יהושע, פרק ח׳, פסוק ד׳

Joshua issues precise military orders to an ambush force, carefully defining their location, spacing, and level of readiness. The primary objective of this operation is to capture the city itself, rather than merely striking its inhabitants. This specific goal requires a unique tactical approach that differs from standard ambush methods [מלבי״ם].

To achieve this, the soldiers are directed to position themselves behind the city. A typical ambush designed to surprise defenders as they exit the main gate would be staged at the front. However, capturing the city requires the force to remain hidden in the rear [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, the troops must not distance themselves too much from the city walls. Often, ambushes in open terrain are set far away to prevent the enemy from fleeing back to safety and calling for reinforcements. In this case, the soldiers must stay close [מלבי״ם]. This placement demands a strict balance: they must be just far enough away to avoid detection, yet close enough to keep the battlefield in sight. This ensures they can charge and reach the city immediately the moment the order is given [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Finally, the entire force is commanded to be completely prepared and alert, ready to move rapidly when the time comes [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In some complex military maneuvers, a force might be divided, with only a portion leading the main assault while others hang back to block escape routes. Here, however, every single fighter is required to be fully alert and prepared to storm the city together as one unified group [מלבי״ם].