Joshua 8:23
And the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תָּ֣פְשׂוּ
they took
H8610
תָּ֣פְשׂוּ
they took
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
4 of 9
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
חָ֑י
alive
H2416
חָ֑י
alive
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
5 of 9
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וַיַּקְרִ֥בוּ
and brought
H7126
וַיַּקְרִ֥בוּ
and brought
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
6 of 9
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
Historical Context
Ancient warfare commonly paraded captured kings before execution (Judges 1:6-7; 1 Samuel 15:32-33). The king of Ai's capture occurred during the second battle of Ai (circa 1406 BC) after Achan's sin had been purged. Joshua's forces used sophisticated ambush tactics, showing Israel's growing military expertise under divine guidance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the king of Ai's capture illustrate the futility of resisting God's purposes?
- What does this incident teach about God's justice that spares none who persist in rebellion against His authority?
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Analysis & Commentary
And the king of Ai they took alive—Unlike Ai's population, the king was spared temporarily for public execution (Joshua 8:29), following ancient Near Eastern practice of displaying conquered rulers. Taking him chay (חַי, 'alive') ensured he witnessed his kingdom's total destruction before facing judgment.
This capture fulfilled the strategic ambush plan (Joshua 8:1-8). Where Israel had fled in earlier defeat (Joshua 7:5), they now returned in God-ordained victory. The unnamed king represents human autonomy defying divine sovereignty—ultimately every proud rebel will be 'taken alive' for judgment (Revelation 19:20). His capture demonstrates that no earthly authority stands before the King of kings.