In the biblical narrative, surprise attacks by Israel are significant events that demonstrate divine strategy, military acumen, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. These surprise attacks often underscore the themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention.

1. The Battle of Ai (Joshua 8): One of the most notable surprise attacks in the Bible is the ambush of Ai. After an initial defeat due to Achan's sin, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, executed a divinely instructed ambush. God commanded Joshua to set an ambush behind the city. As the main force pretended to flee, the ambush party captured and set the city on fire. This strategy led to a decisive victory for Israel. The Berean Standard Bible records God's command: "Set an ambush behind the city" (Joshua 8:2). This event highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions and the effectiveness of strategic warfare.

2. Gideon's Victory over the Midianites (Judges 7): Gideon's surprise attack against the Midianites is another remarkable example. With only 300 men, Gideon executed a nighttime surprise attack using trumpets, jars, and torches. The Midianites were thrown into confusion and turned on each other. The Berean Standard Bible describes the moment: "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one man against another throughout the camp" (Judges 7:22). This victory illustrates God's power to save through seemingly inadequate means and the importance of faith and courage.

3. Jonathan's Attack on the Philistine Outpost (1 Samuel 14): Jonathan, son of King Saul, led a surprise attack on a Philistine outpost with his armor-bearer. Trusting in God's ability to save "by many or by few" (1 Samuel 14:6), Jonathan's bold initiative resulted in panic among the Philistines, leading to a broader victory for Israel. This account emphasizes the role of faith and initiative in achieving victory against overwhelming odds.

4. David's Raids (1 Samuel 27, 30): During his time among the Philistines, David conducted surprise raids against various groups. These raids were characterized by swift and decisive action, leaving no survivors to report back. In 1 Samuel 30, David also executed a surprise attack to recover his people and possessions from the Amalekites. The Berean Standard Bible recounts, "David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day" (1 Samuel 30:17). These actions demonstrate David's leadership and God's favor upon him.

5. Jehoshaphat's Victory (2 Chronicles 20): Although not a surprise attack initiated by Israel, the victory of Jehoshaphat over the Moabites and Ammonites involved a divine ambush. As the Israelites sang and praised, the LORD set ambushes against their enemies, leading to their defeat. The Berean Standard Bible states, "The LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir" (2 Chronicles 20:22). This event underscores the power of worship and reliance on God for deliverance.

These accounts of surprise attacks by Israel reveal a pattern of divine guidance, strategic planning, and the fulfillment of God's promises. They serve as reminders of the importance of faith, obedience, and the belief that God can deliver His people through unexpected means.