Joshua 8:13
Joshua 8:13 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
So all the people were in their places, the army on the north side of the town and the secret force on the west; and that night Joshua went down into the valley.
So the army took up their positions—the main army to the north of the town, and the ambush to the west. Joshua went that night to the valley.
And the people set all the hoste that was on the Northside against the citie, and the liers in waite on the West, against the citie: and Ioshua went the same night into the mids of the valley.
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.
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.
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.
But 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.
So those men did that. The main group of soldiers was north of the city, and the others were hiding west of the city. That night Joshua went down into the valley.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 8:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 8:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּשִׂ֨ימוּ
הָ/עָ֜ם
אֶת
כָּל
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֗ה
אֲשֶׁר֙
מִ/צְּפ֣וֹן
לָ/עִ֔יר
וְ/אֶת
עֲקֵב֖/וֹ
מִ/יָּ֣ם
לָ/עִ֑יר
וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
בַּ/לַּ֥יְלָה
הַ/ה֖וּא
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
הָ/עֵֽמֶק
וַ/יָּשִׂ֨ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/עָ֜ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֗ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מִ/צְּפ֣וֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
Zaphon
Prep | N-fs
לָ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
עֲקֵב֖/וֹ
ʻâqêb
H6119
heel
N-ms | Suff
מִ/יָּ֣ם
yâm
H3220
West
Prep | N-ms
לָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
בַּ/לַּ֥יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עֵֽמֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 8:13
וַ/יָּשִׂ֨ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
הָ/עָ֜ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֗ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מִ/צְּפ֣וֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
"Zaphon"
Prep | N-fs
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
לָ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֲקֵב֖/וֹ
ʻâqêb
H6119
"heel"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the heel of the foot or a footprint. It is used in Genesis 3:15 to describe the serpent's punishment, where it will bruise the heel of the seed of the woman. The word can also describe the rear of an army.
Definition: 1) heel, rear, footprint, hinder part, hoof, rear of a troop, footstep 1a) heel 1b) mark of heel, footprint 1c) hinder part, rear
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: heel, (horse-) hoof, last, lier in wait (by mistake for H6120 (עָקֵב)), (foot-) step. See also: Genesis 3:15; Job 18:9; Psalms 41:10.
מִ/יָּ֣ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Prep | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
לָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
בַּ/לַּ֥יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הָ/עֵֽמֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
Art | N-ms
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
Study Notes — Joshua 8:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 8:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 8:13
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 8:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:13
Context — The Conquest of Ai
11Then all the troops who were with him marched up and approached the city. They arrived in front of Ai and camped to the north of it, with the valley between them and the city.
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. 15Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 8:12 | Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. |
| 2 | Joshua 8:8 | And when you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do as the LORD has commanded! See, I have given you orders.” |
Joshua 8:13 Summary
[Joshua 8:13 tells us that Joshua stationed his forces to the north and rear guard to the west of the city, and then he went into the valley that night. This was all part of his plan to conquer the city, which was given to him by God. Just like Joshua, we can trust in God's plan and guidance, even when things seem uncertain, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By following God's lead and being courageous, like Joshua, we can overcome challenges and achieve great things, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua station his forces to the north and rear guard to the west of the city?
Joshua stationed his forces in this way to prepare for battle, as seen in Joshua 8:13, and to execute the plan to ambush the city, similar to the strategy used in Joshua 7:2, where the Israelites initially failed to follow God's instructions.
What was the significance of Joshua going into the valley that night?
By going into the valley, Joshua was positioning himself for the battle ahead, as stated in Joshua 8:13, and trusting in God's plan, as expressed in Deuteronomy 31:6, where Moses encouraged the Israelites to be strong and courageous.
How does this verse relate to the overall conquest of Canaan?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, as commanded by God in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 23:31, where He promised to give the land to the Israelites as an inheritance.
What can we learn from Joshua's military strategy in this verse?
Joshua's strategy, as seen in Joshua 8:13, demonstrates the importance of wise planning and trust in God's guidance, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- How do I trust in God's plan when the outcome is uncertain, just like Joshua did in Joshua 8:13?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of wise planning and preparation, as seen in this verse, to my own life and decisions?
- In what ways can I, like Joshua, demonstrate courage and faith in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 31:6?
- How can I balance human strategy with trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Joshua's actions in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:13
And when they had set the people,.... In battle array, as in 1 Kings 20:12; that is, Joshua and the officers of the army: [even] all the host that [was] on the north of the city; where Joshua and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:13
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:13
To wit, accompanied with a small part of the host now mentioned, i.e. very early in the morning, when it was yet dark, as is said in a like case, , whence it is here called night, though it was early in the morning, as is said ; for it seems most probable that all was done in one night’ s space, and in this manner: Joshua sends away the ambush by night, , and lodgeth that night with twenty-five thousand men, , not far from the city. But not able nor willing to sleep all night, he rises very early, , and numbers his men, which by the help of the several officers was quickly done, and so immediately leads them towards Ai; and while it was yet duskish or night, he goes into the midst of the valley, ; and when the day dawns he is discovered by the king and people of Ai, who thereupon rose up early to fight with them, . Though others conceive this was the second night, and so the ambush had lain hid a night and a day together. But then there might be danger of their being discovered, although that danger may seem to be the less, because Ai might be shut up, that none might go out nor come in, but by order, and upon necessity, because of the nearness of their enemies, as Jericho formerly was for the same reason, . Into the midst of the valley; which was near the city, thereby to allure them forth.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:13
Joshua 8:13 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.Ver. 13. Joshua went that night.] That is, very early in the morning, with a small company, that he might provoke the citizens to sally out, which they did the rather, because they saw the Israelites in the midst of the valley, iniquo loco, in a place of disadvantage.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 8:13
(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.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 8:13
Joshua went down by night into the valley where He would be seen at daylight by the men of Ai, and was accompanied no doubt by a picked body of troops.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:13
13. Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley — That is, the valley on the north of Ai. Joshua 8:11, note.