יהושע, פרק ח׳, פסוק ח׳

Joshua’s final instructions to the ambush force, given just moments before the capture of Ai, blend a demand for absolute obedience to God with a severe warning tailored to the specific challenges of the hour. Upon successfully conquering the city [ביאור שטיינזלץ], the fighters are instructed to immediately set it ablaze [מצודת ציון]. This fire serves a dual purpose. Beyond bringing about the destruction of the city, the flames are meant to act as a prearranged signal to the rest of the waiting army [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Joshua emphasizes that this destruction must be carried out in strict accordance with God's word. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers back to a previous divine command to treat Ai exactly as Jericho was treated, which means burning it completely to the ground.

To ensure compliance, Joshua concludes his instructions with a forceful warning. On a basic level, this serves as an urgent call for swift action [רד״ק] and a strict caution against disobeying God [מצודת דוד]. However, the warning also carries deep historical weight. The fresh trauma of Achan’s recent sin still loomed large, and Joshua demands absolute precision from the fighters to guarantee they do not violate God's word once again [אברבנאל].

Furthermore, the warning addresses a practical and psychological concern regarding the fighters' priorities. Unlike the battle of Jericho, God permitted the Israelites to keep the spoils of Ai for themselves. Because of this, there was a real risk that the soldiers might be tempted to delay burning the city in order to gather the loot first. Joshua makes it explicitly clear that God's intention is for the city to be set on fire the very moment it is captured. The fulfillment of the Commandment must take absolute precedence and cannot be delayed for the sake of personal gain [מלבי״ם].