When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that smoke was rising from it, they turned around and struck down the men of Ai. When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the cityThis phrase highlights the strategic military tactics employed by Joshua, which were divinely inspired. The ambush was a fulfillment of God's command in Joshua 8:2, demonstrating obedience to divine instruction. The capture of Ai was significant as it represented a turning point in the conquest of Canaan, showcasing the importance of faith and strategy working together. The unity of "all Israel" underscores the collective effort and shared purpose among the Israelites, reflecting the communal nature of their covenant relationship with God. and that smoke was rising from it
The rising smoke served as a signal to Joshua and the Israelites that the ambush was successful. In ancient warfare, smoke was often used as a communication tool to indicate victory or a call to action. This visual cue was crucial in coordinating the attack, as it confirmed the fulfillment of the plan. The imagery of smoke also symbolizes judgment and destruction, reminiscent of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:28), indicating divine retribution against the city of Ai. they turned around and struck down the men of Ai
This decisive action by Joshua and the Israelites demonstrates their commitment to God's command to conquer the land. The phrase "turned around" signifies a change in direction and focus, emphasizing the element of surprise and the effectiveness of the ambush. The destruction of Ai's men is a continuation of the divine mandate given to Israel to possess the land promised to their ancestors (Genesis 12:7). This act of warfare is seen as a form of divine justice, as the Canaanite cities were judged for their iniquity (Genesis 15:16). The victory at Ai foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's people over evil, pointing to the eschatological hope found in the New Testament. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of Israel, successor to Moses, who is leading the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. 2. IsraelThe nation of God's chosen people, who are engaged in the conquest of the Promised Land. 3. Men in AmbushA group of Israelite soldiers who were strategically positioned to capture the city of Ai. 4. AiA Canaanite city that Israel is attempting to conquer after a previous failed attempt. 5. Smoke RisingA signal indicating the successful capture of Ai by the ambush party, prompting the main forces to attack. Teaching Points Divine Strategy and Human ObedienceThe victory at Ai underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Just as Joshua obeyed God's strategy, we must seek and adhere to God's guidance in our lives. The Power of UnityThe Israelites acted as one under Joshua's leadership. Unity in the body of Christ is essential for overcoming spiritual battles. Redemption and Second ChancesAfter the initial defeat at Ai due to disobedience, God gives Israel a second chance. This highlights God's grace and the opportunity for redemption after failure. The Role of Faith in ActionJoshua and the Israelites had faith in God's plan, which required them to act courageously. Our faith should lead us to take bold steps in obedience to God. Recognizing God's SignalsThe rising smoke was a signal for action. We must be attentive to the signs and promptings God gives us in our spiritual journey. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the strategy used in the battle of Ai reflect the importance of listening to and following God's specific instructions in our lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure unity within our church or community to effectively face challenges, as seen in the unity of Israel under Joshua's leadership? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "second chance" from God. How does the account of Ai encourage you to trust in God's grace and redemption? 4. How can we discern and respond to the "signals" or promptings from God in our daily lives, similar to how Joshua responded to the smoke signal? 5. Compare the victory at Ai with another biblical battle where faith and divine strategy led to success. What lessons can we draw from these accounts for our personal spiritual battles? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 6The fall of Jericho, which parallels the strategy and divine guidance seen in the conquest of Ai. Judges 7Gideon's battle against the Midianites, where strategic ambush and divine intervention play crucial roles. Exodus 17The battle against the Amalekites, where Moses' leadership and God's intervention lead to victory. 1 Samuel 17David's victory over Goliath, emphasizing faith and divine strategy over mere human strength. Romans 8:37The assurance of victory through Christ, reflecting the ultimate triumph of God's people. People Israelites, Joshua, LevitesPlaces Ai, Arabah, Bethel, Jericho, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Ai, Ambush, Ascended, Attack, Attacked, Captured, Joshua, Killed, Overcame, Round, Slew, Smite, Smoke, Smote, Surprise, Town, Turn, TurningDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 8:1-22 8131 guidance, results Joshua 8:20-21 4848 smoke Joshua 8:21-22 5214 attack Library The National Oath at Shechem
'And Joshua said unto the people. Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good. 21. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve Him. And they said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFebruary the Seventeenth Blessings and Cursings
"He read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings." --JOSHUA viii. 30-35. We are inclined to read only what pleases us, to hug the blessings and to ignore the warnings. We bask in the light, we close our eyes to the lightning. We recount the promises, we shut our ears to the rebukes. We love the passages which speak of our Master's gentleness, we turn away from those which reveal His severity. And all this is unwise, and therefore unhealthy. We become spiritually soft and anaemic. …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Whether it is Lawful to Lay Ambushes in War?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is unlawful to lay ambushes in war. For it is written (Dt. 16:20): "Thou shalt follow justly after that which is just." But ambushes, since they are a kind of deception, seem to pertain to injustice. Therefore it is unlawful to lay ambushes even in a just war. Objection 2: Further, ambushes and deception seem to be opposed to faithfulness even as lies are. But since we are bound to keep faith with all men, it is wrong to lie to anyone, as Augustine states (Contra …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot Jesus in the Tomb.
It was about three o'clock in the afternoon, according to our manner of reckoning,[1] when Jesus expired. A Jewish law[2] forbade a corpse suspended on the cross to be left beyond the evening of the day of the execution. It is not probable that in the executions performed by the Romans this rule was observed; but as the next day was the Sabbath, and a Sabbath of peculiar solemnity, the Jews expressed to the Roman authorities[3] their desire that this holy day should not be profaned by such a spectacle.[4] …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Crucifixion.
Subdivision D. Jesus Found to Be Dead. His Body Buried and Guarded in the Tomb. ^A Matt. XXVII. 57-66; ^B Mark XV. 42-47; ^C Luke XXIII. 50-56; ^D John XIX. 31-42. ^d 31 The Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross upon the sabbath (for the day of that sabbath was a high day ), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. [According to rabbinical writing a few hours before the Sabbath were called the Preparation; …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 8:21 NIVJoshua 8:21 NLTJoshua 8:21 ESVJoshua 8:21 NASBJoshua 8:21 KJV
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