28 So Joshua burned Ai[1] and made it a permanent heap of ruins, a desolate place to this day.

Other Translations of Joshua 8:28

King James Version

28 And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day.

English Standard Version

28 So Joshua burned Ai and made it forever a heap of ruins, as it is to this day.

The Message

28 Joshua burned Ai to the ground. A "heap" of nothing forever, a "no-place" - go see for yourself.

New King James Version

28 So Joshua burned Ai and made it a heap forever, a desolation to this day.

New Living Translation

28 So Joshua burned the town of Ai, and it became a permanent mound of ruins, desolate to this very day.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 8:28

Commentary on Joshua 8:23-29

(Read Joshua 8:23-29)

God, the righteous Judge, had sentenced the Canaanites for their wickedness; the Israelites only executed his doom. None of their conduct can be drawn into an example for others. Especial reason no doubt there was for this severity to the king of Ai; it is likely he had been notoriously wicked and vile, and a blasphemer of the God of Israel.