before. / The Benjamites came out against them and were drawn away from the city. They began to attack the people as before, killing about thirty men of Israel in the fields and on the roads, one of which led up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah. ... 2 Samuel 5:23-25 So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. / As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. 2 Kings 3:16-20 and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ / This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. ... 2 Chronicles 20:22-24 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. / When the men of Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the vast army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped. Exodus 17:9-13 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” / Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. / As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. ... Numbers 31:3-7 So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them. / Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.” / So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war. ... Deuteronomy 7:2 and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” 1 Kings 20:12-20 Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they stationed themselves against the city. / Meanwhile a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you see this entire great army? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand this very day, and you will know that I am the LORD.’” / “By whom?” Ahab asked. And the prophet replied, “This is what the LORD says: ‘By the young officers of the district governors.’” “Who will start the battle?” asked Ahab. “You will,” answered the prophet. ... Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Luke 14:31-32 Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace. Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. / Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Treasury of Scripture 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 middle of the valley. liers in wait. Joshua 8:8,12 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… Jump to Previous Ambush Army Array City Encampment Host Joshua Liers Main Midst Night North Places Rear Secret Side Soldiers Spent Stationed Themselves Vale Valley Wait West WholeJump to Next Ambush Army Array City Encampment Host Joshua Liers Main Midst Night North Places Rear Secret Side Soldiers Spent Stationed Themselves Vale Valley Wait West WholeJoshua 8 1. God encourages Joshua3. The plan whereby Ai was taken 29. The king thereof is hanged 30. Joshua builds an altar 32. writes the law on stones 33. and pronounces the blessings and curses So the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city The strategic positioning of the forces to the north of Ai reflects a common military tactic of the time, aiming to create a diversion and draw the enemy out. This tactic is reminiscent of earlier biblical battles where God’s people relied on strategic planning under divine guidance. The north side of Ai would have been a logical choice, as it provided a vantage point and possibly a less fortified area to approach. This positioning also aligns with the broader narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, where God’s instructions often included specific military strategies (e.g., Jericho in Joshua 6). and the rear guard to the west of the city And that night Joshua went into the valley Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to succeed Moses and lead the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, orchestrating the military strategy against Ai. 2. Ai A Canaanite city that the Israelites are attempting to conquer. It represents a significant challenge following their initial defeat due to Achan's sin. 3. Israelite Forces The army of Israel, divided into different groups for a strategic military maneuver against Ai. They are positioned to the north and west of the city. 4. The Valley The location where Joshua spends the night, likely in prayer and contemplation, seeking God's guidance for the battle. 5. Rear Guard A strategic military position, indicating the tactical planning involved in the conquest of Ai. Teaching Points Strategic ObedienceJoshua's careful planning and obedience to God's instructions demonstrate the importance of aligning our strategies with God's will. We should seek divine guidance in our decisions and actions. Courage in Leadership Joshua's leadership exemplifies courage and faith. As Christians, we are called to lead with confidence, knowing that God is with us. The Role of Prayer Joshua's time in the valley suggests a period of prayer and reflection. In our own lives, we should prioritize prayer, especially when facing significant challenges. God's Faithfulness The victory at Ai, following the initial defeat, underscores God's faithfulness to His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises, even when we face setbacks. Community and Unity The coordinated effort of the Israelite forces highlights the importance of unity and working together towards a common goal. In the church, unity is essential for achieving God's purposes. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 8What is Ai's significance in the Bible? Where is the archaeological evidence supporting the complete destruction of Ai (Joshua 8:28)? In Joshua 15:8, why does the boundary include the Valley of Ben Hinnom if archaeological evidence suggests a different urban layout for Jerusalem at that time? Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?(13) Joshua went that night into the. . . . valley (Emek).--Not the ravine (or Gai) before mentioned (Joshua 8:11), but a wider and more open part of the valley, probably a little further to the south;� the object being to draw the men of Ai into a pursuit in the direction of the road to Gilgal.Verse 13. - And when they had set. This may mean the leaders of the detachment of 30,000. Joshua does not appear to have been with them, for he is not mentioned till the latter part of the verse (see note on ver. 3). Joshua went that night. Having made all his dispositions, he descended in the evening from his vantage ground on the hill into the plain, so as to invite attack in the morning, a stratagem which (see next verse) was completely successful. Some MSS., however, have וַיָּלֶן "and he rested," for וַיֵּלֶך "and he went" here. The valley. The word here is עֶמֶק not גָי as in ver. 11. Therefore the narrow waterless ravine in which the troops in ambush were to lie hid is not meant here, but a wider valley. A consideration of this fact might do something to settle the much disputed question of the situation of Ai. The עֶמֶק though deep, as the name implies, was a valley large enough for cultivation or luxuriant vegetation (Job 39:10; Psalm 65:14; Song of Solomon 2:1). Even a battle might be fought there (Job 39:21). Such a valley as that of Chamonix or Lauterbrunnen would answer to the description, and so would the passes of Glencoe and Killiecrankie. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the forcesהָעָ֜ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock were stationed וַיָּשִׂ֨ימוּ (way·yā·śî·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set with the main כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every camp הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֗ה (ham·ma·ḥă·neh) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army to the north מִצְּפ֣וֹן (miṣ·ṣə·p̄ō·wn) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter of the city לָעִ֔יר (lā·‘îr) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement and the rear guard עֲקֵב֖וֹ (‘ă·qê·ḇōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6119: Heel, footprint, hind part to the west מִיָּ֣ם (mî·yām) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin of the city. לָעִ֑יר (lā·‘îr) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement And that הַה֖וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are night בַּלַּ֥יְלָה (bal·lay·lāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites went וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk into בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the valley. הָעֵֽמֶק׃ (hā·‘ê·meq) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6010: A vale Links Joshua 8:13 NIVJoshua 8:13 NLT Joshua 8:13 ESV Joshua 8:13 NASB Joshua 8:13 KJV Joshua 8:13 BibleApps.com Joshua 8:13 Biblia Paralela Joshua 8:13 Chinese Bible Joshua 8:13 French Bible Joshua 8:13 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 8:13 So they set the people even all (Josh. 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