Joshua 8:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The main army advances and camps on the north side of Ai, with a valley lying between them and the city.
What Does Joshua 8:11 Mean?
The visible force takes its position openly on Ai's north side, in plain sight of the defenders, with a valley between. This is the bait of the plan: an army the king of Ai can see and be tempted to attack, while the real threat lies hidden to the west.
What the eye sees is rarely the whole of what God is doing. Ai looked across the valley and saw only the army before them, never the ambush behind. So often the Lord works most decisively in what is unseen. We are called to trust that there is more to His purposes than the portion visible to us, that behind the apparent situation He has positioned what no enemy can perceive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 8:11
What does Joshua 8:11 mean?
The main army advances and camps on the north side of Ai, with a valley lying between them and the city.