Joshua 8:27
New International Version
But Israel did carry off for themselves the livestock and plunder of this city, as the LORD had instructed Joshua.

New Living Translation
Only the livestock and the treasures of the town were not destroyed, for the Israelites kept these as plunder for themselves, as the LORD had commanded Joshua.

English Standard Version
Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took as their plunder, according to the word of the LORD that he commanded Joshua.

Berean Standard Bible
Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua.

King James Bible
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

New King James Version
Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took as booty for themselves, according to the word of the LORD which He had commanded Joshua.

New American Standard Bible
Israel took only the cattle and the spoils of that city as plunder for themselves, in accordance with the word of the LORD which He had commanded Joshua.

NASB 1995
Israel took only the cattle and the spoil of that city as plunder for themselves, according to the word of the LORD which He had commanded Joshua.

NASB 1977
Israel took only the cattle and the spoil of that city as plunder for themselves, according to the word of the LORD which He had commanded Joshua.

Legacy Standard Bible
Israel took only the cattle and the spoil of that city as plunder for themselves, according to the word of Yahweh which He had commanded Joshua.

Amplified Bible
Israel took only the livestock and the spoil of that city as plunder for themselves, according to the word of the LORD which He had commanded Joshua.

Christian Standard Bible
Israel plundered only the cattle and spoil of that city for themselves, according to the LORD’s command that he had given Joshua.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Israel plundered only the cattle and spoil of that city for themselves, according to the LORD’s command that He had given Joshua.

American Standard Version
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for prey unto themselves, according unto the word of Jehovah which he commanded Joshua.

Contemporary English Version
But the Israelites took the animals and the other possessions of the people of Ai, because this was what the LORD had told Joshua to do.

English Revised Version
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Israel took the loot and the livestock of that city for themselves, as the LORD had commanded Joshua.

Good News Translation
The Israelites kept for themselves the livestock and goods captured in the city, as the LORD had told Joshua.

International Standard Version
Israel took only the livestock and the spoil of that city as their war booty, in accordance with what the LORD had commanded to Joshua.

Majority Standard Bible
Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua.

NET Bible
But Israel did plunder the cattle and the goods of the city, in accordance with the LORD's orders to Joshua.

New Heart English Bible
Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took for prey to themselves, according to the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

Webster's Bible Translation
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey to themselves, according to the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

World English Bible
Israel took for themselves only the livestock and the goods of that city, according to Yahweh’s word which he commanded Joshua.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
only the livestock and the spoil of that city has Israel spoiled for themselves, according to the word of YHWH which He commanded Joshua.

Young's Literal Translation
only, the cattle and the spoil of that city have Israel spoiled for themselves, according to the word of Jehovah which He commanded Joshua.

Smith's Literal Translation
Only the cattle and spoil of that city Israel plundered to The hard copy spelling records the following as: themseves themselves, according to the word of Jehovah which he commanded Joshua.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the children of Israel divided among them the cattle and the prey of the city, as the Lord had commanded Josue.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the sons of Israel divided among themselves the cattle and the plunder of the city, just as the Lord had instructed Joshua.

New American Bible
However, the Israelites took for themselves as plunder the livestock and the spoil of that city, according to the command of the LORD issued to Joshua.

New Revised Standard Version
Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took as their booty, according to the word of the LORD that he had issued to Joshua.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey for themselves, according to the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Only the cattle and the spoil of city the children of Israel plundered for themselves, according to the word of LORD JEHOVAH that he commanded Yeshua
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which He commanded Joshua.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Beside the spoils that were in the city, all things which the children of Israel took as spoil for themselves according to the command of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Joshua.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Conquest of Ai
26Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai. 27Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua. 28So Joshua burned Ai and made it a permanent heap of ruins, a desolation to this day.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 20:14
But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you.

Joshua 11:14
The Israelites took for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but they put all the people to the sword until they had completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone who breathed.

Numbers 31:9-11
The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods. / Then they burned all the cities where the Midianites had lived, as well as all their encampments, / and carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals.

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 Chronicles 20:25
Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables—more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much.

Genesis 14:11-12
The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way. / They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom.

1 Kings 15:18
So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus:

2 Kings 7:16
Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. It was then that a seah of fine flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.

2 Kings 14:14
He took all the gold and silver and all the articles found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace, as well as some hostages. Then he returned to Samaria.

2 Chronicles 28:8
Then the Israelites took 200,000 captives from their kinsmen—women, sons, and daughters. They also carried off a great deal of plunder and brought it to Samaria.

Matthew 12:29
Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

Luke 11:21-22
When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. / But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder.

Mark 3:27
Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.

Acts 2:45
Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.

Acts 4:34-35
There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.


Treasury of Scripture

Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey to themselves, according to the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

the cattle

Joshua 8:2
And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.

Joshua 11:4
And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.

Numbers 31:22,26
Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, …

he commanded

Joshua 8:2
And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.

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Joshua 8
1. God encourages Joshua
3. 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














Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city
This phrase highlights the specific instructions given to the Israelites regarding the spoils of Ai. Unlike the previous battle at Jericho, where all spoils were devoted to the LORD, here the Israelites are permitted to take the cattle and plunder. This reflects a shift in divine strategy and provision, emphasizing God's sovereignty in determining the distribution of resources. The allowance of plunder serves as a reward for the Israelites' obedience and perseverance. Historically, this practice was common in ancient warfare, where victors claimed the spoils of defeated cities. Theologically, it underscores God's provision and blessing upon His people when they follow His commands.

as the LORD had commanded Joshua
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to divine instruction. Joshua, as the leader, is portrayed as a faithful servant who adheres to God's commands. This obedience is crucial for the success of Israel's military campaigns and their settlement in the Promised Land. The command from the LORD to Joshua is a direct communication, emphasizing the personal relationship between God and His chosen leader. This obedience is a recurring theme throughout the book of Joshua, illustrating the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It also serves as a typology of Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Father, fulfilling His will. The command to take the plunder, unlike the ban at Jericho, shows God's grace and provision, rewarding the Israelites for their faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of Israel, who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the conquest of Canaan.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are the people executing God's commands in the conquest of Canaan.

3. Ai
A Canaanite city that was conquered by the Israelites. The events in Joshua 8 describe the successful capture of Ai after an initial defeat.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who gives commands and guidance to His people. His instructions are central to the events in Joshua.

5. Livestock and Spoil
The material goods and animals taken by the Israelites from Ai, as permitted by God. This contrasts with the previous command at Jericho, where all spoil was to be devoted to God.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' actions at Ai demonstrate the importance of following God's specific instructions. Unlike at Jericho, they were permitted to take spoil, showing that obedience involves listening to God's current word.

God's Provision
The allowance to take spoil from Ai shows God's provision for His people. It reminds us that God provides for our needs in His timing and way.

Learning from Past Mistakes
The initial defeat at Ai (Joshua 7) was due to disobedience. The successful capture in Joshua 8 shows the importance of repentance and aligning with God's will.

Trust in God's Plan
The Israelites' victory at Ai, following God's strategy, underscores the need to trust in God's plan, even when it differs from human logic.

The Consequences of Sin and Redemption
The contrast between the events at Jericho and Ai highlights the consequences of sin (Achan's sin at Jericho) and the possibility of redemption and success when sin is addressed.(27) The spoil of that city Israel took.--The spoil of Ai was assigned to Israel, the spoil of Jericho had been claimed for Jehovah alone.

Verse 27. - Only the cattle (see ver. 2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

took
בָּזְז֥וּ (bā·zə·zū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 962: To spoil, plunder

for themselves
לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

only
רַ֣ק (raq)
Adverb
Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless

the cattle
הַבְּהֵמָ֗ה (hab·bə·hê·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal

and plunder
וּשְׁלַל֙ (ū·šə·lal)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty

of that
הַהִ֔יא (ha·hî)
Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

city,
הָעִ֣יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

as the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

had commanded
צִוָּ֖ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

Joshua.
יְהוֹשֻֽׁעַ׃ (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


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OT History: Joshua 8:27 Only the livestock and the spoil (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 8:26
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