Joshua 8:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Seeing the city taken and the smoke rising, Joshua and all Israel turn back and strike down the men of Ai.
What Does Joshua 8:21 Mean?
The rising smoke is the signal Joshua's main force has awaited. Knowing now that the ambush has succeeded, they stop fleeing and turn to fight, falling upon the men of Ai who are now trapped between the two Israelite forces.
The fleeing has done its work; now is the time to turn and stand. In the life of faith there are seasons to yield and seasons to face the foe, and wisdom knows the difference by watching for God's sign. Israel did not turn back by their own impulse but at the appointed moment, when God's hand had already given the city. Our boldness, like theirs, is rightly grounded not in our own timing but in the evidence that the Lord has gone before us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 8:21
What does Joshua 8:21 mean?
Seeing the city taken and the smoke rising, Joshua and all Israel turn back and strike down the men of Ai.