Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So Joshua and the whole army moved out to attack Ai. He chose thirty thousand of his best fighting men and sent them out at night New Living Translation So Joshua and all the fighting men set out to attack Ai. Joshua chose 30,000 of his best warriors and sent them out at night English Standard Version So Joshua and all the fighting men arose to go up to Ai. And Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out by night. Berean Standard Bible So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai. Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out at night King James Bible So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night. New King James Version So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai; and Joshua chose thirty thousand mighty men of valor and sent them away by night. New American Standard Bible So Joshua rose up with all the people of war to go up to Ai; and Joshua chose thirty thousand men, valiant warriors, and sent them out at night. NASB 1995 So Joshua rose with all the people of war to go up to Ai; and Joshua chose 30,000 men, valiant warriors, and sent them out at night. NASB 1977 So Joshua rose with all the people of war to go up to Ai; and Joshua chose 30,000 men, valiant warriors, and sent them out at night. Legacy Standard Bible So Joshua rose with all the people of war to go up to Ai; and Joshua chose 30,000 men, valiant warriors, and sent them out at night. Amplified Bible So Joshua set out with all the people of war to go up against Ai; then Joshua chose thirty thousand valiant men, and sent them out at night. Christian Standard Bible So Joshua and all the troops set out to attack Ai. Joshua selected thirty thousand of his best soldiers and sent them out at night. Holman Christian Standard Bible So Joshua and the whole military force set out to attack Ai. Joshua selected 30,000 fighting men and sent them out at night. American Standard Version So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valor, and sent them forth by night. English Revised Version So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valour, and sent them forth by night. GOD'S WORD® Translation So Joshua and all the soldiers started to march against Ai. Joshua picked 30,000 of his best soldiers and sent them out at night Good News Translation So Joshua got ready to go to Ai with all his soldiers. He picked out thirty thousand of his best troops and sent them out at night International Standard Version So Joshua and all of the fighting men prepared to go out against Ai. Joshua selected 30,000 valiant warriors and sent them out by night, Majority Standard Bible So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai. Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out at night NET Bible Joshua and the whole army marched against Ai. Joshua selected thirty thousand brave warriors and sent them out at night. New Heart English Bible So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai. Joshua chose thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valor, and sent them out by night. Webster's Bible Translation So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valor, and sent them away by night. World English Bible So Joshua arose, with all the warriors, to go up to Ai. Joshua chose thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valor, and sent them out by night. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joshua rises, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai, and Joshua chooses thirty thousand men, mighty men of valor, and sends them away by night, Young's Literal Translation And Joshua riseth, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai, and Joshua chooseth thirty thousand men, mighty ones of valour, and sendeth them away by night, Smith's Literal Translation And Joshua will rise, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai: and Joshua will choose thirty thousand men mighty of strength, and he will send them by night. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Josue arose, and all the army of the fighting men with him, to go up against Hai: and he sent thirty thousand chosen valiant men in the night, Catholic Public Domain Version And Joshua rose up, and the entire army of warriors with him, so that they might ascend against Ai. And he sent thirty thousand elect strong men in the night. New American Bible So Joshua and all the soldiers prepared to attack Ai. Picking out thirty thousand warriors, Joshua sent them off by night New Revised Standard Version So Joshua and all the fighting men set out to go up against Ai. Joshua chose thirty thousand warriors and sent them out by night Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo Joshua arose, and all the men of war, to go up against Ai; and Joshua chose three thousand mighty men of valor, and sent them away by night. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yeshua arose and all the people, the workers of war, to go up to Ai, and Yeshua chose three thousand men of the mighty men in their armies, and he sent them in the night OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai; and Joshua chose out thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valour, and sent them forth by night. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joshua and all the men of war rose to go up to Gai; and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men, and he sent them away by night. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Conquest of Ai…2And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.” 3So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai. Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out at night 4with these orders: “Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready.… Cross References Joshua 6:2-5 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. / 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. ... Deuteronomy 20:1-4 When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. / When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, / saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. ... Judges 7:16-22 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. / “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. / When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’” ... 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.’” 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. ... 1 Chronicles 14:14-16 So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around 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 out to battle, because this will mean that God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as God had commanded him, and they struck down the army of the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. 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. ... 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. / Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. / You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” Isaiah 41:10-13 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. / Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. ... Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. James 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route? Revelation 19:11-16 Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ... Treasury of Scripture So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valor, and sent them away by night. by night Matthew 24:39,50 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be… Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Jump to Previous Ai Army Attack Chooseth Chose Joshua Mighty Moved Night Ready Riseth Rose Thirty Thousand Valiant Valor Valour War Warriors WholeJump to Next Ai Army Attack Chooseth Chose Joshua Mighty Moved Night Ready Riseth Rose Thirty Thousand Valiant Valor Valour War Warriors 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 Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai. Joshua, as the leader of Israel, is acting under divine command to conquer the land of Canaan, fulfilling the promise given to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). The city of Ai, located near Bethel, represents a strategic target following the initial defeat due to Achan's sin (Joshua 7). This phrase indicates a renewed effort, emphasizing obedience and reliance on God's guidance. The term "whole army" suggests unity and collective purpose among the Israelites, contrasting with the previous failed attempt where only a portion of the army was sent (Joshua 7:3-4). Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out at night 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, demonstrating obedience and strategic leadership. 2. The Whole Army Refers to the collective fighting force of Israel, indicating unity and collective effort in the mission to conquer Ai. 3. Ai A city in Canaan that the Israelites are commanded to conquer. It represents a strategic target in the conquest of the Promised Land. 4. Thirty Thousand Valiant Warriors A select group of Israel's fighting men, chosen for their bravery and skill, tasked with a specific mission in the battle plan. 5. Night Operation The strategic timing of the mission, indicating a tactical approach to warfare, utilizing the cover of darkness for surprise and advantage. Teaching Points Strategic ObedienceJoshua's actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions with careful planning and execution. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in their endeavors and to act with wisdom and strategy. Unity in Purpose The involvement of the whole army signifies the power of collective effort and unity in achieving God's purposes. Christians are called to work together in unity for the advancement of God's kingdom. Courage and Faith The selection of valiant warriors underscores the need for courage and faith in facing challenges. Believers are reminded to be bold and trust in God's strength as they confront spiritual battles. The Role of Leadership Joshua's leadership exemplifies the qualities of a godly leader—obedience, courage, and strategic thinking. Christian leaders are encouraged to lead with integrity and reliance on God. Divine Timing The night operation highlights the importance of timing in God's plans. Believers are encouraged to be sensitive to God's timing and to act when He directs.(3) And Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men.--Some difficulty arises from the fact that thirty thousand men are mentioned as having been sent away with general instructions to form an ambush in the first instance, while five thousand were ultimately posted between Bethel and Ai. Were there two distinct bodies in ambush, or only one? It does not seem possible to answer this question with absolute certainty; but we ought to notice in the first place what the aim of Joshua was. He meant to isolate the town of Ai, taking it in front and flank; but there was another town immediately in the rear, less than two miles off. It was necessary, therefore, to employ a sufficient body of men to close the communications between Bethel and Ai from the first.Verse 3. - Thirty thousand. In ver. 12 we read 5,000, and this must be the true reading. Thirty thousand men could hardly have been posted, without detection, in the ravines around Ai, whereas we are informed by travellers that there would have been no difficulty in concealing 5,000 men there. See, however, the passage cited from Lieut. Conder's Report in the note on Joshua 7:2. The confused condition of the numbers in the present text of the Old Testament is a well known fact, and it is proved by the great discrepancies in this respect between the Books of Chronicles and those of Samuel and Kings. Some have thought (e.g., Haverniek, 'Introduction to the Old Testament,' II. 1:15) that two bands were laid in ambush, one on the northwest and the other on the southwest. This is a possible, though not probable, solution of the difficulty (see below). Then we must suppose that the city was nearly surrounded, Joshua and the main body on the southeast, the larger detachment on the north (ver. 13), and the smaller ambush on the west (see note on ver. 13). Keil, in his earlier editions, supposed that Joshua assaulted Ai with 30,000 men, out of whom he chose 5,000 as an ambush. So also Hengstenberg's 'Geschichte des Reiches Gottes,' p. 219. But this only introduces a third contradiction, for we are told both in vers. 1 and 3 that Joshua took with him "all the men of war." Keil has, however, abandoned that supposition, which is contrary to all the ancient versions, including the present text of the LXX. The Bishop of Lincoln suggests that 5,000 men may have been detached to reinforce the former detachment of 30,000. But to say nothing of the improbability of an ambush of 35,000 men remaining undetected (and they were specially instructed - see next verse - not to station themselves far from the city), we have the plain statement in ver. 12 וַיָּשֶׂם אותָם אורֵב "he stationed (or had stationed) them as an ambush." Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ (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 and the whole וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every army הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war set out וַיָּ֧קָם (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand to attack לַעֲל֣וֹת (la·‘ă·lō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively Ai. הָעָ֑י (hā·‘āy) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5857: Ai -- a Canaanite city Joshua יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַ (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 chose וַיִּבְחַ֣ר (way·yiḇ·ḥar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 977: To try, select 30,000 שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים (šə·lō·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth valiant הַחַ֔יִל (ha·ḥa·yil) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength warriors גִּבּוֹרֵ֣י (gib·bō·w·rê) Adjective - masculine plural construct Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant and sent them out וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֖ם (way·yiš·lā·ḥêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out at night לָֽיְלָה׃ (lā·yə·lāh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity Links Joshua 8:3 NIVJoshua 8:3 NLT Joshua 8:3 ESV Joshua 8:3 NASB Joshua 8:3 KJV Joshua 8:3 BibleApps.com Joshua 8:3 Biblia Paralela Joshua 8:3 Chinese Bible Joshua 8:3 French Bible Joshua 8:3 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 8:3 So Joshua arose and all the people (Josh. 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