Joshua 8:22 - The others came out of the city against them, so they were in the middle of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side. They struck them, so that they let none of them remain or escape.

Generated Verse: Joshua 8:22

What does "Joshua 8:22" mean?


This verse from Joshua 8:22 describes the culmination of a military strategy by the Israelites against the city of Ai. Let's break down what it means:

"The others came out of the city against them...": This refers to the main fighting force of Ai, who, as part of Joshua's plan, had been lured out of their fortified city to engage with a smaller Israelite force in a feigned retreat (as described in previous verses).
"...so they were in the middle of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side.": The Israelites had set an ambush. This ambush force, which had been hidden near Ai, now emerged and surrounded the army of Ai. They are now caught between two Israelite forces.
"They struck them...": The Israelites attacked the army of Ai from both sides.
"...so that they let none of them remain or escape.": The Israelites utterly defeated the army of Ai, killing every soldier and preventing anyone from fleeing to safety.

In essence, this verse depicts the total annihilation of the army of Ai due to a successful ambush strategy employed by Joshua and the Israelites. They were trapped and completely overwhelmed, suffering a total defeat. This victory paved the way for the Israelites to capture and destroy the city of Ai.

The verse highlights the ruthlessness of ancient warfare and the Israelite's determination to conquer the land of Canaan.

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