Joshua 8:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ

H3091

And when Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

H3478

and all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

רָא֗וּ

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לָכַ֤ד

H3920

had taken

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

הָֽאֹרֵב֙

H693

that the ambush

to lurk

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעִ֑יר

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#10

וְכִ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

עָלָ֖ה

H5927

ascended

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#12

עֲשַׁ֣ן

H6227

and that the smoke

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

#13

הָעִ֑יר

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#14

וַיָּשֻׁ֕בוּ

H7725

then they turned again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#15

וַיַּכּ֖וּ

H5221

and slew

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#16

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H582

the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#18

הָעָֽי׃

H5857

of Ai

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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