Bible Dictionary
Ambush
An ambush is a military attack made by soldiers concealed from the enemy. Joshua used this strategy successfully at Ai, and Jeremiah describes it in the judgment of Babylon.
Definition
An ambush is a military stratagem in which soldiers conceal themselves in order to surprise an enemy or attack a temporarily undefended position. It depends on concealment and sudden assault rather than an open engagement.
Biblical Usage
Joshua used an ambush successfully in the capture of Ai, deceiving its inhabitants and gaining victory. Shechem was also taken by this method. Jeremiah calls on the Medes to prepare ambushes against Babylon.
Historical Background
The biblical terminology describes setting or preparing an ambush. The strategy could be directed against a city, an army, or a defensive point.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Joshua at the capture of Ai lay in ambush, and so deceived the inhabitants that he gained an easy victory (Josh. 8:4-26). Shechem was taken in this manner (Judg. 9:30-45. Comp. Jer. 51:12).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>am'-boosh ('arabh, "to set an ambush"; ma'arabh, "an ambush"): A military stratagem in which a body of men are placed in concealment to surprise an enemy unawares, or to attack a point when temporarily undefended. This stratagem was employed successfully by Joshua at Ai (Jos 8). Jeremiah calls upon the Medes to "set up a standard against the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set the watchmen, prepare the ambushes" (Jer 51:12).</p>