Old Testament
Joshua 8:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then you will rise from the ambush and capture the city, for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hands.
Compare translations
Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.
What Joshua 8:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites on how to successfully capture the city of Ai. He tells them that after lying in ambush, they will rise up and take the city because He will hand it over to them. This reflects God's promise of support and victory for His people when they follow His commands. The ambush strategy signifies the importance of planning and executing God's will with faith. The assurance that God will deliver the city emphasizes His sovereignty and power in battle, reinforcing the idea that success comes from divine assistance rather than mere human effort. This moment is pivotal in the conquest of Canaan, showcasing the necessity of obedience to God's guidance in achieving victory.
How to apply Joshua 8:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plans and timing. When facing challenges, we should seek His guidance and be prepared to act when He leads us. Our success often depends on our willingness to follow His instructions and rely on His strength rather than our own.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 8:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 8:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 8:7 mean?
Joshua 8:7 describes God's instructions to the Israelites on how to capture the city of Ai. It emphasizes that after lying in ambush, they will rise up and take the city because God will deliver it into their hands, highlighting His support and the importance of following His commands.
What is the significance of the ambush in Joshua 8:7?
The ambush in Joshua 8:7 signifies the importance of strategic planning and executing God's will. It shows that success in achieving goals often requires careful preparation and faith in God's guidance.
How can we apply Joshua 8:7 to our lives today?
Joshua 8:7 encourages us to trust in God's plans and timing when facing challenges. It reminds us to seek His guidance and be ready to act according to His instructions, relying on His strength for success.
What themes are present in Joshua 8:7?
Key themes in Joshua 8:7 include divine guidance, victory through faith, obedience to God, strategic planning, God's sovereignty, and the fulfillment of covenant promises.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.